Business Setup Services in Dubai Free Zones, UAE
Set up your business in Dubai’s Free Zones with Manifest, your trusted partner for company formation and regulatory support. Our experienced consultants handle everything from licensing to visas, making the setup process smooth and stress-free for entrepreneurs and startups.
Company Formation & Business Setup
Free Zone Trade Licensing
Tax & Regulatory Advisory
Corporate Bank Account Assistance
Ongoing Compliance Management
UAE Residence Visa Support
UAE Free Zone Business Setup Services
At Manifest, we offer end-to-end business setup solutions in UAE Free Zones, making the process simple, seamless, and efficient—from initial setup to long-term growth.
01. Business Licensing
Manifest provides end-to-end assistance for securing business licenses in Sharjah, including trade name registration, regulatory approvals, and complete documentation to ensure a smooth and compliant setup.
02. Residency & PRO Services
We handle visa processing, government paperwork, and PRO coordination efficiently, helping your business operate smoothly while meeting all regulatory requirements.
03. Corporate Bank Account Setup
Manifest offers complete support for opening corporate bank accounts with reputed UAE banks, guiding you through every step to ensure compliance and quick approvals.
04 Accounting & Bookkeeping
Our professional accounting, bookkeeping, and audit services help maintain financial accuracy, transparency, and full compliance with UAE laws.
05. Corporate Tax Services
We provide expert tax advisory and filing services to help your business meet UAE tax regulations while improving overall tax efficiency.
06. Legal Services
Manifest delivers reliable legal support for business formation, corporate compliance, contract drafting, and dispute resolution under UAE laws.
07. Attestation & Legalization
Our team manages document attestation and legalization processes, ensuring your documents are properly verified and recognized across the UAE.
08. Trademark & Copyright
Manifest assists with trademark and copyright registration to safeguard your brand, creative work, and intellectual property rights.
Overview
What Is a Free Zone Company in Dubai?
Free zone company formation in Dubai is a smart choice for entrepreneurs and investors looking for an affordable, efficient, and business-friendly setup. At Manifest, we help businesses take advantage of Dubai’s free zones, which are purpose-built to attract global companies through modern infrastructure, advanced facilities, and professional support services.
The cost of setting up a free zone company in Dubai depends on factors such as the selected free zone, nature of business activity, and type of license required. Whether your business focuses on trading, services, or industrial operations, Dubai free zones offer flexible solutions tailored to diverse business needs.
With competitive setup costs, fast-track licensing procedures, and attractive incentives, establishing a company in a Dubai free zone is a strategic step toward regional and international growth. A Dubai free zone license opens doors to global markets while ensuring full compliance with UAE regulations.
Choose the Right Free Zone Company Structure with Manifest
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
A Free Zone Establishment is ideal for a single investor, whether an individual or a corporate entity. This structure allows 100% foreign ownership and offers limited liability, making it a smart choice for entrepreneurs looking to operate independently within a UAE free zone.
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
A Free Zone Company is designed for businesses with 2 to 50 shareholders, including individuals or corporate partners. Similar to an FZE, it provides full foreign ownership and limited liability, making it suitable for partnerships and joint ventures.
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ LLC)
An FZ LLC supports up to 50 shareholders and combines limited liability with full foreign ownership. This structure offers greater flexibility and expanded partnership options, making it ideal for growing businesses operating within free zones.
Free Zones in the UAE
The UAE offers a wide range of free zones, each designed to support specific industries such as trading, technology, design, finance, media, and more. These zones provide industry-focused infrastructure, flexible regulations, and attractive benefits for businesses. Manifest works closely with 46+ UAE free zones, helping entrepreneurs and companies choose the most suitable jurisdiction for their business goals. Some of the key free zones we support include:
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
Based in Dubai International City, IFZA provides affordable and efficient business setup solutions for commercial and professional activities. It is a preferred choice for startups and SMEs due to its cost-effectiveness and streamlined processes.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, DMCC is one of the UAE’s most prominent free zones, especially for trading and commodity-based businesses, including gold, diamonds, and precious metals.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Situated on Al Maryah Island, ADGM is a leading international financial hub offering a robust regulatory environment and strong support for financial and professional service firms.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Positioned in Dubai’s Trade Centre area, DIFC caters to finance, fintech, and professional services. It operates under globally recognized regulations and maintains an independent judicial system.
Meydan Free Zone
Located in Nad Al Sheba, Meydan Free Zone offers flexible office options and supports a wide range of business activities, including finance, media, tourism, and trading.
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)
Based in Al Zahia, Sharjah, SPC is dedicated to publishing, media, and e-commerce, providing tailored facilities for creative businesses and freelancers.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
Situated in Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ supports manufacturing, trading, and industrial services with cost-effective licenses and purpose-built zones.
Ajman Free Zone
Located in Ajman, this free zone accommodates diverse business sectors such as trading, manufacturing, consultancy, and advertising services.
Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park
Focused on innovation and technology-driven enterprises, this park is ideal for companies involved in research, development, and advanced scientific solutions.
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Adjacent to Dubai International Airport, DAFZA is well suited for logistics, aviation, electronics, IT, and trading companies, offering tax advantages and fast customs clearance.
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Near Jebel Ali Port, JAFZA is one of the UAE’s largest and oldest free zones, supporting large-scale logistics, manufacturing, and international trade operations.
Get the Right Dubai Free Zone License with Manifest’s Expert Guidance
Commercial License
Designed for businesses involved in buying, selling, importing, and exporting goods, this license is ideal for both general and niche trading operations.
Service License
Best suited for companies that provide services instead of physical products, including consulting, marketing, IT solutions, and other professional services.
Industrial License
Issued to businesses engaged in manufacturing, production, or assembly—whether light or heavy—often with access to in-zone factories and warehousing facilities.
General Trading License
Allows companies to trade in multiple product categories under a single license, offering flexibility for businesses dealing with a wide variety of goods.
Freelance License
Created for independent professionals, this license enables individuals to operate as self-employed experts in areas such as media, design, IT, education, and more.
Media License
Suitable for companies operating in media, advertising, publishing, entertainment, and related creative industries.
E-commerce License
Ideal for online businesses, this license allows companies to sell products and services through digital platforms and online marketplaces.
Educational License
Issued to organizations in the education and training sector, including schools, training institutes, and educational consultancy firms.
Warehousing License
Permits businesses to lease warehouse space for storage, distribution, and logistics-related activities within the free zone.
Offshore License
Enables companies to operate as offshore entities, mainly for international business and asset protection, while benefiting from UAE free zone infrastructure.
Legal Document Assisting Services for Dubai FreeZone Company Formatione
| Document | FZE | FZCO | FZLLC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Copy | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| UAE Residence Visa (for UAE residents) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Emirates ID (for UAE residents) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Utility Bill or Tenancy Contract | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Business Plan | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| NOC from Current Sponsor (if employed in UAE) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bank Reference Letter | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Memorandum of Association (MOA) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Articles of Association (AOA) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Proof of Ownership | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Dubai Free Zone Business Setup Process
General Timeline: 1 to 4 weeks
01. Select the Right Free Zone & Business Activity
Manifest helps you choose the most suitable free zone based on your business activity—whether trading, manufacturing, consulting, or services. Each free zone is designed for specific industries, so the right selection ensures better facilities and long-term growth.
⏱ Timeline: 1–2 days
02. Initial Application & Trade Name Approval
An application is submitted to the selected free zone authority, outlining your business activity, legal structure, and proposed company name. At this stage, your trade name is reserved.
⏱ Timeline: 1–3 days
03. Document Preparation & Submission
Required documents are compiled, including passport copies, shareholder information, business plans, and No Objection Certificates (if applicable). Some free zones may also request additional documents such as bank reference letters.
⏱ Timeline: 3–5 days
04. Legal Documentation & Fee Payment
Once preliminary approval is granted, legal documents such as the MOA, AOA, and related agreements are signed. Licensing and registration fees are then paid according to the selected business activity.
⏱ Timeline: 1–2 days
05. License Issuance & Company Registration
After final approval, the free zone authority issues the trade license and registration certificate, officially establishing the company.
⏱ Timeline: 3–5 days
06. Visa Processing & Corporate Bank Account
Manifest assists with residency visa applications for shareholders and staff, along with initiating the corporate bank account setup. Processing times may vary depending on the free zone and banking requirements.
⏱ Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Cost of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Free Zones
The cost of establishing a company in a UAE free zone depends on the selected free zone authority and the type of business license required. At Manifest, we help businesses clearly understand free zone setup costs so they can plan their investment effectively.
Below are the approximate starting costs for company formation in some of the most popular free zones:
DAFZA: from AED 20,000
RAKEZ: from AED 6,000
JAFZA: from AED 12,000
DMCC: from AED 21,000
SRTIP: from AED 5,000
IFZA: from AED 12,900
SPC: from AED 6,875
DIFC: from AED 73,460
Meydan Free Zone: from AED 12,499
ADGM: from AED 73,460
Ajman Free Zone: from AED 5,555
Beyond the license fee, businesses should also account for additional expenses such as office or workspace requirements, visa and immigration costs, permits, and any applicable sponsorship-related charges. Manifest ensures complete transparency so there are no surprises during the company setup process.
UAE Government Authorities
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FAQs on Dubai Free Zone Business Setup
The cost typically starts from AED 12,000, depending on the free zone and package.
It depends on your business type: DMCC for trading, IFZA for affordable setups, and Dubai Internet City for technology firms.
Choose a free zone, choose your activity, reserve a trade name, submit documentation, and acquire your license.
Most of the free zones are 0% corporate and individual tax, but some are subject to UAE corporate tax on income and activities.