DMCC
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Famous for international commodity trading, precious metals, diamonds, energy, general trading and professional services. Popular with international trading companies and businesses seeking a major commercial hub.
Our services
Business IncorporationAccounting & BookkeepingVAT ComplianceCorporate TaxTransfer PricingBusiness AdvisoryTransaction AdvisoryAudit & AssuranceBusiness Incorporation
Choose your emirate to see local pricing, licensing notes and your team.
Service options
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Choose your emirate to see local pricing, licensing notes and your team.
Select your emirate
Service options
VAT Compliance
Choose your emirate to see local pricing, licensing notes and your team.
Service options
Corporate Tax
Choose your emirate to see local pricing, licensing notes and your team.
Select your emirate
Transfer Pricing
Choose your emirate to see local pricing, licensing notes and your team.
Select your emirate
Service options
Business Advisory
Choose your emirate to see local pricing, licensing notes and your team.
Service options
Transaction Advisory
Choose your emirate to see local pricing, licensing notes and your team.
Service options
Audit & Assurance
Choose your emirate to see local pricing, licensing notes and your team.
Service options
Fixed monthly fee
Unlimited transactions, no surprises
Every accounting plan includes unlimited transactions and a dedicated accountant.
from AED 1,250View packagesNot sure which service you need?Talk to an expert
UAE business setup
Not sure where to start? Compare mainland and free zones side by side, then let us recommend the right structure.
Mainland company formation
Licensed by the emirate’s economic department, for businesses targeting the UAE domestic market.
Choose your emirate
DubaiTrading & servicesAbu DhabiGovernment & energySharjahIndustry & SMEsAjmanSmall businessRas Al KhaimahIndustrial & tourismFujairahShipping & logisticsUmm Al QuwainLocal trading
Popular
Free zone company formation
27 prominent free zones across all seven emirates, each with its own licensing framework and industry focus.
Abu Dhabi4
Umm Al Quwain1
Fujairah2
Start a company
Licensed in as little as 3 days
Mainland or free zone. We handle licence, visas, bank account and accounting.
Consult nowNot sure which jurisdiction fits your business?Find the right jurisdiction
Pricing
Transparent fees
Know the cost before you commit
Use the calculator for an instant estimate, or pick a fixed monthly package.
Consult nowResources
Free tools
Calculators built for UAE rules
VAT, Corporate Tax, gratuity and more — free to use, no sign-up.
Consult now
UAE Free Zones
Free zone company formation in the UAE
Free zones are designated business jurisdictions offering their own licensing frameworks, facilities and business support. They are popular with international entrepreneurs, consultants, trading companies, technology firms and businesses seeking specialised industry ecosystems.
Free zones at a glance
- Free zones profiled27
- EmiratesAll 7
- LicensingFree zone authority
- Corporate tax0% on qualifying income*
Important before you choose a free zone
A free-zone company does not automatically have unrestricted access to conduct business throughout the UAE mainland. The permitted route depends on the activity, emirate and applicable rules. Likewise, free-zone status alone does not guarantee a 0% corporate tax rate.
Free zone explorer
27 free zones across seven emirates
Search and filter prominent UAE free zones by emirate and industry. Free zones are grouped by emirate and industry focus rather than ranked; the UAE has many additional specialised zones.
27 free zones
JAFZA
Jebel Ali Free Zone
A major logistics and industrial hub associated with Jebel Ali Port. Known for warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, import-export and regional supply chains.
DAFZ
Dubai Airport Freezone
Located near Dubai International Airport, it is known for aviation-related businesses, international distribution, electronics, technology, pharmaceuticals and high-value goods.
DIFC
Dubai International Financial Centre
A leading financial centre with its own legal and regulatory framework. Famous for financial institutions, fintech, investment management, wealth management, legal services and professional firms.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
DSO
A technology-focused business community known for software development, IT services, innovation, electronics and technology-driven startups.
Meydan Free Zone
Meydan
Known for digital business setup options and a broad range of consultancy, commercial, service and online business activities, subject to licensing eligibility.
View setup detailsIFZA
International Free Zone Authority
Popular among consultants, trading companies, entrepreneurs and international investors seeking flexible company formation options.
View setup detailsDubai Internet City
DIC
An established technology hub associated with global technology companies, software, digital services, cloud solutions and IT consulting.
Dubai Media City
DMC
Designed around media, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, content production and communications businesses.
Dubai South
Dubai South
A major development around aviation, logistics, cargo, warehousing and trade, with business opportunities linked to the wider aviation and logistics ecosystem.
Dubai CommerCity
Dubai CommerCity
Specialised in e-commerce, digital retail, fulfilment, distribution and online business operations.
Dubai Design District
d3
A specialised creative community for fashion, architecture, design, luxury brands, art and creative businesses.
ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market
An international financial centre with an independent legal framework based on English common law. Known for financial services, asset management, fintech, holding companies and wealth management.
Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City
A business ecosystem associated with clean energy, sustainability, environmental technology, research and innovation.
