Free Zone License

It's important to select the correct type of business license you need for your new company to be able to operate in the UAE. Also factor in your 1-5 year plan with our business set up advisors.

Get your Free Zone company up and running

In over 50 UAE Free Zones, OpenHub offers assistance with company incorporation. Choosing which free zone best suits your unique business needs will undoubtedly involve reviewing and weighing a lot of information. This also includes location, cost, business type, flexible workspace or office space options, auditing and bookkeeping requirements, visa requirements, share capital requirements, and many other factors.

OpenHub has vast experience in company formation in Free Zones. It has experts from the industry to help you choose the best Free Zone that meets the requirements of your business.

Why set up your business in Free Zone

The advantages you get when setting up a company in a Free Zone and how it affects your business.

It is important to establish your 1-5 year plan with our set-up advisors before choosing between mainland and free zone options.

1.

Nature of Business License

Certain authorities must first approve certain company business activities. For a free consultation, get in touch with us today. One of our specialists will guide you through the prerequisites to launch your business.

2.

Ownership of the Company

The key benefit of operating in a UAE Free Zone is that foreign investors can continue to own 100% of their companies on all available business activities.

3.

Specialized Category of Sectors

The fact that many of the UAE's Free Zones are sector-specific can also offer tremendous opportunities to enterprises operating in Free Zones. As a result, their business owners have quick access to a wealth of knowledge and experience from others in the same industry.

4.

Financial Benefits

Financial benefits of Free Zones include a corporation and income tax rate of 0%, the absence of import- and export-related customs taxes, and the possibility to repatriate 100% of the company's revenues.

5.

The flexibility of the Physical Office

Free Zones allow businesses to operate without needing a corporate office, depending on the company's nature. Many Free Zones in the UAE offer SMEs to work in flexible office spaces and the exemption to lease or own office space.

Open Hub partner Free Zones in the UAE

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) was founded in 2002 as a strategic initiative of the Dubai government with the mission of providing the physical, market, and financial infrastructure necessary to set up and maintain a vibrant commodities marketplace. With over 14,100 registered enterprises, DMCC is now officially recognized as the biggest Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates.

DMCC strives to promote Dubai as a commercial gateway, assisting the government in achieving long-term economic growth. Its highly integrated marketplace is critical to the Free Zone's existing and rising firms. As a new enterprise, DMCC is the ideal Free Zone in which to develop.

Key Benefits

100% foreign ownership permitted
Prime central geographical location
Wide variety of office solutions for every PSQFT budget
A comprehensive selection of trading and consultancy business activities
Fewer restrictions on sensitive nationalities

Open Hub's Outlook

DMCC is a recognised global hub for international trade and commerce. DMCC has the ability to accommodate entry-level startups and provide avenues for their expansion with a large supply of office space for every budget.
Caters to a wide range of consultancy and trading business activities across various sectors.
Well situated in the heart of Dubai with excellent transport links and connectivity for shareholders, employees and clients.
Transparent freezone with public register and mandatory audited accounts for client and investment piece of mind.

Affordability - 4/10

Set Up Process efficiency - 6/10

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ)

Sharjah Publishing City (SPCFZ), established in 2017, is the world's first Free Zone idea dedicated only to serving the global publishing and media industries. Because of its simple and flexible company establishment packages, it has become one of the UAE's fastest-expanding free zones. Danske Certification Systems has granted SPC Free Zone the Quality Management System Certificate (ISO 9001:2015) in honor of its quality and achievement in providing a caring and supportive environment for investors and enterprises from a variety of industries. The certifying agency noted SPC Free Zone's modern infrastructure, wide array of services, and ease of access to regional and international markets as major reasons in its conclusion.

SPCFZ delivers best-in-class infrastructure complete with fully equipped office and co-working spaces, and comprehensive associated services like printing, licensing, and distribution, emphasizing its position as a top economic and investment destination for investors from throughout the world.

Key Benefits

100% foreign ownership permitted
Business license issuance in 1 hour
Physical office not required
Cost-effective

Open Hub's Outlook

A cost-effective free zone with quick and easy application processes.
Ideal for remote working and servicing your international clients via an invoicing vehicle.

