Can a freezone company sell on the mainland?
Not directly. A freezone company can work through a mainland distributor, obtain a dual licence where the zone offers one, or set up a separate mainland company.
FREEZONE COMPANY SETUPUAE Freezone Company Setup
Form a freezone company with full foreign ownership and a simple licence. We compare zones, activities and packages so you pay only for what your business needs.
- Ownership
- Generally 100% foreign
- Office
- Flexi-desk to private office
- Best for
- Services, trading, holding
- Corporate tax
- 0% possible on qualifying income
Why Choose a Freezone
Freezones are designed for international business and a quick, predictable licensing process.
- Full foreign ownership
Shareholders can generally own 100% of the company with no local sponsor.
- Simple licensing
A single authority handles licence, visas and renewals, usually with online processes.
- Flexible premises
Choose a flexi-desk, shared office, warehouse or private office depending on the zone and activity.
- Tax-efficient structures
Qualifying Free Zone Persons can benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, subject to conditions such as adequate substance.
- Repatriation of profits
There are no restrictions on moving capital and profits out of the UAE.
- Visa options
Investor, partner and employee residence visas can be arranged within the quota that comes with your premises.
Popular Freezones We Work With
The right zone depends on your activity, budget, visa needs and customer base.
- DMCC, Dubai
Commodities, trading, consulting and a large community of international companies.
- IFZA, Dubai
Cost-conscious packages and a wide range of activities for start-ups and SMEs.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Technology, light industry and services, home to our Dubai headquarters.
- DAFZA and JAFZA, Dubai
Airport and port-linked zones for logistics, trading and manufacturing.
- RAKEZ, Ras Al Khaimah
Lower-cost licences, industrial units and e-commerce friendly packages.
- Sharjah and Ajman zones
Economical options for trading, media and services businesses.
Freezone Setup Steps
- Select the zone and activity
We match your activity to a zone that permits it and fits your budget.
- Submit documents
Passport copies, application forms, proof of address and any activity-specific approvals.
- Receive the licence
After fee payment the zone issues your trade licence and establishment card.
- Visas and bank account
Residence visa processing and corporate bank account support.
Things to Consider
- A freezone licence on its own does not allow direct trade on the UAE mainland. You will need a distributor, a dual licence or a mainland company.
- Qualifying income rules for 0% corporate tax are specific. Speak to a tax advisor about your structure.
- Banks run their own due diligence. Prepare a clear business plan and source-of-funds records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what applicants ask us most.
Is a physical office required in a freezone?
Most zones offer flexi-desk or shared options that meet the requirement. Larger visa quotas and some activities need a dedicated office or warehouse.
Can I live in the UAE with a freezone company?
Yes. The company can sponsor an investor or partner residence visa, subject to the zone's rules.
Can I change zones later?
Yes, but it involves cancelling or transferring the licence, so choose carefully at the start.
Do you handle annual renewals?
We can guide renewals, licence amendments, visa renewals and accounting requirements as an ongoing service.
Visatrix Global Services is an advisory firm. Assessing bodies, free zones and licensing authorities set their own rules, fees and timelines, which change from time to time, and only they decide the outcome. Always confirm current requirements on the official website before you apply.
Compare Freezones With Our Team
Share your activity and budget and we will shortlist zones that suit you.