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UAE FREE ZONES

Find an ecosystem
that fits your ambition.

Explore free-zone options in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Ajman. We help you compare activities, facilities and business communities beyond the licence price.

Discuss free zone options

UNDERSTAND THE OPPORTUNITY

What is a free zone company?

A company established within a designated free zone and licensed by its authority for approved activities.

Full foreign ownership, sector communities and a choice of workspaces can make free zones attractive. The best fit depends on where and how you trade, your operational needs and your ongoing compliance obligations.

A SHORTLIST WITH PURPOSE

UAE free zones to consider.

Your business. The right jurisdiction. Compare these options against your activity, location, ownership, operating needs and long-term objectives. Listing an authority does not imply a partnership or endorsement.

IFZA – Dubai Free Zone

Company formation & licensing

IFZA is a Dubai-based free-zone jurisdiction offering company formation with full foreign ownership and professional or commercial licence options. Activities are selected around your business model; regulated activities may require additional authority approvals.

NexGen helps compare visa allocations and office or flexi-desk options where available, prepare corporate bank account applications, and coordinate Corporate Tax registration, VAT registration where applicable, accounting, bookkeeping and ongoing compliance. Bank and visa approvals remain with the relevant institution.

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Ras Al Khaimah – RAKEZ

Trading, services & industrial businesses

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone offers free-zone company formation for startups, service providers, traders and manufacturers. Workspace options include shared facilities, offices, warehouses and industrial land. We assess the appropriate activity, facility, visa requirements and ongoing compliance for your business.

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Sharjah – Shams

Media, creative & service businesses

Sharjah Media City (Shams) is a free zone supporting media and creative businesses, alongside other permitted consultancy and trading activities. We help review the activity list, licence package, workspace and visa requirements, including any external approvals needed before operations begin.

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Ajman Free Zone

Trading, e-commerce & industrial activities

Ajman Free Zone offers business and industrial licensing, with facilities including offices, business centres and warehouses. Its location near Ajman Port can suit trading and distribution businesses. We compare permitted activities, premises, visa needs, setup and renewal costs, and ongoing accounting and tax obligations.

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JAFZA

Trading, logistics & manufacturing

An option for businesses that need access to Jebel Ali’s trade infrastructure, warehousing or industrial facilities.

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DMCC

Commodities & international business

An established business community for commodities, trading and other permitted activities. Assess activity eligibility, premises and ongoing requirements.

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DAFZ

Airport-linked trade & business

An airport free zone with workspace and business facilities relevant to international trading and other approved activities.

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Meydan Free Zone

Consultancy, trading & digital businesses

An option to consider for permitted consulting, trading and e-commerce activities, with package and workspace requirements to review.

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ASSESS MORE THAN THE PACKAGE

The right questions
before you choose.

  • Does the authority permit your exact business activity?
  • Does the licence cover your business model, including any additional regulatory approvals?
  • Does the location support your customers, suppliers and business objectives?
  • What premises and visa allocation does your business need?
  • What are the registration, annual renewal and additional service costs?
  • What accounting, audit and tax obligations apply?
  • Can the ownership and business model be clearly documented for banking?

Plan your mainland access.

A free zone licence does not automatically authorise every activity on the mainland. Your route may involve a distributor, mainland company or branch, or a licence or permit available for the activity.

Requirements for operating outside a free zone depend on the emirate and activity. Eligible Dubai free zone establishments may use the DET authorisation framework. We check the relevant mainland authority’s requirements for each location before operations begin.

Plan your next stage, too.

We consider whether the chosen free zone can support future hires, additional activities, physical facilities and changes to your ownership structure.

Compare with mainland
Further reading: Starting in a free zone ↗ · Mainland trading rules ↗ · FTA tax guidance ↗. General information reviewed September 2026; application depends on your circumstances and current rules.

COMMON FREE ZONE QUESTIONS

Clarity before
commitment.

Does every UAE free zone offer the same licence?
No. Permitted activities, company forms, facilities, visa packages and compliance rules differ by authority. We compare the requirements against your business model.
Is IFZA the right free zone for every business?
No. IFZA is one option alongside RAKEZ, Shams, Ajman Free Zone, JAFZA, DMCC, DAFZ, Meydan and other jurisdictions. We compare permitted activities, ownership, workspace, visas, banking requirements, setup and renewal costs, and ongoing compliance. Tax treatment depends on the nature of the income, business activity and applicable UAE Corporate Tax rules.
Can I choose a flexi-desk instead of an office?
Some free zones offer flexi-desk or shared workspace options for eligible activities. Physical operations, staffing, visas and banking requirements can affect the right choice.
Can I trade with mainland customers?
Mainland access is regulated. The requirements depend on the goods or services, where the activity is performed, and applicable licences or permits. We review the appropriate route for your operating model.
Will I need accounts and an audit?
Accounting and record-keeping remain important. Audit requirements depend on the authority, entity and tax position; Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions also need to be assessed.

LET’S MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD

Let’s find the right
free zone for your business.

Tell us where you are today and where you want to go. We’ll help you work out the next step.

Book a free consultation
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