Affordability 9/10

Process efficiency - 7/10

Sharjah Media City Free Zone (SHAMS)

Sharjah Media City (Shams) was established in February 2017 to serve as a catalyst for the growth and success of creative and media firms. Shams encompasses a wide variety of business activities available for anyone willing to launch on their entrepreneurial adventure in the UAE, with the goal of becoming a world-class media hub for innovative facilities and services.

Shams free zone is not dominated by media enterprises, with several businesses engaged in commerce. Shams also houses a variety of stores, events, and e-commerce businesses, as well as management consultancies. Event management, trade, film production, graphic design, investment consulting, and project management consultation are the most common enterprises in Shams Free Zone.

Key Benefits

100% foreign ownership permitted
Physical office not required
Cost effective

Open Hub's Outlook

A cost-effective free zone with quick and easy application processes.
Ideal for remote working and servicing your international clients via an invoicing vehicle.

Affordability 9/10

Process efficiency - 7/10

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a 272-acre special economic zone in Dubai that opened in 2004 as a financial centre for corporations operating in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. The Dubai Financial Services Authority governs DIFC, an independent regulator unique to the zone, as well as its own judicial system, DIFC Courts, which is distinct from the legal systems of the Emirate of Dubai and the federal government of the UAE. The freezone houses financial institutions and wealth funds, as well as retail and hotel spaces.

Key Benefits

100% foreign ownership permitted
Autonomous regulatory and legal framework
Has its own independent legal and regulatory framework for all civil and commercial matters practising UK common law
Exclusive financial business activities
Public registry
Ultra prime office space available

Open Hub's Outlook

A sophisticated, free zone and globally recognised as one of the most premium jurisdictions for conducting financial activity. Highly regulated for clients' peace of mind, which in turn opens gateways for corporate investment opportunities.
Unlocks the ability to operate your company from some of the most prime commercial offices in the region to entertain clients.
Provides access to exclusive regulated commercial, financial activities

Affordability - 1/10

Set Up Process efficiency - 4/10

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), located on Al Maryah Island, is an award-winning worldwide financial centre comprised of three autonomous authorities: the Registration Authority (RA), the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), and the ADGM Courts. ADGM provides exceptional service and opportunities for its business community to thrive by operating in accordance with international best practices through its transparent and pioneering regulatory frameworks, business-friendly operations, application of English Common Law and independent legal jurisdiction, and well-established local and international strategic partnerships.

ADGM is home to a broad selection of local and international businesses of all sizes, spread throughout a 114-hectare complex with world-class office space as well as cutting-edge recreational, entertainment, and hospitality amenities.

Key Benefits

The legal framework supports cross-border activities
100% foreign ownership permitted
Independent, English-speaking, common law judicial system
Autonomous regulatory and legal framework
Exclusive financial business activities
Public registry

Open Hub's Outlook

A sophisticated, free zone and globally recognised as one of the most premium jurisdictions for conducting financial activity. Highly regulated for clients' peace of mind, which in turn opens gateways for corporate investment opportunities.

Provides access to exclusive regulated commercial, financial activities

Affordability - 2/10

Set Up Process efficiency - 5/10

Meydan Free Zone (MFZ)

Established in February 2009, Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) provides an efficient and smooth business environment for start-ups at one of Dubai's best and most renowned locales.

Meydan Free Zone provides a highly cost-effective option for establishing a business, as well as full free zones benefits such as 100% ownership, no taxation, no currency restrictions, the ability to hire foreign labour, no duty tax on import and export, and flexi desk options, which are extremely convenient for those who do not need a permanent physical office for their business.

The Meydan development also comprises a variety of commercial complexes, sports centers, hotels, entertainment stations, and a number of cutting-edge facilities.

Key Benefits

100% foreign ownership permitted
24-hour licence issuance
Dual mainland license/permit available for select activities
Shareholder physical presence is not necessary; remote company formation
No NOC is required from the present visa sponsor
Physical office space is not mandatory

Open Hub's Outlook

Cost-effective prime Dubai jurisdiction. Meydan reduces the high-cost mandatory office space barrier to entry by providing virtual office and business centre solutions for their clients.

Meydan is one of the only Dubai-free zones that allow you to extend your company's operation onto the mainland with their exclusive permits for selected activities.

