Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
One shareholder (individual or corporate).
Free Zone Company (FZC)
2–5 shareholders.
Branch Office
Extension of an existing UAE-based or international company.
UAE Free Zones: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
Welcome to Business Diaries, your trusted partner for seamless company formation across more than 80 UAE Free Zones!
With so many incredible options available, finding the ideal free zone for your business can feel overwhelming — but don’t worry, we’re here to simplify everything.
From helping you pick the perfect location and license type to navigating flexible desk options, banking, and visa processes, our expert team ensures a fast, cost-effective, and stress-free setup tailored to your business goals.
Companies established within UAE free zones interact primarily with their respective Free Zone Authority, which acts as the governing body for all licensing, visa, and operational matters. This means you will have limited direct engagement with federal or mainland government departments, streamlining administrative procedures and making business management much simpler and faster compared to mainland setups.
One of the greatest advantages of setting up in many UAE free zones is that entrepreneurs are not required to be physically present during the incorporation phase. You can complete your company registration remotely from anywhere in the world. Physical presence is typically only needed later during the visa stamping and Emirates ID procedures, making it a highly convenient option for international investors and entrepreneurs who wish to save travel time and costs initially.
While UAE free zones offer a 0% personal and corporate income tax environment, businesses must still comply with broader UAE regulations. Companies are required to meet Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), disclose ownership through Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) filings, and follow strict Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML-CFT) rules. Additionally, if taxable supplies exceed the threshold, VAT registration becomes mandatory, even for free zone entities. Staying compliant with these obligations ensures a strong, credible, and sustainable business presence in the UAE.
Setting up a company in a UAE free zone offers exceptional flexibility across business activities. Entrepreneurs can conduct business-to-business (B2B) transactions with mainland companies, subject to necessary approvals, and engage freely in business-to-consumer (B2C) activities within the free zone and internationally. Many free zones also permit multiple activities under a single license, enabling businesses to diversify and expand easily. This operational freedom empowers companies to scale, innovate, and adapt to changing market needs while maximizing the strategic benefits of the UAE’s business-friendly ecosystem.
Starting from
T & C Apply
One shareholder (individual or corporate).
2–5 shareholders.
Extension of an existing UAE-based or international company.
