UAE free zones

Setting up a business in one of the UAE’s Free Zones has become one of the most popular options for international entrepreneurs—and for good reason. Unlike traditional offshore jurisdictions, the UAE has built a reputation for aligning with global corporate governance and compliance standards, making it a premier destination for cross-border business operations.

Key Advantages of Setting Up a Business in UAE Free Zones:

100% Foreign Ownership: No local partner or sponsor is required—you retain complete control over your business.
Compliance-Friendly: Free zone companies meet the UAE’s Economic Substance Regulations, ensuring full legal and regulatory compliance.
Free Fund Transfers: The UAE imposes no restrictions on repatriating profits, allowing for seamless international fund movements.
Minimal Audit Requirements: Most free zones do not mandate annual audits, helping you save on costs and simplify your business operations.
Corporate Bank Account Access: You can open a corporate account with trusted UAE government banks, ensuring financial security and ease of transactions.
UAE Residency Benefits: Business owners and their employees are eligible for UAE residence visas, offering the chance to live and work in the Emirates.
Hassle-Free Setup & Renewal: The entire process—initial setup and annual renewals—can be done remotely, without the need for physical presence.
Flexible Packages for All Business Types: Whether you’re starting small or launching a global venture, UAE Free Zones offer cost-effective and premium options to suit your needs.

Top Free Zones in the UAE

The UAE hosts a wide variety of Free Zones, each designed to serve specific sectors and business goals. Here’s a selection of the most sought-after ones:

UAQ FTZ – Umm Al Quwain Free Zone
Ideal for SMEs and startups looking for affordable company formation options.
RAKEZ – Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Offers diverse licenses and is great for industrial, trading, and educational businesses.
Fujairah Creative City
Tailored for media, consulting, and freelance professionals with competitive pricing.
Ajman Free Zone
Known for its cost-effective packages and quick setup process.
Ajman Media City
A popular choice for digital creators, content producers, and IT companies.
KIZAD – Khalifa Industrial Zone
Best suited for manufacturing and logistics businesses with access to a major seaport.
IFZA – International Free Zone Authority
Offers flexible license options and easy registration for various industries.
SAIF Zone – Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Strategic location near the airport, ideal for import/export and logistics companies.
SHAMS – Sharjah Media City
Designed for media, marketing, and creative industries with modern facilities.
Hamriyah Free Zone
Focused on heavy industry, marine activities, and trading businesses.

Each Free Zone offers distinct advantages and caters to different industries. By understanding their features, you can select the one that best aligns with your business goals and take full advantage of the UAE’s dynamic and business-friendly environment.

Doing Business in the UAE

Free zones, company registration, licensing, bank accounts and taxes

UAQ FTZ - Umm Al Quwain Free Zone

Key features:

Established	2014
Licenses types	Trading, Consultancy, Industrial
Facilities	Flexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
Visas	1-2 visas with flexi desk, multiple visas with office
Setup time	1 day

Umm Al Quwain Free Zone (UAQ FTZ) is a top pick for startups and entrepreneurs looking to enter the UAE market for the first time. While UAQ is one of the quieter and less-publicized emirates, its strategic location between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah offers a calm, fast-growing environment that’s ideal for launching a business.

One of the biggest advantages? You don’t need to physically visit the Free Zone. Your company can operate from anywhere, while UAQ remains your official place of incorporation. Plus, your corporate bank account can be opened at any bank branch in Dubai or across the UAE.

Setting up a business in UAQ FTZ is simple and hassle-free. All you need to provide are basic personal documents:

A copy of your passport
A passport-sized photograph
A recent utility bill as proof of address

With minimal paperwork and a streamlined registration process, Umm Al Quwain Free Zone is a practical and cost-effective option for launching your business in the UAE.

+ Pros

Quick setup process – as fast as 1 day
Company registration without the need for personal presence

– Cons

Flexi desk packages limited to a maximum of 3 visas
Security approval may be required for nationals from high-risk countries

RAKEZ - Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (ex. RAK Free Zone)

Key features:

Established	2000
Licenses types	Trading, Consultancy, Industrial
Facilities	Flexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
Visas	1-4 visas with flexi desk, multiple visas with office
Setup time	Pre-approval in 1 week, 2 days company formation

RAKEZ—short for Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone—is one of the UAE’s most prominent and dynamic Free Zones. Formed through the strategic merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority, RAKEZ combines extensive infrastructure with a wide variety of business solutions, making it a preferred destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

What makes RAKEZ stand out?