Affordability - 7/10

Set Up Process efficiency - 7/10

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is a free zone in Dubai that is co-branded with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority. IFZA provides the most affordable options for establishing a Dubai free zone firm. The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) provides companies with more than just a free zone; they are a community that allows entrepreneurs and enterprises to become part of an ever-evolving ecosystem in one of the world's most forward-thinking cities.

To maximize business formation in Dubai, they utilize their strategic position and combine it with the highest levels of expertise, customer-oriented service, and regulatory understanding.

Key Benefits

Professional, commercial, and industrial business activities can all be merged under a single IFZA License.
Shareholder physical presence is not necessary; remote company formation
Fast and efficient processes
No NOC is required from the present visa sponsor
Physical office space is not mandatory

Open Hub's Outlook

Cost-effective prime Dubai jurisdiction. IFZA reduces the high-cost mandatory office space barrier to entry by providing virtual office and business centre solutions for their clients.

Offers a wide selection of trading and commercial business activities across various sectors.

Affordability - 7/10

Set Up Process efficiency - 7/10

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)

Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is a worldwide base for thousands of firms from over 100 countries, and it has earned a reputation as a commerce accelerator both locally and globally. The Free Zone alone accounts for 23.8 percent of Dubai's overall GDP, making it one of the UAE's fastest-expanding free zones. Jafza is a thriving business centre for the industrial and trade sectors.

The Free Zone is home to some of the world's most successful firms. These businesses have selected Jafza as their regional headquarters, paving the path for global connection.

Key Benefits

Large commercial and industrial spaces are available
DLD permits the ability to own UAE real estate as a company
Internationally recognized jurisdiction

Open Hub's Outlook

Home to the largest seaport between Singapore and Rotterdam and globally recognised as a regional hub for international trade.
Carries great import and export accessibility benefits to the UAE and wider regions.
Large plots of land are available for warehousing, industrial services and factories.

Affordability - 5/10

Set Up Process efficiency - 6/10

Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC)

For businesses seeking a competitive and well-regulated ecosystem in which to operate more successfully locally and worldwide, the DWTC Authority offers a unique and highly attractive opportunity. They provide a great environment for startups, SMEs, and major enterprises to function locally while reaching regional and worldwide markets since they are strategically located in Dubai's Central Business District. The bulk of Dubai Department of Economic Development operations is represented by DWTC, ranging from commodities to retail establishments and consultancies to beauty salons.

Businesses in any field that require a world-class commercial location can lease office spaces, both collaborative and conventional. The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority administers the free zone and extends from the landmark Dubai World Trade Centre to the adjacent One Central.

Key Benefits

A comprehensive selection of trading and consultancy business activities
Fewer restrictions on sensitive nationalities
100% foreign ownership permitted
Prime central geographical location

Open Hub's Outlook

Caters to a wide range of consultancy and trading business activities across various sectors.
Large selection of business centres to operate your company from if a physical office is not required.
Well situated in the heart of Dubai with excellent transport links and connectivity for shareholders, employees and clients.

Affordability - 6/10

Set Up Process efficiency - 6/10

Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)

The Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) is one of the region's largest integrated commercial and industrial zones, linked to the Khalifa Port, and attracts worldwide enterprises specializing in transportation, distribution, manufacturing, trading, and storage. KIZAD provides easy alternatives and a flexible environment for creating new businesses, with access to regional and worldwide markets, a diverse selection of start-up solutions, high-quality infrastructure, and good road and transit networks. It also features high-quality warehouses with conveniently accessible truck-loading docks, as well as other leasing spaces.

The Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD) has world-class transportation facilities that support the commercial, industrial, and logistical industries in the United Arab Emirates' capital, Abu Dhabi. KIZAD provides investors with flexible ownership rights as well as land intended for industrial and logistical firms.

Key Benefits

Physical office not required
5 linked activities per license

Open Hub's Outlook

KIZAD specialises in industrial, logistics and trading activities. Strategically situated halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
KIZAD will benefit the most out of all free zones from the upcoming UAE rail system with direct connections.

