Free Zone Companies

Trusted Services for Global Businesses

UAE Free Zone Company Registration Turnkey Solution

100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax, residency visa, and corporate bank account.

No need to travel to the Emirates.

Timeline: from 3 days
Format: 100% Remote
Tax: 0%

Tax Benefits of Free Zone Companies

One of the most compelling advantages of establishing a company in a UAE free zone is the comprehensive tax benefit package. Free zone companies enjoy significant fiscal advantages that make them highly attractive for international business operations.

Key Tax Exemptions:

Corporate Tax: 0% corporate tax on qualifying income for companies meeting free zone criteria. This allows businesses to reinvest profits and accelerate growth without the burden of corporate taxation;
Personal Income Tax: Complete exemption from personal income tax for both business owners and employees. This creates substantial savings compared to high-tax jurisdictions;
Value Added Tax (VAT): Exemption or zero-rating available for qualifying activities, particularly for goods and services supplied outside the UAE or between free zones;
Import and Export Duties: No customs duties on imports and re-exports, facilitating international trade operations and reducing costs;
Capital Gains Tax: No tax on capital gains or investment returns, allowing for tax-efficient wealth accumulatio;
Withholding Tax: No withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties paid to foreign entities or individuals.

These tax benefits, combined with the UAE's growing network of double taxation treaties, create an exceptionally favorable environment for international business operations and investment structuring.

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Different Free Zones

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Main Corporate Services & Private Clients Corporate Setup Company Setup Free Zone Companies

Free economic zones in the UAE are unique legal and economic territories that provide favorable conditions for international companies and investors.  

Popular UAE Free Zones by Industry

The UAE offers over 40 specialized free zones, each designed to cater to specific industries and business needs. Below is a categorized overview of the most prominent free zones:

Financial & Professional Services

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – Premier financial hub for banking, insurance, and asset management

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – International financial center with common law framework

Technology & Innovation

Dubai Internet City (DIC) – Leading tech ecosystem for IT companies and startups

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) – Integrated technology park for electronics and semiconductor companies

Dubai Techno Park – Hub for manufacturing and technology businesses

Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) – R&D-focused free zone

Media, Creative & Entertainment

Dubai Media City (DMC) – Regional hub for media, marketing, and communications companies

Dubai Studio City – Dedicated to film, TV, and music production

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) – Cost-effective alternative for media businesses

twofour54 Abu Dhabi – Media and entertainment free zone in Abu Dhabi

Dubai Design District (d3) – Creative community for design, fashion, and luxury sectors

Trade, Logistics & E-commerce

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) – World's largest free zone and logistics hub

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) – Leading zone for commodities trade and SMEs

Dubai South (formerly Dubai World Central) – Integrated logistics and business hub near Al Maktoum Airport

Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) – Conveniently located near Dubai International Airport

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) – Industrial and logistics hub in Abu Dhabi

Hamriyah Free Zone – Industrial and commercial hub in Sharjah

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) – Medical and wellness hub with hospitals and clinics

Dubai Biotechnology Research Park (DuBiotech) – Life sciences and pharmaceutical research center

Dubai Science Park – Research and development community for science – based companies

Education & Knowledge

Dubai Knowledge Park (KP) – Education and training hub for institutions and companies

Dubai Academic City – Dedicated to higher education institutions

Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) – Campus facilities for universities

Industrial & Manufacturing

Dubai Industrial City – Large-scale industrial and manufacturing zone

Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) – Heavy industries and manufacturing

Ajman Free Zone – Cost-effective option for manufacturing and trading

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) – Industrial and commercial activities

Specialized Sectors**

Gold and Diamond Park – Dedicated to jewelry and precious metals

Dubai Outsource City (now Dubai Outsource Zone) – Business process outsourcing hub

Dubai Maritime City – Maritime industry cluster

Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone – Automotive industry hub

Multi-Purpose Free Zones

Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ) – Industrial and commercial activities on the East Coast

Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) – Cost-effective multi-industry zone

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF) – One of the oldest and most established zones

Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ) – Logistics and trading near Abu Dhabi Airport

Each free zone offers unique advantages depending on your business activity, budget, and strategic requirements. Our experts can help you select the most suitable free zone for your specific needs.

Each free zone operates within the framework of independent legislation regulating activities of companies on its territory. Today there are more than 40 free economic zones in the UAE, each with a distinct specialization and offering various advantages in business setup.

Registering a company in one of the UAE's free economic zones is an attractive solution from a point of tax planning and simplification of legal processes. However, successful activities within a free zone require strict compliance with local legislation and careful legal consideration of all aspects, including registration, licensing and corporate governance. 

Why Choose a UAE Free Zone Company?

Free zone companies in the UAE enjoy a comprehensive package of benefits that make them ideal for international business operations:

100% Foreign Ownership

Complete control of your company without the requirement for a local UAE partner or sponsor. You retain full ownership of shares, intellectual property, and business decisions, ensuring maximum autonomy over your operations.

