Company formation in a Free Zone UAE.
Free Zone company with 100% foreign ownership, tax exemption under Qualifying Free Zone Person status, and access to Emirati banking. Over 40 free zones available across all 7 Emirates.
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How we form your company
in a Free Zone.
Eleven structured steps: from choosing the optimal free zone to bank account opening and visas. Operational in 5–14 days.
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01
Initial consultation
We analyse your project, profile and objectives. We determine whether a Free Zone is the best option in your case.
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02
Free Zone selection
We evaluate the most suitable zone for your sector: IFZA, DMCC, Meydan, RAKEZ, SPC, DWTC, DIFC, ADGM or others.
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03
Licence type
We define the correct licence: commercial, services, industrial, e-commerce, holding or freelance based on the activity.
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04
Name reservation
You propose up to three names; we verify availability and compliance with local naming rules.
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05
Documentation
We prepare the passport, photo and documents required by the chosen free zone. All handled remotely.
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06
Legal structure
We choose FZE (single shareholder), FZCO/LLC-FZ (multiple shareholders) or a branch, and draft the articles of association and MOA.
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07
Payment and official application
We pay the fees and submit the licence application to the free zone authority.
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08
Office or flexi-desk
We reserve the physical space required by the zone: flexi-desk, virtual office or private office depending on the package.
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09
Licence issuance
You receive the commercial licence and Certificate of Incorporation. The company now has legal existence.
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10
Visas and Emirates ID
We process the investor visa and UAE residency, together with the medical procedure and Emirates ID.
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11
Corporate bank account
We open the account with Emirati banks (ENBD, Mashreq, WIO, ADCB…). Company ready to operate.
Advantages of forming in a Free Zone.
Speed and agility
Simplified processes: incorporation in 5–14 business days, all dealings with a single administrative body, and mostly remote processing.
100% foreign ownership
No local partner required. You retain full control of the company and all strategic decisions.
Attractive tax regime
0% on the first 375,000 AED of profit. If you qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person, qualifying income is taxed at 0%.
Linked visas
The licence allows you to apply for residency for yourself, immediate family members and employees. Renewal every 2–3 years.
Access to Emirati banking
Multi-currency corporate account, digital banking, letters of credit and connections with international operators.
Variety of zones
Over 40 specialised free zones: finance, technology, trade, media, healthcare, logistics. Each with its own advantageous regulations.
Main Free Zones
in the United Arab Emirates.
Free Zones by Emirate
| Emirate | Key Free Zones | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | IFZA, DMCC, Meydan, DWTC, DIFC, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, DHCC, JAFZA, DSO, DAFZA, DWC | Finance, trade, technology, media, healthcare, logistics |
| Abu Dhabi | ADGM, KIZAD, Masdar City, twofour54, ADAFZ | Financial services, industry, energy, media |
| Sharjah | SPC, HFZA, SAIF Zone, SRTIP | Publishing, industry, innovation, e-commerce |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RAKEZ, RAK ICC, RAK DAO | Industry, consulting, digital assets |
| Ajman | Ajman Free Zone, Ajman Media City | Small businesses, media, services |
| Fujairah | Fujairah Free Zone, Fujairah Creative City | Maritime trading, media |
| Umm Al Quwain | UAQ Free Trade Zone | General trade, services, affordable pricing |
Which is the best Free Zone
for your activity?
Dubai Internet City · DSO.
For software companies, SaaS, AI, cybersecurity, fintech and the digital economy. A global ecosystem with the presence of Google, Microsoft, Meta and IBM. Innovation, IT Services and e-Services licences available.
DMCC · JAFZA.
Ideal for international trade, commodities, jewellery and trading. DMCC for precious metals, coffee and tea; JAFZA for port logistics and general trade with dedicated warehouse space.
IFZA · Meydan · SPC.
Flexible and cost-effective free zones for consulting, marketing and professional services. Multi-activity licences, flexi-desks and visas included in packages from 6,000 € per year.
DIFC · ADGM.
Financial centres regulated by English common law. Asset managers, brokers, family offices and funds. Higher capital and compliance requirements, but offering institutional-grade reputation.
Media City · twofour54.
For production companies, agencies, content creators, publishers and studios. A creative ecosystem with international talent and access to audiovisual licences.
KIZAD · SAIF Zone.
Large industrial warehouse facilities, port and logistics access, customs advantages. Ideal for manufacturing, assembly and regional distribution.
Licences available
in a Free Zone.
Licence comparison
| Type | Description | Activity examples |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Allows purchasing, importing, exporting and distributing products. | Trading, e-commerce, retail, international trade |
| Services | Provision of professional or consultancy services. | Consulting, marketing, IT, legal, training |
| Industrial | Authorises manufacturing, assembly or product transformation. | Production, packaging, light manufacturing |
| Freelance | Individual permit to operate as an independent professional. | Designers, programmers, independent consultants |
| Holding | Ownership of shares and assets in other companies. | Holding, wealth management, SPV |
| E-commerce | For 100% digital activities and online trade. | Online stores, marketplaces, dropshipping |
Who is it ideal for
and what is required.
Who is it ideal for?