Affordability - 6/10

Set Up Process efficiency - 6/10

RAK International Corporate Centre (RAKICC)

The RAK International Corporate Centre (RAKICC) is Ras Al Khaimah's exclusive organization for the creation and formation of offshore businesses. It was created by combining the registrations of RAK International Companies and RAK Offshore (formerly a part of the RAK Investment Authority). Ras Al Khaimah's previous company legislation was modified to keep up with rising worldwide standards during this process, and the new Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre Business Companies Regulations 2016 were passed on January 20, 2016.

RAKICC has various advantages, including the ability to do business as an international corporation, safeguard investments in other foreign nations, hold board meetings anywhere in the globe, and incorporate a company as a segregated portfolio company.

Key Benefits

100% foreign ownership permitted
No publicly accessible record of shareholders or directors
No necessity for an audit or financial statements
Can keep bank accounts in the UAE

Open Hub's Outlook

A great cost-effective option for UAE holding companies and SPVs that allow the ability to own assets under a corporate umbrella.

Affordability 8/10

Process efficiency - 8/10

Dubai Internet City Free Zone (DIC)

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is an information technology and business park established by the Government of Dubai as a free economic zone and strategic location for enterprises targeting rising regional markets. DIC offers about 1.5 million square feet of premium commercial office space, which is home to over 1,400 firms employing over 10,000 people. The DIC economic regulations allow enterprises to take advantage of a multitude of ownership, taxes, and customs-related benefits that are legally guaranteed for a period of 50 years.

One style of operation incorporates 100% foreign ownership, similar to that seen in the country's other designated economic zones. These liberties have prompted numerous worldwide information technology corporations, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, Microsoft, and IBM, as well as UAE-based enterprises like Ducont, to relocate their regional headquarters to the DIC. DIC is near other industrial clusters, including Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Park.

Key Benefits

100% foreign ownership
Prime location
Tech-focused ecosystem

Open Hub's Outlook

A large Dubai jurisdiction with boutique business activities geared towards technology, innovation, internet, software, web 3.0.
Home to some of the largest global tech companies and regional headquarters for blue chip companies. Situated in the heart of Dubai, offering prime office locations.
Host regular events and networking opportunities for like-minded individuals under their jurisdiction umbrella.

Affordability - 3/10

Process efficiency - 7/10

Dubai Media City Free Zone (DMC)

Dubai Media City, which opened in 2001 with the goal of establishing Dubai as the region's main media centre, presently houses over 2,000 local and regional media enterprises from 142 countries. Advertising, communications, event management, media advice, and support services, as well as a variety of freelancers, are all welcome in the free zone.

For the last 20 years, Dubai Media City has secured its place as the region's most respectable media community that contains the largest global and local media companies. It is a community where freelancers, startups, SMEs, and major corporations coexist, contributing to Dubai's designation as "Arab Media Capital 2020."

Key Benefits

100% foreign ownership
Media focused ecosystem

Open Hub's Outlook

A large Dubai jurisdiction with boutique business activities geared towards media, news and journalism.
Home to some of the largest global media companies and regional headquarters for blue chip companies. Situated in the heart of Dubai, offering prime office locations.
Host regular events and networking opportunities for like-minded individuals under their jurisdiction umbrella.

Affordability - 3/10

Process efficiency - 7/10

Dubai Design District (D3)

Dubai Design District (D3) was launched in 2013 by Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the UAE's Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to support growth and investment in areas such as digital media, arts, design, and fashion. The free zone is appropriate for enterprises of all sizes and is home to both local and international fashion houses.

Along with office space and development property, the Dubai Design District Free Zone also provides studio space and co-working amenities, making it an appealing free zone for business establishments in the design and fashion sectors.

Key Benefits

100% foreign ownership
Strategic location
Fashion & Design focused ecosystem

Open Hub's Outlook

A large Dubai jurisdiction with boutique business activities geared towards fashion, design and art.
Home to some of the largest global fashion brands and home to many of their regional headquarters.
New high-end offices.
Host regular events and networking opportunities for like-minded individuals under their jurisdiction umbrella.

Affordability 3/10

Process efficiency - 7/10

Set up Free Zone Company

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Free Zone License

Get your Free Zone company up and running

Why set up your business in Free Zone

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Open Hub partner Free Zones in the UAE

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

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Key Benefits

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Open Hub's Outlook

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Set up Free Zone Company