Industrial and Commercial Flexibility: RAKEZ offers customizable warehouses and industrial land for development, along with options to rent or build staff and labor accommodations.
Strategic Location: The zone is located close to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and has easy access to a nearby seaport, offering excellent logistics and connectivity for global trade.
Wide Range of Business Activities: Whether you’re in manufacturing, trading, services, or media, RAKEZ supports a broad spectrum of business sectors.

Incorporation Process: The company setup process begins with mandatory security clearance, which is required for all nationalities. This step may take several days to a few weeks. Once approval is granted, the company can be fully registered within about a week.

With its business-friendly environment, robust infrastructure, and strategic advantages, RAKEZ is an ideal choice for companies looking to establish a solid presence in the UAE.

+ Pros

High likelihood of obtaining a resident visa package for “high-risk nationalities” such as Bangladesh, Lebanon, Egypt, and others
Reasonable prices for executive offices in RAK and flexi-desks in Abu Dhabi
No E-channel Deposit requirement for packages with flexi facility

– Cons

In-person visit is required for company setup
Slightly longer setup process compared to similar Free Zones
Annual audit is mandatory

Fujairah Creative City

Key features:

Established	2005
Licenses types	Consultancy
Facilities	Flexi-desks, Offices
Visas	1-15 visas with flexi desk
Setup time	Company setup in 2-3 days

Situated in the serene Emirate of Fujairah, Creative City Free Zone presents an attractive solution for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking a hassle-free business setup in the UAE—even from a distance.

True to its name, Creative City is designed primarily for professional service providers. While it does not accommodate trading activities, it offers a wide spectrum of business licenses related to media, consultancy, personal training, education, intellectual property protection, and other service-based industries.

Key Highlights:

Remote Setup: One of the most appealing features is the fully remote registration process. There’s no need to physically visit the Free Zone at any point—most company owners never do.
Fast Turnaround: With minimal paperwork and a streamlined process, company formation in Creative City typically takes about a week.
Diverse Professional Licenses: Whether you’re launching a media agency, consultancy firm, or personal coaching business, Creative City provides a wide range of activity options tailored to service professionals.

+ Pros

Wide selection of professional and service business activities
Up to 15 resident visas without the requirement of office rent
Remote business setup and visa processing

– Cons

No trading activities
Shareholders must visit Fujairah to obtain a driver’s license or visas for dependents
Relatively higher visa costs compared to similar Free Zones

Ajman Free Zone

Key features:

Established	1988
Licenses types	Freelance, Trading, Consultancy, Industrial
Facilities	Flexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
Visas	1-2 visas with flexi desk, 5 visas with office
Setup time	1 day

Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) stands out among UAE free zones by offering a unique and highly appealing feature: the option to register your company through a multiple installment payment plan.

This means you don’t have to pay the full government fee upfront. Instead, you can spread the cost over 2, 3, or even 6 installments, making it significantly easier to manage your startup budget.

This level of flexibility makes AFZA an ideal choice for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to establish a presence in the UAE without straining their finances. Notably, AFZA is the only free zone offering this kind of installment-based payment option, making it a go-to solution for cost-conscious business setups.

+ Pros

Fast registration process, with licenses issued in just one day
Chamber of Commerce membership upon company setup
Convenient multiple installment payment plan: choose between 2, 3, or 6 installments for AFZA license fees

– Cons

Professional service licenses in AFZA are limited to a single business activity
High deposits in immigration when a woman sponsors dependents
Maximum of 2 visas per license with a flexi desk option

Ajman Media City

KEY FEATURES:

Established	2015
Licenses types	Trading, Consultancy
Facilities	Flexi-desks, Offices
Visas	1-5 visas with flexi desk
Setup time	2-3 days

Ajman Media City, one of the newest Free Zones in the UAE, launched in 2018 and quickly set itself apart with attractive and affordable business setup solutions. It offers the most cost-effective zero visa package in the region and supports up to 5 resident visas with just a 12 square meter dedicated office space—making it ideal for startups and SMEs.