Tax Optimization

Benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, no personal income tax, and VAT exemptions on eligible transactions. This fiscal advantage allows you to maximize profitability and reinvest savings into business growth.

Full Capital Repatriation

No restrictions on the transfer of funds, profits, or capital. Freely repatriate 100% of your capital and profits to any jurisdiction without limitations, bureaucratic hurdles, or withholding taxes.

Simplified Compliance

Most free zones do not require mandatory financial audits for small and medium-sized companies, significantly reducing compliance costs and administrative burden. Annual financial reporting requirements are streamlined and straightforward.

Banking Solutions

Access to corporate accounts with leading UAE and international banks. Free zone companies are well-regarded by financial institutions, facilitating smooth account opening procedures and enabling multi-currency banking operations.

UAE Residency Visas
Sponsor residence visas for company owners, shareholders, and employees. Free zone companies can obtain multiple visa allocations based on office space, enabling you to build a team and establish a genuine presence in the UAE.

Remote Setup Available

Company formation and annual renewals can be completed entirely remotely without the need for personal presence in the UAE. Our streamlined digital processes enable you to establish and maintain your business from anywhere in the world.

Free Zone Company Registration Process

Establishing a free zone company in the UAE follows a structured and transparent process. Our team guides you through each step to ensure efficient and compliant company formation.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Free Zone Selection

We begin with a comprehensive consultation to understand your business objectives, activities, and requirements. Based on this analysis, we recommend the most suitable free zone that aligns with your industry, budget, and strategic goals. We provide comparative analysis of licensing costs, office requirements, visa allocations, and operational benefits across different free zones.

Timeline: 1-3 days

Step 2: Business Activity & License Type Selection

We help you define your business activities and select the appropriate license type (commercial, professional, industrial, or service). Each activity must be explicitly listed in your trade license, so accurate selection is crucial. We ensure your activities comply with free zone regulations and are structured to support your business model while maintaining flexibility for future expansion.

Timeline: 1-2 days

Step 3: Company Name Reservation

We submit your proposed company name to the free zone authority for approval. The name must comply with UAE naming conventions, avoid restricted words, and not conflict with existing registered entities. We typically prepare several alternative names to ensure quick approval if your first choice is unavailable.

Timeline: 1-2 days

Step 4: Document Preparation & Legalization

We prepare all required incorporation documents including Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association, shareholder resolutions, and application forms. Personal documents (passports, proof of address) require notarization, apostille, or UAE embassy legalization depending on your country of origin.

Timeline: 3-7 days (depending on legalization requirements)

Step 5: Office Space Arrangement

Free zone companies must have a registered office address within the free zone. We help you select the appropriate office solution based on your operational needs: flexi-desk (for minimal physical presence), shared office space, dedicated office, or warehouse facility.

Timeline: 1-3 days

Step 6: License Application Submission

Once all documents are prepared and office space is secured, we submit your complete license application to the free zone authority. The application includes all incorporation documents, shareholder information, office lease agreement, and payment of registration fees.

Timeline: Same day submission

Step 7: License Approval & Certificate Issuance

The free zone authority reviews your application and, upon approval, issues your trade license and company registration certificate. You receive official company documents including the license, establishment card, and certificate of incorporation.

Timeline: 3-10 days (varies by free zone)

Step 8: Post-Incorporation Services

After company formation, we assist with essential next steps including corporate bank account opening, visa applications for shareholders and employees, VAT registration (if required), and ongoing compliance support.

Timeline: Ongoing support

Total Timeline: The complete process typically takes 10-20 business days from initial consultation to license issuance, depending on document legalization requirements and free zone processing times.

Guaranteed Corporate Bank Account Opening in UAE

Company registration is just the beginning. We provide comprehensive support throughout the banking compliance process and corporate account opening for your business. We work directly with relationship managers at leading banks:

Leading UAE Banks

Emirates NBD
Mashreq Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
ADCB
Dubai Islamic Bank

International Banks

HSBC
Citibank
Standard Chartered
Habib Bank

Digital Banking

Wio Bank
Mashreq NeoBiz
ANB

We conduct preliminary document review (pre-approval) before bank submission, ensuring 98% success rate.

Free Zone Selection by Emirate

We register companies in all 40+ free economic zones across the UAE. Choose your preferred emirate:

Dubai

DMCC (JLT)
JAFZA (Jebel Ali)
DAFZA (Airport)
IFZA (Silicon Oasis)
Dubai Internet City
Meydan Free Zone

Abu Dhabi

ADGM (Global Market)
Masdar City
KIZAD
twofour54 (Media)

Northern Emirates (Cost-Effective)

SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)
SPC (Sharjah Publishing)
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah)
IFZA Fujairah
Ajman Free Zone
UAQ FTZ (Umm Al Quwain)

Free Zone Companies Features

Offices for free zone companies should usually be located within the free zone where the company is established. Some free zones may allow the rental of a "virtual" office, which generally involves leasing a workspace in a shared area.