KEZAD
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi
A major industrial and logistics ecosystem offering infrastructure for manufacturing, warehousing, food processing, distribution and industrial projects.
twofour54
Abu Dhabi media zone
Abu Dhabi’s media and entertainment ecosystem, supporting production, broadcasting, gaming, content creation and creative businesses.
SAIF Zone
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
A well-established business zone near Sharjah International Airport, known for trading, import-export, logistics, manufacturing and distribution.
Hamriyah Free Zone
Hamriyah
An industrial and maritime business hub supporting manufacturing, petrochemicals, steel, food processing, warehousing and port-related trade.
Shams
Sharjah Media City
Popular with media professionals, digital marketers, content creators, consultants, creative entrepreneurs and selected service businesses.
View setup detailsSharjah Publishing City
SPC Free Zone
A specialised ecosystem for publishing, printing, bookselling, translation, content distribution and related commercial activities.
View setup detailsAjman Free Zone
AFZ
Known for trading, manufacturing, logistics and service businesses. Often considered by startups and small companies comparing business formation costs and facilities.
View setup detailsAjman Media City Free Zone
Ajman Media City
Supports selected media, digital, consultancy, marketing and creative business activities.
RAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
A diversified business zone supporting trading, manufacturing, industrial operations, services, warehousing and international business.
View setup detailsRAK DAO
RAK Digital Assets Oasis
A specialised ecosystem for eligible digital-asset, Web3, blockchain and related innovation businesses, subject to its regulatory and licensing requirements.
UAQ Free Trade Zone
UAQ FTZ
Offers company formation options for selected commercial, consultancy, trading and service activities. It is another option for entrepreneurs comparing jurisdictions outside Dubai.
Fujairah Free Zone
FFZ
Located near Fujairah’s port and transport links. Known for trading, maritime services, logistics, warehousing and industrial activities.
Creative City Fujairah
Fujairah Creative City
A business formation option for eligible media, creative, consultancy and service activities.
No jurisdiction matches these filters.
For a broader official list and authority links, see the UAE Government’s free-zone directory.
Compare
Which free zone suits which business?
Starting points to explore for common business types.
| Business requirement | Jurisdictions worth exploring |
|---|---|
| Accounting, bookkeeping and consultancy | Dubai Mainland, IFZA, Meydan, DMCC |
| Auditing and regulated financial services | Relevant mainland or financial-zone jurisdiction, subject to professional and regulatory approvals |
| General trading and import-export | Dubai Mainland, DMCC, JAFZA, SAIF Zone, RAKEZ |
| Manufacturing and industrial operations | KEZAD, JAFZA, Hamriyah, RAKEZ |
| Technology, software and IT | Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, IFZA |
| Financial services and investment management | DIFC, ADGM |
| Media, advertising and digital content | Dubai Media City, Shams, twofour54 |
| E-commerce and online retail | Dubai CommerCity, Dubai Mainland, eligible free zones |
| Shipping and logistics | JAFZA, Dubai South, Fujairah Free Zone |
| Sustainability and clean energy | Masdar City Free Zone |
| Digital assets and Web3 | RAK Digital Assets Oasis, subject to applicable rules |
These are starting points, not exclusive activity lists. The correct choice depends on the exact activity, customer location, office requirements, visa needs and regulatory approvals.
How it works
Free zone setup in six steps
Choose your business activity
Tell us what you will do. We match it to the right licensed activities.
Pick the right jurisdiction
Mainland or free zone, compared on cost, visas and market access.
Reserve a company name
We check availability and secure your trade name with the authority.
Submit the documents
We prepare and file your application. You review and sign.
Get your trade licence
Your licence is issued and your company is ready to trade.
Open a bank account & apply for visas
Corporate bank account introductions, investor and employee visas.
Tax & compliance
Important tax and compliance information
Setting up is only the start. These rules apply from the moment your company is licensed.
Corporate tax
UAE corporate tax generally applies to taxable businesses. The standard rate is 0% on the first AED 375,000 of taxable income and 9% on taxable income above that threshold, subject to the applicable legislation and exceptions.
Free-zone corporate tax
A Qualifying Free Zone Person may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income if all relevant conditions are met. Free-zone incorporation alone does not guarantee this treatment.
VAT
UAE VAT is generally 5% on taxable supplies, with registration and other obligations depending on the business’s circumstances.
Auditing
An audit may be required by the relevant law, licensing authority, free zone or other applicable requirement. Do not assume that every company has the same audit obligation.
Mainland access
Check the relevant licensing route before a free-zone business conducts regulated or otherwise restricted activities on the mainland. Dubai introduced a Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit framework in 2025; its eligibility and scope should be checked with the relevant authority.
One team for setup and compliance
A2a Corpix handles company formation together with corporate tax, VAT, bookkeeping and audit coordination, so your business is compliant from day one.
Find the right jurisdiction
Tell us about your business and we will recommend suitable mainland and free-zone options, usually within one working day.
By submitting you agree to our Privacy Policy.Plan your UAE setup with clarity and confidence
All company formation, licensing, tax and regulatory services are subject to the relevant authority’s requirements and any necessary professional approvals.