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UAE BUSINESS SETUP COST

Company Formation in Dubai Free Zone – Fast, Affordable and Fully Supported

Start your company formation in Dubai free zone with 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation and no local sponsor required. Free zone business setup in Dubai offers fast licensing, flexible office options and access to a business-friendly market. Start Any Business handles your Dubai free zone company setup end-to-end, including licensing, visas and bank account support with clear guidance and transparent costs.

  • 500+ Businesses Supported
  • 7+ Years of Experience
  • Top UAE Free Zones
  • Transparent & Reliable Services

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    About Us

    Why Choose Dubai for Free Zone Company Formation?

    Dubai is a leading destination for entrepreneurs, startups and international companies seeking an efficient and globally connected business environment. Its strategic location between Asia, Europe and Africa, advanced infrastructure, stable economy and investor-friendly regulations make company formation in a Dubai free zone an attractive option for businesses planning to operate in the UAE and international markets. A business setup in a Dubai free zone provides access to specialised business communities, flexible workspace solutions, streamlined licensing and complete foreign ownership. With support from Start Any Business, you can compare Dubai free zones and select the right jurisdiction based on your business activity, visa requirements, target market and budget.

    Key Benefits of Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai

    • 100% foreign ownership without requiring a UAE national shareholder
    • 100% repatriation of capital and profits, subject to applicable banking regulations
    • 0% personal income tax for individuals in the UAE
    • 0% corporate tax on qualifying income for eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons that meet UAE Corporate Tax requirements
    • Customs duty benefits on eligible imports and exports within designated free zones
    • Flexible office options, including shared desks, serviced offices, warehouses and commercial facilities
    • Access to UAE residence visas for eligible investors, partners and employees, based on the selected license and visa allocation
    • Industry-specific free zones designed for sectors such as technology, media, logistics, commodities, healthcare and professional services
    • Simplified company registration and licensing procedures through the relevant free zone authority
    Our Process

    Your Step-by-Step Journey to Launching a Free Zone Company in Dubai

    The process of company formation in a Dubai free zone can often be completed within a few working days, depending on the selected jurisdiction, business activity, document requirements and external approvals. Start Any Business manages the complete Dubai free zone company setup process, from choosing the right free zone and license package to securing your trade license, residence visa and corporate bank account assistance.

    01
    Choose Your Business Activity

    Select the activities you want to include on your license, such as consultancy, general trading, e-commerce, technology, media, logistics or professional services. Your chosen activity determines the license type, approval requirements and suitable free zones.

    02
    Select the Right Dubai Free Zone

    Each free zone is designed for specific industries, activities and business requirements. Our consultants compare available options based on your budget, visa allocation, office needs, business model and target market.

    03
    Prepare and Submit the Documents

    Submit the required documents, which may include passport copies, photographs, application forms, proof of address, a business plan and corporate documents for company shareholders. Additional approvals may be required for regulated activities.

    04
    Get Initial Approval from DET

    Initial approval confirms that the Dubai authorities have no objection to your selected activity and company structure. This approval is an important step before signing agreements, leasing office space or moving ahead with the final license process.

    05
    Select Your Office or Workspace

    Choose a workspace that meets your operational and visa requirements. Available options may include a flexi-desk, shared workspace, serviced office, dedicated office, warehouse or industrial facility.

    06
    Receive Your License and Complete Post-Setup Services

    Once the application is approved, the free zone authority issues your trade license and incorporation documents. You can then apply for establishment cards, UAE residence visas, Emirates IDs, corporate tax registration and a business bank account.

    Mainland Company

    Legal Structures for Company Formation in a Dubai

    Choosing the right legal structure is an important step in company formation in a Dubai free zone. Your entity type depends on the number and type of shareholders, whether you are starting a new company or opening a branch and the regulations of your selected free zone. Legal structures and their names may vary between Dubai free zone authorities. Start Any Business helps you compare the available options and select a structure that supports your ownership, liability and long-term expansion plans.

