Your Complete UAE Freezone Guide
Everything you need to know about setting up in a UAE freezone — top freezones compared, tax advantages, visa allocations, costs, and step-by-step setup process.
6 Popular UAE Freezones At a Glance
DMCC
From AED 18,500Commodities, trading & crypto
IFZA
From AED 12,900SMEs, startups & consulting
DIFC
From USD 15,000+Banking, finance & fintech
DAFZA
From AED 25,000+Aviation, aerospace & logistics
RAKEZ
From AED 7,500Industry, manufacturing & trade
DMC
From AED 22,000+Media, advertising & PR
Six Reasons to Choose a Freezone License
100% Foreign Ownership
No local partner required — you own 100% from day one
Zero Corporate Tax
0% corporate tax on qualifying freezone income
Full Profit Repatriation
Transfer all profits and capital out of the UAE freely
Fast Setup
Licenses issued in as little as 48 hours
International Trade Hub
Access to Dubai's world-class ports, airports, and logistics
Modern Infrastructure
State-of-the-art offices, labs, and facilities
Freezone vs Mainland
| Feature | Freezone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|
| UAE Market Access | Via distributor / dual license | Full unrestricted access |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% | 100% (most sectors) |
| Corporate Tax | 0% (qualifying income) | 0% (under AED 375k) |
| Setup Speed | 48 hours | 3–7 business days |
| Office Requirement | Flexi-desk available | Physical lease mandatory |
| Government Contracts | Not eligible | Eligible |
| Visa Cost | Bundled in package | Separate per visa |
| Annual Audit | Required in some freezones | Not required (most activities) |
Setup in 4 Steps
Choose Freezone
We match your industry, budget, and visa needs to the ideal freezone
Select Office Package
Flexi-desk, shared office, or private office — based on visa needs
Submit Application
Our team prepares and submits all documents to the freezone authority
License Issued
Receive your license (typically 48 hours) and begin operations
Freezone Guide FAQs
Which UAE freezone is cheapest?
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) is typically the most affordable, with licenses starting from AED 7,500. IFZA is also very competitive at AED 12,900. However, the cheapest freezone may not be the right fit — our advisors match you to the best option for your specific needs.
Can a freezone company sell to UAE mainland clients?
Not directly. Freezone companies are primarily for international trade. To sell to UAE mainland customers, you can: appoint a mainland distributor, set up a mainland branch, or obtain a dual license. We help you choose the most cost-effective approach.
How many employees can I hire on a freezone license?
It depends on your office package. Flexi-desk packages typically allow 1–2 visas, shared offices 3–5, and private offices can accommodate 10–50+ depending on size. We plan for your current and future headcount before you choose a package.
Do I need to renew my freezone license every year?
Yes. Freezone licenses are renewed annually. Some freezones require an audited financial statement at renewal. Arab First provides annual renewal services and keeps track of all deadlines on your behalf.
Can I operate in multiple freezones with one license?
A single freezone license is restricted to activities within that freezone and internationally. To operate in a different freezone or on the mainland, you would need a separate license or branch. We can advise on multi-entity structures.
Is DMCC really the best freezone?
DMCC is the most awarded freezone globally and a top choice for commodities trading, but 'best' depends on your business. IFZA offers better value for SMEs, DIFC is unmatched for financial services, and RAKEZ wins on price. The right freezone depends on your industry and goals.
Ready to Set Up in a UAE Freezone?
Our freezone specialists compare all 40+ options to find the perfect match for your business, budget, and visa needs.