The Best
Dubai Freezones
for Your Business
Foundster provides official company formation in the two leading multi-sector freezones: IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) and MEYDAN. Both options at list prices without markups.
MEYDAN
Near Downtown Dubai
IFZA
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Find the Perfect Freezone for Your Business
Both freezones offer complete 100% foreign ownership and zero corporate tax for qualifying activities.
IFZA
International Free Zone Authority
One of Dubai's largest freezones with over 60,000 companies, strategically located in Dubai Digital Park. IFZA offers 800+ business activities and regularly conducts attractive promotions like 'Visa Free for Life' campaigns.
- Over 60,000 companies registered
- 800+ business activities
- Regular 'Visa Free for Life' promotions
MEYDAN
Meydan Free Zone
Exclusive freezone established 2009 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Ruler's Decree), operated by Meydan Group (founded 2007 by Saeed Humaid Al Tayer). Strategically located at Dubai World Cup racecourse with access to 5-star facilities.
- Founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Operated by Meydan Group (since 2007)
- Exclusive location at Dubai World Cup
Coming Soon
New Freezone
Coming Soon
New Freezone
Where Should Your Freezone Be Located?
Choose the perfect location for your Dubai company. Both IFZA and MEYDAN offer strategic advantages with easy access to Dubai's business districts.
IFZA Business Park
Building A1, IFZA Business Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis
MEYDAN Freezone
Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai
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What is a Dubai Freezone?
Everything you need to know about Dubai Freezones - explained simply and clearly.
Definition and Concept
A Dubai Freezone is a special economic zone within the United Arab Emirates that offers unique business opportunities to foreign investors. These strategically planned zones were created by the UAE government as part of Vision 2071 to attract international companies and establish Dubai as a global trading hub. While certain business activities have been possible on the UAE mainland without a local sponsor since 2020 (through the new Commercial Companies Law), Freezones continue to offer the most straightforward solution for 100% foreign ownership. The key advantage of Freezones lies in their comprehensive business freedom, simplified incorporation processes and tax benefits, which are often subject to more complex regulations on the mainland. Each Freezone functions as an independent jurisdiction with its own laws and regulations, which international companies particularly appreciate. This autonomous structure enables Freezones to respond quickly to market needs and offer tailored solutions for different industries. The Freezone concept was pioneered in 1985 with Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and has since expanded to over 30 specialized zones across Dubai. As part of the UAE Vision 2071 strategic framework, the government promotes Freezones as central pillars of the future economy, with continuous infrastructure development and enhanced digital services to maintain Dubai's position as the world's leading international business hub.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete control without local UAE partner or sponsor required
Independent Jurisdiction
Each freezone with own laws and tailored solutions
UAE Vision 2071
Strategic government initiative for global trading hub Dubai
Main Benefits of a Freezone
Dubai Freezones offer exceptional business advantages that make them the first choice for international entrepreneurs. The most important benefit is 100% foreign ownership without a local UAE partner or sponsor, enabling complete control over business decisions. The Small Business Relief offers significant tax advantages: companies with profits under AED 375,000 annually (circa USD 102,000) pay 0% corporate tax. Above that, the competitive rate of 9% applies. Individuals pay no income tax on their salary or capital gains. Complete profit repatriation occurs without restrictions or additional taxes. The company formation process is greatly simplified with minimal bureaucracy - formation typically takes between 1 and 5 working days depending on the Freezone. UAE Residence Visas can be sponsored for business owners, investors and employees, creating long-term residence rights. Additionally, Freezone companies benefit from 100% foreign currency repatriation, no foreign exchange restrictions, and the ability to conduct business in any currency. Freezone companies can also obtain Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status for permanent 0% corporate tax on qualifying income including export/re-export activities, inter-freezone transactions, and international trading. The strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa makes Dubai the ideal hub for international business.
0% Corporate Tax
For profits under 375,000 AED annually (approx. 102,000 USD)
1-5 Business Days Setup
Highly simplified process with minimal bureaucracy
Full Profit Repatriation
Without restrictions or additional taxes
Different Types of Freezones
Dubai offers over 45 different Freezones, each with its own specialization and unique advantages for different business models. General multi-sector Freezones like IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) and MEYDAN allow diverse business activities from trading to consulting to e-commerce and are ideal for startups and SMEs due to their cost-effective structure. Specialized zones focus on specific industries and offer tailored infrastructure: DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is the world's largest Freezone network for commodities and precious metals with over 19,000 companies. Dubai Media City hosts international media corporations like CNN, Reuters and BBC. Dubai Internet City is the Silicon Valley of the Middle East with technology giants like Google, Microsoft and Meta. DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is a leading financial center with its own legal system based on English Common Law. Other important Freezones include Dubai South for aviation and logistics, Dubai Healthcare City for medical services, and Dubai Design District for creative industries. The company formation process depends on factors such as industry, target market, budget and required infrastructure. Many Freezones also offer special incubation programs and mentoring for innovative startups. Each Freezone provides different advantages: IFZA and MEYDAN are known for their competitive pricing and comprehensive business activity licenses, while specialized zones like DMCC and DIFC offer industry-specific benefits and premium networking opportunities with established multinational corporations.
