Quick summary

• Dubai Free Zones offer 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and a simplified setup process.
• Choose from over 30 Free Zones based on your industry, including tech, trading, media, logistics, and more.
• Key steps: select Free Zone, define an activity, choose a license, submit documents, and get approval.
• Setup takes as little as 3–5 working days.
• Ideal for startups, consultants, freelancers, e-commerce businesses, and global traders.

Step-by-step guide to business setup in Dubai free zone

Setting up a company in a Dubai Free Zone is one of the most efficient ways to launch your business in the UAE. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an international company, Free Zones offers clear benefits: 100% ownership, low taxes, flexible visa options, and a fast registration process. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know from choosing the right Free Zone to receiving your license and starting operations.

Why choose a Dubai free zone?

Here’s why thousands of entrepreneurs choose Free Zones in Dubai:

• 100% foreign ownership.
• No personal income tax.
• Full repatriation of profits.
• Fast-track company registration.
• Industry-specific support.
• Affordable setup packages with flexi-desk.
• Eligibility for investor & employee visas.

Step-by-step process to set up a free zone company in Dubai

Step 1: Choose the right free zone

Step 2: Define your business activity

Your activity determines your license type and eligibility.
Common license types:

• Commercial License: For trading, import/export, e-commerce.
• Service License: For consultancy, marketing, education, etc.
• Industrial License: For manufacturing, production.

Step 3: Select a legal structure

Depending on the number of shareholders:

• FZE (Free Zone Establishment): Single shareholder.
• Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC).
• FZC (Free Zone Company): 2 or more shareholders.
• Branch Office: Of an existing UAE or foreign company or free zone entity.

Step 4: Reserve a trade name

Choose a business name that:

• Matches your activity.
• Is unique and not previously registered.
• Complies with naming regulations.

It will be subject to the approval of the Free Zone authority.

Step 5: Submit application & documents

Step 6: Sign legal documents

• MOA and/ or AOA (Memorandum of Association/ Articles of Association).
• Office Lease Agreement ( for office or flex-desk).

Step 7: Receive your license

Once all documents and payments are processed, your company will receive:

• Trade License.
• Establishment Card.
• E-channel registration.
• Visa application eligibility.

Step 8: Apply for a residency visa

You can now apply for:

• Investor Visa (for yourself).
• Employee Visas.
• Family Visas (for dependents).

Visa quotas depend on the Free Zone and the size of the office.

Free zone license renewal process

Free Zone licenses must be renewed annually. Renewal requires:

• Updated office agreement (for flexi-desk or office).
• License renewal fee.
• Visa renewals (if any).
• Audit report (if required).

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Launch your Dubai business with confidence

Setting up in a Free Zone gives you more than just a license, it gives you full ownership, tax efficiency, and the freedom to grow globally with minimal hassle. You get faster approvals, lower overheads, and access to a thriving ecosystem of investors, partners, and customers. It’s the most innovative way to enter the UAE market while keeping control of your business. Partner with Kanoony for a Smooth, Strategic Setup.At Kanoony, we guide you from start to success from choosing the right Free Zone to handling documents, securing visas, and opening your business bank account.

Book your free consultation today!