- Foreign entrepreneurs and investors
- Seeking 100% ownership with no local partner.
- Technology and consulting companies
- With international clients or digital services.
- Traders and holding structures
- Trade, commodities and asset management.
- Independent professionals
- Consultants, freelancers, creators with a global client base.
- Companies operating outside the mainland
- Exports, e-commerce and international markets.
Basic requirements
- Passport
- Valid copy for all shareholders.
- Passport-size photograph
- White background, digital format.
- Current visa
- If the applicant already resides in the UAE.
- Proof of address
- Recent utility bill or bank statement in the investor's name.
- CV or professional profile
- For regulated activities or premium licences.
- Description of the activity
- Brief business summary.
- Proposed company names
- Up to three options for the trade name.
Cost ranges by Free Zone.
3,500 – 6,000 €/year.
Affordable packages in free zones such as Ajman Free Zone, UAQ FTZ or SPC. Basic licence, flexi-desk and 0–1 visas included. Ideal for small operations.
6,000 – 12,000 €/year.
Popular free zones: IFZA, Meydan, RAKEZ, SPC, SAIF. Multi-visa packages, combined activities and better infrastructure. Optimal value for money.
12,000 € and above.
Specialised and premium zones: DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, DWTC, Dubai Internet City. Prestige, sophisticated regulation and access to institutional clusters.
Taxation of a company
in a Free Zone.
Corporate Tax
- General rate
- 0% up to 375,000 AED · 9% above that.
- Qualifying Free Zone Person
- Qualifying income at 0% if conditions are met.
- Non-qualifying income
- Taxed at the federal rate of 9% (e.g. invoicing mainland clients).
- Registration
- Mandatory with the FTA within the stipulated timeframe.
VAT
- Mandatory registration
- If annual turnover exceeds 375,000 AED.
- Voluntary registration
- From 187,500 AED.
- Standard rate
- 5%.
- Exports and international services
- Generally zero-rated (0%).
Free Zone with LorcaBase.
Opening your company in a Free Zone is a strategic milestone. We guide every decision: zone selection, structure, licence, visas, banking and ongoing compliance.
Strategic zone selection
We compare over 40 free zones based on your sector, budget, expansion plans and banking expectations. No commercial bias towards any particular zone.
Remote process
You can complete almost everything without travelling. You only attend in person for the bank account and Emirates ID procedures (depending on the free zone).
Guaranteed banking access
Established relationships with ENBD, Mashreq, ADCB, WIO and international banks. We prepare your KYC professionally to minimise rejections.
Comprehensive tax advice
We assess your potential QFZP eligibility, design the invoicing structure and support you with Corporate Tax and VAT once you are operational.
Visas and residency
We process investor visas for you and your family, renewals and Golden Visas where applicable, with medical and Emirates ID support.
Service in your language
Every contract, document and call in Spanish or English. Hispanic-Emirati advisory without intermediaries or rough translations.
Prefer a different structure?
Offshore Company.
For asset management, international wealth and foreign trade, without operating in the local market. JAFZA, RAK ICC, Ajman.
Discover → VIII · FreelanceFreelance Licence.
Individual permit for independent professionals: consultants, developers, designers. Access to UAE residency.
Discover → IX · HoldingHolding Structure.
Parent company concentrating subsidiary shareholdings and assets, optimising taxation and corporate control.
Discover → V · OverviewFull company formation.
Overview of all structures available in the UAE: Free Zone, Mainland, Offshore, Holding, Freelance.
Discover →What people ask us most.
What is the difference between a Free Zone and Mainland company?
A Free Zone company allows 100% foreign ownership, operates within the free zone or in international markets, and benefits from specific tax advantages. A Mainland company can operate across the entire UAE and hire without geographic restrictions, with broader administrative procedures.
How much does it cost to open a company in a Free Zone?
Costs vary by zone and licence type: budget options from 3,500–6,000 €, mid-range zones such as IFZA or RAKEZ between 6,000–12,000 €, and premium zones like DMCC, DIFC or ADGM from 12,000 € upwards.
Which Free Zone is best for my company?
It depends on your sector and objectives. DMCC for commodities and trading; DIFC/ADGM for financial services; Dubai Internet City for technology; Meydan or IFZA for consulting and general services; JAFZA for logistics; DHCC for healthcare.
Can I have more than one activity under the same licence?
Yes. Many Free Zones allow compatible activities to be grouped under one licence. Each zone has its own list of permitted activities and combination rules.
Does a Free Zone allow residence visas?
Yes. Most Free Zones allow visa applications linked to the company for the investor, partners and employees. The number depends on the office type and package selected.
Do I pay tax if my company is in a Free Zone?
If you meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions, your qualifying income can be taxed at 0%. The remainder falls under the federal regime: 0% up to 375,000 AED and 9% above that threshold.
Can I trade with mainland clients from a Free Zone?
Yes, but with certain conditions. Invoicing mainland clients usually requires a local distributor or specific structures, depending on the activity and the zone.
The trust of those who already
work with us
Your company in a Free Zone,
structured with precision
from day one.
Book an initial consultation with no commitment. You will receive a personalised assessment of the optimal free zone, structure, licence and taxation for your project.
Book a consultation →