Certain free zones focus on specialized activities, such as logistics or IT, and thus have a limited range of available business activities.

Corporate documents for free zone companies are prepared exclusively in English, without the requirement for Arabic translation.

For certain corporate actions, the involvement of the free zone is necessary, although interactions with government agencies or notaries are generally not required.

Competition among free zones leads to various customer incentives, fee reductions, and flexible regulations.

FAQ

What tax benefits do free zone companies receive?

Free zone companies in the UAE benefit from a comprehensive tax exemption framework. Qualifying free zone companies enjoy 0% corporate tax on their profits, complete exemption from personal income tax for owners and employees, and no capital gains tax on investments. Additionally, many free zone activities qualify for VAT exemption or zero-rating, particularly for international transactions. There are no withholding taxes on dividends, interest, or royalties paid to foreign entities. These tax advantages, combined with no restrictions on profit repatriation, make UAE free zones exceptionally attractive for international business operations and tax-efficient structuring.

Can I register a free zone company without traveling to the UAE?

Yes, the entire process of free zone company registration can be completed remotely without the need for personal presence in the UAE. Our streamlined digital processes enable you to handle document submission, company incorporation, and even initial bank account opening procedures from anywhere in the world. We provide comprehensive remote support including document preparation, apostille and legalization guidance, power of attorney arrangements, and communication with free zone authorities. This remote setup option is particularly valuable for international entrepreneurs who want to establish a UAE presence while minimizing travel requirements.

Which banks work with free zone companies, and how difficult is account opening?

Free zone companies have access to a wide range of banking options in the UAE, including major local banks such as Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), and Dubai Islamic Bank, as well as international banks like HSBC, Citibank, and Standard Chartered. The ease of account opening depends on several factors including your free zone jurisdiction (DIFC and ADGM companies often have smoother banking relationships), business activity, expected transaction volumes, and source of funds documentation. We provide comprehensive support throughout the banking process, including bank selection, application preparation, and relationship facilitation.

How long does it take to register a free zone company?

The timeline for free zone company registration varies depending on the specific free zone, business activity, and completeness of documentation. On average, the process takes between 5 to 15 business days from submission of complete documentation. Fast-track options are available in many free zones, reducing the timeline to 2-3 business days for an additional fee. Our experience with streamlined processes and pre-established relationships with free zone authorities often enables us to expedite registration within the shorter end of these timeframes.

Why Us?

With years of experience in UAE corporate services, White Circle has established itself as a trusted partner for international businesses seeking to establish operations in UAE free zones. Our comprehensive approach ensures not just company registration, but long-term success in the UAE market.

Expert Free Zone Selection & High-Quality Legal Team

Your free zone company formation will be handled by lawyers authorized to practice in the UAE, USA, and UK, well-versed in both UAE federal laws and free zone regulations, including DIFC and ADGM law. Our consultants possess in-depth knowledge of all 40+ UAE free zones and provide personalized recommendations based on your industry, operational requirements, and growth strategy. We conduct comparative analyses of licensing costs, office requirements, visa allocations, and regulatory environments to ensure you select the optimal free zone jurisdiction. This comprehensive legal expertise guarantees a professional approach to every aspect of your company setup.

Direct Access to Free Zones & Fast-Track Processing

As authorized partners of all major free zones, we work directly with DIFC, DMCC, ADGM, JAFZA, and other free zone authorities, eliminating intermediaries and associated costs. Our pre-established relationships and deep understanding of approval processes enable exceptional efficiency in company registration. We leverage fast-track options and proactively address potential issues before they cause delays. Our extensive network enables us to secure your trade license within 7-10 business days, open corporate bank accounts in as little as five days, and process UAE residency visas with remarkable speed—achievements often deemed unsolvable by others.

Complete Remote Setup & Round-the-Clock Support

We understand that international entrepreneurs cannot always travel to the UAE during setup. Our streamlined remote registration services enable you to establish your free zone company entirely from abroad, handling document preparation, power of attorney arrangements, bank account opening procedures, and submission to authorities without requiring your physical presence. Our team provides continuous support and remains available at all times. Direct access to dedicated specialists guarantees efficient management of your company formation, with seamless communication via phone, messaging apps, Zoom, or in-person meetings at our office in Business Bay, Dubai's main business district.

Integrated Services & Long-Term Partnership

We strive to build lasting relationships, offering consistency and predictability by ensuring the same team leads your assignments from inception to successful completion. Beyond company formation, we provide comprehensive integrated services including corporate bank account opening (with established relationships with Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB, HSBC, and other major banks), UAE residency visa processing, corporate administration, VAT registration and compliance, tax advisory, accounting, annual license renewal, and ongoing legal support. Our goal is to provide solutions that meet your real needs, avoiding unnecessary expenditures on services you don't require. You can rely on our team to support you in current and future business projects as your operations in the UAE grow and evolve.

Ready to Establish Your UAE Free Zone Company?

Let our experts guide you through the optimal free zone selection and registration process. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.