One of its standout features is the ability to include multiple business activities under a single license. Each license can accommodate up to five activities, with at least one falling under the media or advertising category.

Upon registration, Ajman Media City issues a comprehensive set of corporate documents that simplify the process of opening a bank account in Dubai. These documents include the License, Certificate of Incorporation (COI), Memorandum of Association (MoA), Lease Agreement, and additional paperwork such as an Incumbency Certificate, Salary Certificate, and Share Certificate.

Despite its name, this Free Zone isn’t limited to media activities. It also supports a wide range of sectors including trading, legal services, marketing, head office operations, and holding companies—offering unmatched flexibility and value for entrepreneurs.

+ PROS

One of the most cost-efficient Free Zones
One of the best prices for 1-visa company packages

– CONS

Smaller activity list compared to similar Free Zones
Mandatory inclusion of at least one media-related activity in the license

KIZAD - Khalifa Industrial Zone

Key features:

Established	2010
Licenses types	Trading, Consultancy, Industrial
Facilities	Flexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
Visas	1-3 visas with flexi desk, multiple visas with office
Setup time	1 day registration, 1 week pre-approval

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) is a cutting-edge Free Zone located next to the world-class Khalifa Port. Recognized as the most affordable Free Zone in Abu Dhabi, KIZAD is a strategic choice for businesses involved in trading, logistics, and industrial operations.

KIZAD supports a wide range of business activities, with a particular emphasis on manufacturing. Companies benefit from attractive tax incentives, especially when goods are produced within the zone and exported internationally. In addition, raw materials can be imported tax-free, further reducing operational costs for manufacturers.

Beyond industrial ventures, KIZAD also accommodates various service-based activities, including management consulting, marketing, freight forwarding, and even travel and tourism services.

Whether you’re looking to establish a manufacturing hub near a major seaport or register a business in Abu Dhabi with cost-efficient benefits, KIZAD presents a powerful, well-connected, and business-friendly solution.

+ Pros

The most cost-efficient Free Zone in Abu Dhabi
Easy process for opening a bank account

– Cons

A minimum actual capital of AED 26,000 is required to be in the bank account
Personal visit for registration is mandatory

IFZA - International Free Zone Authority

Key features:

Established	2017
Licenses types	Trading, Consultancy
Facilities	Flexi-desks, Offices
Visas	1-6 visas with flexi desk
Setup time	Registration in 2 days

The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is a dynamic and rapidly growing Free Zone located in the Emirate of Fujairah. Designed with modern entrepreneurs in mind, IFZA offers a comprehensive business environment featuring shared workspaces, private offices, conference rooms, warehouses, hotels, and even residential apartments—all within a single integrated facility.

What sets IFZA apart is its extensive list of permitted business activities, covering professional, industrial, and commercial sectors. All company formations are structured as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), providing both flexibility and credibility.

Notably, IFZA is the UAE’s only eco-conscious Free Zone, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability. It leverages solar and wind energy, reduces paper consumption through digital processes, and incorporates green building practices like insulation to reduce energy usage.

+ Pros

Wide variety of business activities
Allows up to 6 activities in a single license

– Cons

Owners need to visit Fujairah for driver’s license or dependent visa processing
Longer setup process compared to similar Free Zones

SAIF - Sharjah Airport International Free Zone

Key features:

Established	1996
Licenses types	Trading, Consultancy, Industrial
Facilities	Flexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
Visas	1-2 visas with flexi desk, multiple visas with office
Setup time	Registration in one day

Located right next to Sharjah International Airport, the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF) has been a thriving business hub since its establishment in 1996. Today, it is home to nearly 7,000 companies from around the world.

SAIF offers a diverse range of facilities to suit various business needs, including flexi-desks, office spaces, warehouses, and land plots for development. Its comprehensive list of permitted activities covers both common and specialized services, such as the unique “Investment of Own Funds” activity rarely available in other zones.

