How to Set Up a Free Zone Company in the UAE (Licence, Office & Visas)
A free-zone company gets its licence from a free-zone authority, such as DMCC, JAFZA, or RAKEZ. It does not get it from the emirate DED/DET. The steps are simple. Pick your sector and your zone. Choose a legal form. Reserve a trade name. Then apply online to the zone authority. The authority checks your application. After approval, your licence is issued within about 14 working days. Costs change by zone, activity, legal form, and office package. Check the current fees with the authority you choose before you set a budget.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Varies by zone, activity, legal form & office package — confirm with the zone authority
- Total time:
- About 14 working days for licence issuance (after approval)
- Steps:
- 7 steps
- Where to apply:
- u.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 7 steps
- Before You Go Self-check
Choose your sector and free zone
Start with the sector you will work in. Then pick a free zone that supports that sector. Free-zone comparison tools can help. For example, the Free Zones Gateway for Dubai shows which zones allow which sectors. It also shows facilities, such as warehousing and plots.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go Self-check
Determine the legal entity type
You can choose from several types. These include a Private Limited Liability Company (LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗), a Free Zone Company (FZ Co.), a Free Zone Establishment (FZE), and a Public Limited Liability Company (PJSC). You can also set up a branch of a local or foreign company. The types differ in two ways. They differ in how many shareholders you can have. They also differ in whether the shareholder is a person or a company. Not every zone registers every type, so check with the authority.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare Same day
Choose and reserve a trade name
Your trade name must follow the rules. It must not go against public morals or public order. It must be followed by your legal form, such as LLC or FZE. It must not already be registered by someone else. It must match your activity and legal status. It must not contain religious names or the names of governing authorities.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay About 14 working days Varies by zone and package
Apply for the business licence
Apply online on the website of the free-zone authority. In most cases, you give basic company information and upload your documents. The authority checks your application. After approval, you will get your licence within 14 working days (u.ae).
Click to mark as done
- Go Varies
Select an office solution
Choose the office option that fits your business. The options are a flexi-desk, a shared office, or a physical office. Check the zone packages. Your office choice affects how many visas your company can apply for. Confirm both points with the authority.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Varies
Check sector approvals
Some industries need approval from other government bodies too. Examples are media, food, and health. Check if your activity needs an extra approval before you start trading.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up 1–3 weeks per visa
Apply for visas under the licence
Once your company is licensed, apply for residence visas for the owners and employees. You apply under the company quota. The steps are a work permit, a medical test, Emirates ID, and then the residence visa itself. Who can get a visa, and how many, depends on your zone package.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does free-zone setup take?
After the authority checks and approves your application, your licence is issued within about 14 working days (u.ae). Preparing your documents takes extra time. So do any sector approvals.
How much does it cost?
Costs change by zone, activity, legal form, and office package. Use the setup wizard or cost tools of the zone authority to get a quote for your case. Examples are the DMCC wizard and Invest in Dubai.
Can a free-zone company trade on the mainland?
The u.ae pages we checked do not cover this. Ask the free-zone authority and the DED before you assume you can trade on the mainland.
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