In the UAE, free zones are a major platform for business development and investment promotion. These areas represent an ideal environment for local and international companies that wish to establish and expand their business activity. Thanks to advanced infrastructure, flexible legislation and modern facilities, free zones in the UAE are a great attraction for businessmen and investors alike. Free zones in the UAE are characterized by providing a wide range of services and benefits, including access to the regional and global market, Facilitated import and export operations, no taxes on profits, and facilitation of licenses and permits. Free zones also provide logistical and technical support to companies through advanced infrastructure and excellent logistics services. By providing a flexible and stimulating business environment, free zones in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, foster innovation and encourage investment in diverse sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, technology, and tourism. , trade, and financial services. Free zones in the United Arab Emirates are considered a vital hub for the national economy, as they contribute to enhancing economic development, providing job opportunities, and stimulating innovation and competitiveness.

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Dubai Free Zone is a special economic zone that provides benefits such as tax exemption, full foreign ownership, advanced infrastructure, procedures for establishing a company in the Dubai Free Zone , and excellent logistics services, making it an attractive destination for global companies and investors. Dubai Free Zone has many advantages that make it a preferred destination for companies and investors from around the world. Here are some key advantages:
- Tax exemption: Complete exemption from corporate tax and personal income tax.
Exemption from value added tax (VAT) in some cases. - Full foreign ownership: The possibility of full (100%) ownership of companies by foreign investors without the need for a local partner.
- Excellent Infrastructure: It provides world-class infrastructure that includes ports, airports, and advanced road networks.
Provides high quality office, commercial and industrial facilities. - Ease of establishing a business: quick and simple establishment procedures.
Providing comprehensive support services, including issuing licenses and visas. - Strategic location: A distinctive geographical location that allows quick access to global markets.
Dubai is a major gateway between East and West.
These advantages make Dubai Duty Free an attractive destination for companies looking for a business environment conducive to growth and expansion in global markets
How to establish a company in free zones
Establishing a company in the free zones in the United Arab Emirates requires following several steps. Below is an overview of the main steps of this process:
- Market study and planning: Before the start of the process, you must study the local market and determine the type of company you want to create and commercial activities that you want to practice in the free zone.
- Choose a free zone: You must choose the free zone that suits your company’s needs, which may vary in terms of infrastructure, provided services, rules and legislation.
- Determine the legal type of company: The company can be an individual company, a limited liability company or a joint stock company, depending on the company’s structure and commercial activity requirements.
- Submitting the application and submitting documents: After selecting the region and determining the legal type of the company, you must submit an application to establish the company to the chosen free zone body, while submitting all the required documents such as passports, identity, contracts, and others.
- Obtaining approvals and licenses: After submitting the application, you must wait for the application to be reviewed and to obtain the necessary approvals and licenses from the relevant authorities in the free zone.
The financial cost of establishing companies in free zones
Incorporating a company in a free zone in Dubai and in the UAE varies based on several factors, including the type of company, the size of the planned business, and the legal and administrative requirements of the specific free zone. However, a rough estimate can be provided of the costs that may arise from establishing companies in these regions:
- Registration and license fees: The registration and licenses fees must be paid to the relevant regulations, and these fees range between thousands and dozens of thousands of Emirati dirhams, according to the type and activity of the company.
- Legal consultation fees: You may need to consult a lawyer or legal advisor to help you prepare legal documents and ensure compliance with local legislation, and the cost of this advice varies according to the advisor and the scope of services provided.
- Administrative services fees: You may need to pay administrative fees such as opening a bank account, renting an office or work space in the free zone.
- Insurance and registration fees: Some companies may need to pay insurance or registration fees to adhere to local legislation.
- Labor Costs: If you intend to hire employees, you must factor in the costs of payroll, fringe benefits, and Social Security.
Documents required to establish companies in free zones
The documents required to establish a company in the free zones in the United Arab Emirates may differ slightly between different free zones according to the type and legal structure of the company, and the requirements of local authorities. However, here is a general list of documents that are often required:
- Registration request form: It is the document that must be filled for the company’s registration request.
- Agreement Document or Basic System: It is a document that defines the company’s structure, the authorities of the officials and the type of business it will do.
- Passports and a copy of the residence visas: for shareholders, managers and any other partners who may be necessary.
- Personal Photos: for shareholders and managers.
- Certified certificates from banks: to prove the efficiency of shareholders in financing the company.

Free zones in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE is one of the best commercial markets for investing in the world because of its facilities and advantages for foreign and Gulf investors in particular.
- Dubai Free Zone Zone – Jafza: It is one of the largest free zones in the world, and includes many companies in various sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and services.
- Dubai Free Zone: It includes several free zones such as Dubai Media Region, Dubai Internet, and Dubai Air region, and provides an ideal environment for companies operating in different sectors.
- Sharjah Free Trade Region (Sharjah Free Zone – Saif Zone): provides an advanced business environment and an appropriate investment climate for small and medium -sized companies, and enhances growth in industrial and logistical sectors and services.
- Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone – RAKEZ: It is considered one of the leading free zones in the UAE, and companies support a wide range of sectors such as industry, services and trade.
- Abu Dhabi Free Zone: It works to provide a flexible and innovative commercial environment, and encourages competitiveness and innovation in various industries.
The time period for the establishment of companies in free zones
The time period for the establishment of companies in the free zones in the United Arab Emirates is usually an issue affected by several factors, such as the type of company, and its composition, and the administrative procedures followed in each free zone. However, a general estimate of the period of time to establish companies in many free zones in the Emirates can be provided, according to the common procedures:
- National Free Zones (NAF): The national free zones are among the fastest areas in the establishment of companies, where companies can complete the procedures within 2 to 5 working days.
- Dubai Free Zone (DAFZA) and the Jabza Free Zone: Jafza: The process of establishing companies in DAFZA and Jafza can take between 7 to 10 working days.
- SAIF-Zone: Saif-Zone: Saif-Zone is a traditional free zones, and usually needs about 10 to 14 working days to create companies.
- Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone: RAK FTZ is rapidly creating companies, as new companies can finish procedures within 2 to 5 working days.
- The Abu Dhabi Free Zone: ADGM is slightly varies in procedures and time period, and it can take 10 to 15 working days.
Please note that these time periods are estimates and may vary based on the size and type of company and the requirements of administrative procedures in each free zone. Therefore, it is always preferable to speak with a mastery company in establishing companies for an accurate estimate of the expected time to establish the company in the specified free zone.
The role of our company in helping you in establishing a company in the free zones
Aqan company provides many services to help establish companies in the UAE free zones. Here are some roles played by a mastery company in this context:
- Legal and commercial consultations:
Providing the necessary consultations on the types of companies appropriate for your commercial activity and legal legislation related to the establishment of companies in the free zones. - Preparing documents and documents:
Helping in preparing and organizing the necessary documents to establish the company, such as contracts, internal notes, and financial reports. - Registration and licenses:
Providing assistance in registration operations and obtaining the necessary licenses from the competent government agencies in the free zone. - Communication with the concerned authorities:
your representation and communication with government agencies and various institutions in the free zone to facilitate the establishment and obtain the necessary approvals. - Coordination with local partners:
Providing support in dealing with local partners and suppliers and providing a network of strategic relationships to support the company’s success.
Dubai Free Zone
In conclusion, Dubai Free Zone is a global model for economic development and innovation. Where it succeeded in attracting foreign investments and providing an integrated work environment that supports companies and contributes to their prosperity. This region has become a global business center thanks to the large facilities, advanced infrastructure and tax exemptions that give it to investors, making it an ideal destination for both global and local companies.
Aqan is a pivotal role in enhancing Dubai’s free position and achieving its future vision. By providing integrated solutions in the areas of business establishment, legal consultations, and financial services, it contributes effectively to facilitate the process of establishing and operating companies within the free zone. Thanks to her deep experience and her specialized work team, she was able to provide distinguished services that help companies overcome administrative and operational challenges, which enhances the efficiency of their business and increases their chances of success.
The importance of the role of a mastery company in supporting startups and investors is evident by providing training programs and workshops that enhance their skills and knowledge of the local and international market. This continuous support not only contributes to the growth of companies, but also contributes to the development of the local economy and the creation of new job opportunities, which enhances Dubai’s position as a leading destination for investment and business.
In light of global economic challenges, Dubai Free Zone, with the support of strategic partners such as Itqan , remains a flexible and innovative platform that contributes to achieving sustainable development. This integration of the public and private sectors serves as a model for other countries seeking to strengthen their economies and develop their societies. Therefore, the free future of Dubai seems bright and promising with more successes and achievements.
Common questions about the free zones in the United Arab Emirates
What are the free zones in the UAE?
Free zones are economic zones established to encourage investments and provide an ideal environment for business, manufacturing and services.
What benefits do free zones provide to companies?
Benefits include tax exemptions, customs facilities, advanced infrastructure, and flexible laws.
What are the main sectors covered by free zones in the UAE?
Free zones cover various sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, technology, financial services, aviation, and others.
What are the necessary steps to establish a company in the free zone?
The steps include preparing the necessary documents, submitting applications, obtaining licenses and permits, and signing the necessary contracts.
Do companies have to pay taxes in free zones?
Companies in free zones enjoy tax exemptions for a specific period, and some may even be completely exempt from taxes.
What additional services do free zones provide to companies?
Free zones provide services such as logistical support, financial facilities, training and development, and access to business and customer networks.
Can foreign companies establish branches in free zones?
Yes, foreign companies are allowed to establish branches or subsidiaries in free zones under local laws and regulations.
Do free zones require licenses for different activities?
Yes, companies must obtain the necessary licenses to practice their various activities, and this process is carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations issued by the competent authorities in the free zone.