Dubai
IFZAFlexi-desk licences and visa packages for small companies and consultantsView page 
DMCCCommodities, trading and crypto-related activityView page 
DAFZAAirport-linked trading, logistics and servicesView page 
Dubai SouthLogistics, e-commerce and aviation near Al Maktoum AirportView page 
Meydan Free ZoneLow-cost entry for freelancers and start-upsView page 
Dubai Silicon OasisTechnology and IT businessesView page 
Dubai Design District (d3)Fashion, design and creative businessesView page 
JAFZA (offshore)Offshore holding company beside Jebel Ali portView page 
All Dubai free zonesCosts, visas and how to choose in DubaiView page Abu Dhabi
ADGMFinancial services and fintech under English common lawView page 
KIZADIndustrial, manufacturing and logistics near Khalifa PortView page 
Masdar CityClean energy, sustainability and technologyView page 
twofour54Media, content production and creative businessesView page 
All Abu Dhabi free zonesCompare Abu Dhabi zones and costsView page Sharjah and Ajman
Ras Al Khaimah
There is no single best free zone in the UAE. The right one depends on your activity, the number of visas you need, the office you require and where your customers are. Flexi-desk zones such as IFZA and Meydan suit small service companies; DMCC suits commodities and crypto-related activity; DAFZA and Dubai South suit trade and logistics; ADGM suits financial services; RAKEZ, KIZAD and Hamriyah suit industrial businesses.
UAE free zones compared
| Free zone | Emirate | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA | Dubai | Flexi-desk licences and visa packages for small companies and consultants |
| DMCC | Dubai | Commodities, trading and crypto-related activity |
| DAFZA | Dubai | Airport-linked trading, logistics and services |
| Dubai South | Dubai | Logistics, e-commerce and aviation near Al Maktoum Airport |
| Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | Low-cost entry for freelancers and start-ups |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | Dubai | Technology and IT businesses |
| Dubai Design District (d3) | Dubai | Fashion, design and creative businesses |
| JAFZA (offshore) | Dubai | Offshore holding company beside Jebel Ali port |
| All Dubai free zones | Dubai | Costs, visas and how to choose in Dubai |
| ADGM | Abu Dhabi | Financial services and fintech under English common law |
| KIZAD | Abu Dhabi | Industrial, manufacturing and logistics near Khalifa Port |
| Masdar City | Abu Dhabi | Clean energy, sustainability and technology |
| twofour54 | Abu Dhabi | Media, content production and creative businesses |
| All Abu Dhabi free zones | Abu Dhabi | Compare Abu Dhabi zones and costs |
| Sharjah free zones | Sharjah and Ajman | SHAMS, SAIF Zone and Hamriyah licences |
| Hamriyah Free Zone | Sharjah and Ajman | Industrial and trading companies near Hamriyah port |
| Ajman Free Zone | Sharjah and Ajman | Lower-cost licences for small companies |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | Industrial, office and warehouse licences |
| RAK ICC (offshore) | Ras Al Khaimah | Offshore holding company |
| Ras Al Khaimah overview | Ras Al Khaimah | Free zone, offshore and mainland routes compared |
| Fujairah Free Zone | Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain | Trading and shipping on the east coast |
| Umm Al Quwain Free Zone | Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain | Low-cost licences and light manufacturing |
Costs, visa allocation and activity lists differ by zone and change over time. Ask for an itemised written quote before you apply.
Five questions that narrow the list
1. What is your activity?
Each zone publishes an activity list. Industrial, trading, media and financial activities each have natural homes.
2. Who are your customers?
Free zone companies serve clients abroad and other free zones easily. Selling inside the UAE market may need a mainland licence or an arrangement.
3. How many visas?
Visa allocation depends on the package and the premises you rent. Ask for the quota in writing.
4. What office do you need?
Flexi-desks, offices and warehouses are priced very differently and some zones require physical space.
5. What is the total first-year cost?
Licence, visas, establishment card, medical tests and premises add up. We show government fees and ours separately.
Living abroad?
See how to open a company in Dubai from abroad and what still needs a UAE visit.
Still unsure?
Compare the routes first in the Dubai free zone guide or the mainland guide.
Free zone questions answered
What is a free zone in the UAE?
A free zone is a designated area with its own licensing authority where foreign owners can hold 100% of a company. Each zone sets its own fees, activity list, office options and visa allocation.
Can a free zone company trade in the UAE mainland?
Not automatically. A free zone company usually needs a permit, a branch licence or a distributor arrangement to sell on the mainland, and the rules depend on the emirate. In Dubai the Department of Economy and Tourism sets the mainland-permit rules.
Do I get a residence visa with a free zone company?
Usually yes, within the visa allocation of your package and premises. The allocation differs by zone, and the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics are done in the UAE.
Can I set up a free zone company from abroad?
Often yes for the registration itself, because many zones accept online applications. You will need to visit the UAE for the visa medical test and biometrics. See our guide to opening a company in Dubai from abroad.
How do I choose between free zones?
Start with your activity, then compare visa allocation, office requirement, first-year cost and renewal cost. We shortlist two or three zones and give an itemised quote.
Not sure which route fits your activity?
Send your activity and get a written recommendation with costs, itemised.
Official sources
Check current fees, rules and forms with the issuing authority before you apply. Each link opens the authority’s own website.
Not sure which structure fits? Get a written recommendation before you pay a fee.
Tell us your activity, partners and where your customers are. A consultant replies with the route, the costs and the documents, itemised.