AhmedWalid HalabiVSD Global
Aurion is one of the best consulting teams in the UAE for all activities of company formation and related matters. We trust them the most.
Free Zone Company License in UAE
Register your company in the UAE's most tax-efficient business structure - 0% corporate tax, 100% foreign ownership, and setup completed in as little as one day.
40+Free Zones Available
0%Corporate Tax (QFZP)
100%Foreign Ownership
1 DaySetup Time
40+Free Zones Available
0%Corporate Tax (QFZP)
100%Foreign Ownership
1 DaySetup Time
AURION is a Registered Agent of 17 UAE Free Zones
Registered Agents Across Every Major UAE Free Zone
Direct authority access, faster processing, and practical guidance across the UAE free zone ecosystem.
Two Powerful Tax Structures, One Smart Decision
0%
Corporate Tax
Free Zone companies can qualify as a "Qualifying Free Zone Person" (QFZP) under UAE Corporate Tax law and pay 0% on qualifying income. To maintain QFZP status, the company must conduct qualifying activities, maintain sufficient economic substance (office, staff, operations), and ensure non-qualifying income does not exceed AED 5 million or 5% of total revenue - whichever is lower.
All UAE companies must register for Corporate Tax within 3 months of incorporation. Non-compliance carries an AED 10,000 penalty.
0%
VAT on Designated Zones
Certain Free Zones are categorised as "Designated Zones" by the UAE government. These are physically demarcated areas treated as outside UAE territory for VAT purposes. Companies operating within Designated Zones benefit from 0% VAT on qualifying goods transactions.
Designated Zones include DAFZA, KEZAD, SAIF Zone, Ajman Freezone, and RAKEZ. Sales from Designated Zones into UAE mainland attract the standard 5% VAT rate.
FREEZONE ESSENTIALS
The UAE's Most Efficient Way to Do Business
The UAE is home to more than 40 dedicated Free Zones - purpose-built business districts governed by their own authorities and operating outside mainland UAE regulations. A Free Zone License is the legal instrument that allows investors to operate a company within these zones, unlocking significant tax and ownership advantages unavailable elsewhere in the region.
Free Zone licenses are issued by the Free Zone Authority of the respective emirate. Whether you're a consultant, a trading company, or a manufacturing operation, there is a Free Zone and a license type designed for your activity.
Tax Efficient
Companies in designated Free Zones can qualify for 0% Corporate Tax and 0% VAT - two of the most significant financial advantages available to businesses in the UAE.
100% Foreign Ownership
Unlike mainland setup, Free Zone companies do not require a local UAE partner. You own your business entirely - and can repatriate 100% of your capital and profits.
Fast to Register
Company registration in major Free Zones can be completed in as little as one business day. Infrastructure, banking, and office facilities are available from day one.
LICENSE TYPES
Which License Suits Your Business?
Free Zone licenses in the UAE are issued across four core categories. Your choice determines which activities you can conduct, which Free Zones are eligible, and what infrastructure you'll need.
Services License
Commercial Trading License
General Trading License
Industrial / Manufacturing License
OUR PARTNER FREE ZONES
UAE's Best Free Zones - Curated by AURION
AURION is an officially registered agent with these Free Zones, meaning we have direct access, faster processing, and insider knowledge of every package available. We've helped thousands of companies set up in each of these zones.
International Free Zone Authority, Dubai
International Free Zone Authority, Dubai
From AED 12,900Best for: Startups, SMEs, consultants
Sharjah Media City Free Zone
Sharjah Media City Free Zone
From AED 11,500Best for: Media companies, remote founders, content creators
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
From AED 10,800Best for: Trading companies, manufacturers, logistics businesses
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
From AED 18,000Best for: Commodities traders, gold traders, oil & gas businesses
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
From AED 20,000Best for: Large-scale trading, logistics, international businesses
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority
From AED 30,900Best for: Prestige-conscious companies, aviation, logistics, trading
Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone
From AED 12,500Best for: Entrepreneurs, lifestyle businesses, startups
Dubai Commercity Free Zone
Dubai Commercity Free Zone
From AED 15,000Best for: eCommerce companies, online retailers, digital brands
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, Sharjah
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, Sharjah
From AED 13,500Best for: Industrial companies, heavy traders, manufacturers
Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone
From AED 5,555Best for: Startups, solo founders, micro-businesses
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
From AED 9,500Best for: Manufacturing, industrial, international investors
Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre
From AED 25,000Best for: Financial services, fintech companies, fund managers
All UAE Free Zones - Complete Reference
Beyond our featured partner zones, AURION has knowledge of and connections across every active Free Zone in the UAE. Below is a complete reference listing.
Dubai Silicon OasisDubaiDubai SouthDubaiDubai Technology Entrepreneurs Campus (DTEC)Dubai
Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA / Dubai Development Authority)Dubai
Dubai Science ParkDubai
Dubai Design District (D3)Dubai
Ajman Media City FreezoneAjmanSharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park (SRTI Park)SharjahFujairah Free ZoneFujairahFujairah Creative CityFujairah
Umm Al Quwain Free Zone (UAQFTZ)Umm Al QuwainAbu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD)Abu DhabiMasdar CityAbu DhabiChina Centre Dubai Digital Park (CCDDP)DubaiINVESTMENT RANGE
Free Zone License Costs: AED 5,555 to AED 80,000+
Free Zone setup costs vary widely based on the zone, office type, visa quota, and activity. Budget-conscious startups can register in Ajman or SHAMS for under AED 12,000. Premium zones like DAFZA or DMCC command higher fees but provide world-class infrastructure and prestigious addresses.