In addition to service activities, SAIF allows for the storage and consolidation of licensed products, along with manufacturing and assembly operations, making it an excellent choice for companies involved in production, logistics, or value-added services.

+ Pros

Conveniently located next to Sharjah Airport for easy logistics
Wide range of industrial activities

– Cons

Annual audit is required
Passports of employees may need to be kept within the Free Zone

SHAMS - Sharjah Media City free zone

Key features:

Established	2017
Licenses types	Trading, Consultancy, Industrial
Facilities	Flexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
Visas	1-2 visas with flexi desk, 5 visas with office
Setup time	Registration in 3 days

Located in Sharjah, the Emirate closest to Dubai, SHAMS (Sharjah Media City Free Zone) is more than just a media-focused Free Zone. While it’s branded for media, SHAMS offers a diverse selection of business activities, including trading, professional services, consultancy, holding companies, and more.

One of SHAMS’ standout features is its inclusive age policy—individuals as young as 19 can become company owners, and employees can be as young as 18, a rare flexibility among UAE Free Zones. This makes SHAMS a progressive and accessible choice for young entrepreneurs and startups looking to establish their presence in the UAE.

+ Pros

Flexible visa packages, ranging from 0 to 6 visas
Offers rare business activities not available in other Free Zones
Low cost of business registration and maintenance

– Cons

Downgrading the package is not permitted
Women may encounter difficulties sponsoring dependents in Sharjah
Zero visa packages do not include flexi desk facilities

Hamriyah Free Zone

Key features:

Established	1995
Licenses types	Trading, Consultancy, Industrial
Facilities	Flexi-desks, Offices, Warehouses
Visas	1-2 visas with flexi desk, multiple visas with office
Setup time	1 day registration

Governed by the Emirate of Sharjah, Hamriyah Free Zone is the second-largest Free Zone in the UAE after JAFZA. It is a preferred hub for oil & gas, industrial, and manufacturing companies, thanks to its strategic location and dedicated seaport.

One of Hamriyah’s standout advantages is its visa flexibility—businesses can be registered with anywhere from 0 to 7 visas without the requirement of renting office space. Notably, its zero visa package is among the most affordable across the UAE.

Company formation is quick and efficient, typically completed within a single day, though the shareholder’s physical presence is required for the registration process.

+ Pros

Availability of spacious warehouses and plots of land
Presence of an in-house sea port within the Free Zone

– Cons

Personal visit for company registration is required
Remote location from Dubai

Conclusion

Setting up your business in a UAE Free Zone can help you overcome many of the common challenges tied to international business registration. Key advantages include:

Secure banking and fund safety
Freedom to move money without restrictions
Fast and reliable international transactions
Operating from a globally recognized, white-listed jurisdiction
Stable currency with minimal volatility
Strategic location at the crossroads of major global markets
Availability of skilled and diverse talent

Each UAE Free Zone brings its own set of strengths and specialized offerings, catering to different industries and business models. By carefully evaluating the features, regulations, and benefits of each zone, you can choose the one that best supports your long-term business vision.

Business Setup

UAE free zones

Key Advantages of Setting Up a Business in UAE Free Zones:

Top Free Zones in the UAE

Doing Business in the UAE

Free zones, company registration, licensing, bank accounts and taxes

UAQ FTZ - Umm Al Quwain Free Zone

Key features:

+ Pros

– Cons

RAKEZ - Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (ex. RAK Free Zone)

Key features:

+ Pros

– Cons

Fujairah Creative City

Key features:

+ Pros

– Cons

Ajman Free Zone

Key features:

+ Pros

– Cons

Ajman Media City

KEY FEATURES:

+ PROS

– CONS

KIZAD - Khalifa Industrial Zone

Key features:

+ Pros

– Cons

IFZA - International Free Zone Authority

Key features:

+ Pros

– Cons

SAIF - Sharjah Airport International Free Zone

Key features:

+ Pros

– Cons

SHAMS - Sharjah Media City free zone

Key features:

+ Pros

– Cons

Hamriyah Free Zone

Key features:

+ Pros

– Cons

Conclusion

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