Dubai Free Zones
30+ government-backed Free Zones in one emirate — from premium DMCC and DIFC to budget IFZA and Meydan. The highest concentration of specialised economic areas in the UAE.
Why Dubai for Your UAE Setup
Dubai hosts more than 30 designated Free Zones — the highest concentration in the UAE. Each cluster targets a specific industry: DIFC for finance, DMCC for commodities, DAFZA for aviation, JAFZA for logistics, DIC for tech, Dubai Media City for creative, Dubai South for e-commerce and aviation. The 9 zones featured on this page cover 85%+ of new Dubai Free Zone registrations.
Cost and government fees in Dubai are higher than in Ajman, RAK or Umm Al Quwain, but the emirate provides unmatched global visibility, modern infrastructure and access to top-tier corporate ecosystems. Banking relationships, client perception and proximity to multinationals all favour a Dubai address for ambitious operators selling B2B internationally.
Free Zones in Dubai (9)
Click any zone for detailed cost, visa quota, activities and setup process.
Service Packages — Better Value
Buy a bundle tailored to your needs to launch and grow your business in the UAE. A package is more than 20% cheaper than the same services purchased individually.
- Company registration & licensing
- Office lease agreement
- Company registration & licensing
- Office lease agreement
- Establishment Card (Ministry of Labour)
- 1 residence visa (Emirates ID)
- Company registration & licensing
- Office lease agreement
- Establishment Card (Ministry of Labour)
- 1 residence visa (Emirates ID)
- 1 corporate bank account
- Company registration & licensing
- Office lease agreement
- Establishment Card (Ministry of Labour)
- 1 residence visa (Emirates ID)
- 1 corporate bank account
- 1 personal bank account
Key Advantages of Dubai Free Zones
When Dubai Might Not Be the Right Fit
Dubai Free Zones may not be ideal for low-budget startups seeking the lowest cost setup options found in Ajman, RAK or Umm Al Quwain. Heavy industrial or large-scale manufacturing businesses often find Sharjah (Hamriyah), Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) or RAK industrial clusters more financially practical.
6 Steps to Launch in Dubai
Generic process — exact steps may vary slightly per Free Zone. Most companies complete this in 2-4 weeks.
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01
Initial consultation
We map your business activity to the right Free Zone within Dubai.
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02
Name reservation & activity approval
We submit name candidates and confirm your activity is on the approved list.
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03
License application & payment
We submit the application, MOA and lease through the zone portal. License issued in 3-21 days depending on zone.
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04
Establishment Card & investor visa
We apply for the Establishment Card and submit your investor visa entry permit.
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05
Medical, biometrics & Emirates ID
You complete medical (1h) and biometrics (30min) on UAE arrival. Emirates ID issued in 5-10 days.
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06
Corporate bank account opening
We introduce you to UAE banks matched to your zone and activity. Account opens in 2-4 weeks.
Dubai Free Zones — Frequently Asked Questions
Dubai hosts more than 30 designated Free Zones. The 9 most relevant for international business are listed on this page (DMCC, IFZA, JAFZA, DIFC, DIC, DSO, DAFZA, Dubai South, Meydan). Niche zones like Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai CommerCity serve specific industries.
IFZA and Meydan FZ both start from AED 11,900-12,500 for a base license. For even lower entry, Sharjah's SHAMS (AED 5,750) or RAKEZ (AED 8,000) are options outside Dubai.
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the curated tech choice — Microsoft, Google, Oracle and 1,600+ peers. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) suits electronics and light hardware. For pure software on a tighter budget, IFZA works.
Free Zone companies can sell B2B to other UAE businesses, export globally, or sell via e-commerce platforms with a Mainland distributor agreement. Direct B2C retail to UAE consumers requires a Mainland (DET) license.
Dubai South Business Hub issues licenses in 1 day for digital activities. IFZA and Meydan take 3-7 days. DMCC, DIC and DAFZA take 7-30 days. Regulated zones (DIFC) take 30-45 days due to DFSA approval.
Entry-level packages range AED 11,900 (IFZA, Meydan) to AED 23,000 (DMCC) to AED 55,000+ (DIFC). Add AED 4,500-5,500 per investor visa. Most SMEs land at AED 20,000-30,000 for Year 1 with 1 visa.
Open a Free Zone Company in Dubai