    Free Zone Establishment – FZE

    A Free Zone Establishment is generally a limited liability entity formed by a single shareholder. The shareholder may be an individual or where permitted by the free zone, a corporate entity.

    An FZE is suitable for individual entrepreneurs, consultants and business owners who want to retain complete control of their company.

    Free Zone Company – FZC or FZ-LLC

    A Free Zone Company is generally established by two or more shareholders, although shareholder requirements differ between free zones. Shareholders may include individuals, companies or a combination of both.

    This structure is suitable for partnerships, joint ventures, family businesses and companies with multiple founders or investors.

    Branch of a Foreign Company

    An overseas company can establish a branch within a Dubai free zone to conduct approved activities in the UAE. A branch is normally an extension of its foreign parent company rather than a separate legal entity.

    The parent company remains responsible for the branch’s activities and liabilities, while the branch generally operates under the parent company’s name and ownership.

    Branch of a UAE Company

    An existing UAE mainland or free zone company may establish a branch in another Dubai free zone, subject to approval from the relevant authorities.

    This option allows an established company to enter a specialised free zone, access new facilities or expand its operations without incorporating an entirely separate business.

    Which Free Zone Legal Structure Is Right for You?

    For most new businesses, the choice is based on the number of shareholders:
    • One shareholder: Free Zone Establishment
    • Multiple shareholders: Free Zone Company or FZ-LLC
    • Existing international company: Foreign company branch
    • Existing UAE company: UAE company branch

    The exact legal forms, shareholder limits, capital requirements and management conditions depend on the selected jurisdiction.

    Start Any Business simplifies your Dubai free zone company setup by helping you choose the appropriate entity, license and jurisdiction. Our consultants manage the documentation, authority approvals and registration process for a compliant and efficient free zone business setup in Dubai.

    How Much Does a Free Zone Trade License Cost in Dubai?

    The cost of a free zone trade license in Dubai generally ranges from approximately AED 6,000 to AED 25,000 or more per year. However, there is no fixed price for every business. The final cost of company formation in a Dubai free zone depends on the jurisdiction, business activity, license category, number of shareholders, visa allocation and workspace requirements.
    Entry-level license packages may be suitable for consultants, freelancers, e-commerce businesses and startups that do not require multiple visas or a physical office. Specialised free zones and regulated activities usually involve higher registration, licensing, compliance and facility costs. For example, DMCC lists its standard annual license fee at AED 20,285, excluding several additional company formation expenses.

    What Is Included in the Dubai Free Zone Company Setup Cost?

    A basic quotation may include only the trade license and company registration. Depending on the selected package, you may also need to budget for:

    • Company registration and incorporation fees
    • Trade name reservation
    • Annual free zone license fee
    • Establishment or immigration card
    • Investor, partner and employee visas
    • Medical fitness tests and Emirates ID applications
    • Flexi-desk, co-working space or physical office
    • Additional business activities
    • External authority approvals
    • Corporate tax and VAT registration
    • Corporate bank account assistance
    • Accounting and ongoing compliance services

    Documents Required for Free Zone Company Setup in Dubai

    The documents required for company formation in a Dubai free zone depend on the selected jurisdiction, business activity and shareholder type.

    For Individual Shareholders

    • Passport copy
    • Passport-size photograph
    • UAE visa and Emirates ID, if applicable
    • Proof of residential address
    • Proposed trade names
    • CV or professional profile
    • Business plan or NOC, where required

    For Corporate Shareholders

    • Certificate of Incorporation
    • Memorandum and Articles of Association
    • Board resolution
    • Certificate of Good Standing, where required
    • UBO declaration
    • Ownership structure and authorised signatory documents

    Foreign corporate documents may require notarisation, attestation and legal translation. Regulated activities may also need additional approvals or professional certificates.
    Start Any Business provides the exact document checklist and assists with preparation, attestation and submission for your Dubai free zone company setup

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