Ajmanfrom AED 5,555
SAIF Zonefrom AED 10,800
SHAMSfrom AED 11,500
IFZAfrom AED 12,900
Ajmanfrom AED 5,555
SAIF Zonefrom AED 10,800
SHAMSfrom AED 11,500
IFZAfrom AED 12,900
10 Reasons Investors Choose UAE Free Zones
01
Company Registration in One Day
Major Free Zones process incorporation within 24 hours. Documents, license, and establishment card issued same day.
02
Low Initial Setup Fees
Free Zone packages start from AED 5,555 - significantly lower than mainland alternatives requiring additional local sponsorship costs.
03
100% Foreign Ownership
You hold complete ownership of your company. No local UAE partner or sponsor required.
04
100% Capital & Profit Repatriation
Transfer your earnings out of the UAE freely. No restrictions on moving capital or profit to your home country.
05
Flexible Office Solutions
Choose from flexi-desks, smart desks, co-working spaces, executive offices, and warehouses across 40+ zones.
06
Full Administrative Support
Power, internet, banking introductions, and office furniture - all available from within the Free Zone ecosystem.
07
0% Corporate Tax (QFZP)
Qualifying Free Zone Persons pay zero corporate tax on qualifying income - one of the world's most competitive tax rates.
08
0% VAT (Designated Zones)
Companies in Designated Free Zones are treated as operating outside the UAE for VAT purposes on specific goods transactions.
09
Easy Corporate Banking
Free Zone companies benefit from streamlined bank account opening, including introductions to top UAE banks through AURION's banking assistance service.
10
Multi-Year License Discounts
Renewing your license for 2-3 years upfront typically unlocks substantial package discounts, reducing your annual cost significantly.
WHY AURION
18 Years. 6,800 Companies. 17 Registered Free Zones.
Years in Operation
Companies Incorporated
Countries in Our Client Base
AURION is not a comparison website - we are a registered agent with direct authority access across 17 UAE Free Zones and offshore jurisdictions. From your first consultation to your banking account opening, our team handles every step so you never have to navigate government portals, Free Zone counters, or document requirements alone.
What Our Clients Say
Reviews from business owners who set up in the UAE with AURION.
FREEZONE FAQ
Free Zone company setup,answeredclearly.
Straight answers on costs, timelines, tax, operations, and visas before you choose your UAE Free Zone.
What is a Free Zone company in UAE?
A Free Zone company is a legal business entity registered within one of the UAE's 40+ designated Free Zones. These companies operate under the Free Zone Authority's regulations and enjoy benefits including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified setup processes.
How long does it take to set up a Free Zone company?
Setup timelines vary by zone. Many Free Zones - including IFZA, SHAMS, and SAIF Zone - can register your company within 1 business day once documents are submitted. Complex activities or premium zones may take 3-5 working days.
Can I set up a Free Zone company without visiting the UAE?
Yes. Several Free Zones - including SHAMS and IFZA - allow full remote incorporation. You can complete registration, receive your license, and open a bank account without physically being in the UAE.
What is the cheapest Free Zone license in UAE?
Ajman Free Zone offers zero visa quota packages starting from AED 5,555. SHAMS, SAIF Zone, and IFZA also offer competitive entry-level packages under AED 15,000 including visa quotas.
What does a Free Zone license package typically include?
Standard packages include the trade license, establishment card, and a flexi-desk or smart desk office arrangement. Visa quotas, office upgrades, and multi-year terms are usually priced separately or as add-ons.
Can I get a discount on multi-year licenses?
Yes. Most Free Zones offer significant discounts for 2 or 3-year license renewals paid upfront. AURION can advise on the best value package for your situation.
Do Free Zone companies pay corporate tax in UAE?
All UAE companies must register for Corporate Tax. However, Free Zone companies that qualify as a "Qualifying Free Zone Person" (QFZP) can pay 0% tax on qualifying income. Conditions include maintaining sufficient economic substance and meeting income thresholds.
What is a Designated Free Zone and why does it matter?
Designated Free Zones are physically fenced, customs-controlled areas treated as "outside the UAE" for VAT purposes. Companies in Designated Zones benefit from 0% VAT on qualifying goods transactions. Examples include DAFZA, SAIF Zone, KEZAD, Ajman Freezone, and RAKEZ.
Is there a penalty for not registering for Corporate Tax?
Yes. All companies in the UAE are required to register for Corporate Tax within 3 months of incorporation. Failure to register carries a penalty of AED 10,000.
Can a Free Zone company do business with UAE mainland customers?
Free Zone companies can sell services to mainland UAE clients in most cases. For trading goods into the UAE mainland, a customs declaration and applicable duties apply, or you can appoint a mainland distributor. AURION advises on the most efficient structure for your activity.
Do I need a physical office for a Free Zone company?
No. Most Free Zones offer flexi-desk and virtual office arrangements that satisfy the registered address requirement without a dedicated office. A physical office is required only if you need a larger visa quota or specific activity approvals.
Can I sponsor employee visas under a Free Zone company?
Yes. Free Zone companies can sponsor employee and investor visas. The number of visas available depends on your license package and office type. Entry-level packages typically include 1-3 visa quotas.
GET STARTED
Let's Set Up Your Free Zone Company
Tell us about your business and we'll match you with the right Free Zone, license type, and package - no commitment, no pressure.
Or speak to us directly on WhatsApp. AURION will review your activity, visa needs, and budget before recommending the most practical setup route.