45+ Different Freezones
Each with unique specialization and benefits
Ideal for Startups & SMEs
Multi-sector freezones with cost-effective structure
Tailored Infrastructure
Specialized zones for specific industries and technologies
Company Formation in Freezones
Company formation in Dubai Freezones is significantly easier than on the UAE mainland and is characterized by minimal bureaucracy. The entire process typically takes between 1 and 5 working days depending on the Freezone and requires no physical presence in Dubai. The special feature: You only need your passport as the sole personal document. All other legal documents such as the Memorandum of Association, Board Resolutions and employment contracts are created by the Freezones themselves based on your information. The founder simply needs to fill out a simple online application and specify the desired business activity. Different license types are available: Trading License for trade and import/export, Service License for consulting and services, and Industrial License for production and manufacturing. Many Freezones also offer combination licenses that unite multiple activities under one license. The entire formation process runs digitally - from application to document creation to license issuance. With Foundster, you benefit from direct formation at the official list price of the respective Freezone without hidden markups or broker fees. Foundster has direct access to all major Freezones and can offer you the most transparent prices on the market. After formation, you receive all documents electronically and can start doing business immediately.
1-5 Days Without Presence
No physical presence in Dubai required
Only Passport Needed
Single personal document - all others created by freezone
Foundster List Price Advantage
Direct access without hidden markups or broker fees
Tax Benefits
Dubai Freezones offer exceptional tax benefits that make them one of the most attractive business locations worldwide. According to Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 and Cabinet Decision 116 of 2022, all UAE companies benefit from the standard corporate tax structure: 0% corporate tax on profits up to AED 375,000 (circa USD 102,000) annually and only 9% on profits above that. Additionally, Freezone companies can register as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) and receive permanently 0% corporate tax on all qualifying income - this includes export/re-export business, Freezone-to-Freezone transactions, international trading activities, commodity trading and intellectual property. The de-minimis rule allows up to 5% of revenue or a maximum of AED 5 million from non-qualifying activities without losing QFZP status. Even non-qualifying income is only taxed at 9%. For smaller companies, the Small Business Relief (SBR) exists until the end of 2026, granting complete tax exemption for annual revenues under AED 3 million. Individuals pay no income tax on salaries or capital gains. For VAT, designated Freezones benefit from 0% VAT on goods transactions between Freezones, while the standard VAT rate is only 5%. Customs benefits include 100% import and export tax exemption for international companies versus 5% normal UAE customs rate. Additionally, there are no foreign exchange restrictions, no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and no withholding tax. These comprehensive tax benefits, combined with Dubai's strategic location and direct list prices without broker markups at Foundster, create an unparalleled tax-optimized business environment for international companies. The UAE has also signed over 70 double taxation agreements and 100+ bilateral investment treaties, providing additional tax optimization opportunities for international businesses.
0% Corporate Tax
On profits up to 375,000 AED (approx. 102,000 USD) annually
QFZP Status: Permanent 0%
On export/re-export and international trade activities
No Income Tax
Individuals pay 0% on salaries and capital gains
Visa and Residence Rights
Dubai Freezone companies offer two main visa options for international entrepreneurs and professionals. The Employment Visa is ideal for employees and is sponsored by the Freezone company. It has a validity period of 2 years and is renewable as long as the employment relationship exists. The requirement is a minimum salary of AED 4,000 monthly. This visa binds the holder to the employer and allows work exclusively for the sponsoring company. The Investor Visa, on the other hand, is aimed at business owners and entrepreneurs who acquire a stake in a Freezone company. It is also valid for 2 years and requires a minimum share capital of AED 50,000. As an investor, you are self-employed and not bound to an employer. Both visa types allow family reunification for spouses and children, provided appropriate income and accommodation proof is provided. The process includes Emirates ID application, medical testing and biometric registration. Family sponsorship is possible for spouses and children subject to income and accommodation requirements. The visa application process runs completely digitally through the Freezone authorities and typically takes 2-4 weeks. Many Freezones offer special promotions such as free visas for the first year or reduced minimum requirements. Special Freezone promotions can provide excellent value, such as IFZA's "Visa Free for Life" campaigns or MEYDAN's fast-track processing options. A UAE residence visa allows you to open a bank account, obtain a driving license, and access all local services within the Emirates. With Foundster, you benefit from direct support with visa applications and all required documents at transparent list prices without hidden fees. Foundster's partnerships with Freezones ensure optimal residence solutions and transparent pricing through direct access to all major Dubai Freezones.
Employment Visa
2 years valid, 4,000 AED minimum salary, employer-sponsored
Investor Visa
2 years valid, 50,000 AED share capital, self-sponsored
Family Sponsorship Available
Spouse and children with income and housing proof
Office and Location Options
Freezones provide flexible office solutions for different budgets and business needs. Most basic licenses include a Unit Lease Agreement for a virtual office, which is particularly cost-effective for international entrepreneurs. The positive aspect: Most Unit Lease Agreements do not indicate that it is a virtual office - which is advantageous for substance proof and international tax purposes. Beyond virtual offices, various options are available: Flexi Desk solutions offer shared co-working spaces for occasional office use, ideal for companies requiring periodic physical presence. Shared Offices provide dedicated workspace for small teams with access to meeting rooms and networking areas. Private Offices cater to larger companies needing confidential workspace and storage facilities. Many Freezones offer state-of-the-art business centers with modern amenities: high-speed internet, reception services, conference facilities, and networking areas. All options provide professional business addresses, comprehensive mail handling services, and meeting rooms as needed. The Unit Lease Agreement typically fulfills physical presence requirements even with virtual offices, eliminating the need for costly physical space while ensuring substance for international tax purposes. The choice of office solution depends on individual requirements, company size, desired services, and whether face-to-face client meetings are essential for your business model.
Individual Office Solutions
Each freezone offers tailored options for different budgets
Unit Lease Agreement Included
Virtual office usually included in basic license
Substance Advantage
Virtual office not identifiable on Unit Lease Agreement
Banking and Account Opening
UAE Corporate Bank Accounts can only be opened if the General Manager has a UAE Residency Visa. This is a fundamental requirement of all local banks in the United Arab Emirates. Foundster recommends Wio Bank here - a modern digital-first bank founded in 2022 by Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB). Wio Bank is specifically aimed at startups and SMEs and offers fully digital account openings, low minimum balances, free local transfers and innovative banking tools via a user-friendly app. As a subsidiary of ADCB, Wio Bank benefits from the stability of an established bank while providing modern, agile service. For customers without UAE Residency, international providers like currenxie.com remain the best alternative. Currenxie is a Singapore-regulated fintech provider specializing in Freezone companies, offering multi-currency accounts, cost-effective international transfers and modern online banking tools. Foundster supports with both options - both local account opening with Wio Bank for residents and the international solution with currenxie.com for non-residents.
UAE Residency Required
General Manager needs UAE visa for local bank accounts
Wio Bank for Residents
Modern digital bank with startup-focused service
Currenxie for Non-Residents
International fintech solution for freezone companies
Compliance and Ongoing Obligations
Every Freezone company must register for Corporate Tax within 3 months of formation - otherwise penalties of AED 10,000 apply. Dubai Freezone companies must file annual Corporate Tax returns, even if no taxes are due. Monthly bookkeeping is legally required and must be properly maintained. Additionally, annual compliance reports must be submitted and licenses renewed. Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) apply to certain activities such as holding businesses, intellectual property and financial services. Foundster offers comprehensive compliance services - from Corporate Tax registration to monthly bookkeeping to annual tax returns. Foundster's CompanyCockpit Platform helps manage all ongoing obligations and deadlines so you can focus on your core business.
3-Month Deadline
Corporate Tax Registration within 3 months
AED 10,000 Penalty
For late Corporate Tax Registration
Foundster Services
Complete compliance support available
Long-term Perspectives and Expansion
Dubai Freezones are strategically integrated into UAE Vision 2071 and Dubai Economic Agenda D33 - two official government strategies for the coming decades. UAE Vision 2071, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is based on four pillars: future-oriented government, excellent education, diversified knowledge economy and a happy society. The goal: to make the UAE the best country in the world by 2071. In parallel, according to the D33 agenda, Dubai is to double its economy (to AED 32 trillion) by 2033 and rank among the top 3 global business cities. Over 40 UAE Freezones benefit from massive infrastructure investments, digital transformation and focus on future sectors such as AI, blockchain, green energy and fintech. The Dubai Unified License will enable seamless business between different Freezones in the future. With the geographical location between Europe, Asia and Africa, the emerging Area 2071 Innovation Center and the goal of 100% clean energy by 2050, Dubai Freezones create an unparalleled long-term business environment. Foundster positions customers optimally for these future developments through direct access to leading Freezones at transparent list prices.
UAE Vision 2071
Become world's best country by 2071
Dubai D33 Agenda
Double economy by 2033
Area 2071 Innovation
Future hub for global innovations
Ready for Your Dubai Freezone Company Formation?
Our AI expert Donna will help you choose the optimal freezone for your business.
