How to Set Up a Free Zone Company in Dubai
We assist with free zone incorporation, including activity selection, authority approvals, registered office solutions, and compliance setup. Requirements vary by free zone and regulated activity.
Who is it for / Suitable for
International businesses establishing a UAE operating hub with 100% foreign ownership.
Holding companies and SPVs for cross-border structuring and asset holding.
Start-ups seeking faster setup and packaged office/visa solutions.
Businesses focused on import/export or regional distribution (subject to free zone scope).
Key Requirements
Selection of an approved business activity and legal form under the relevant free zone.
Appointment of shareholders and manager(s) and execution of incorporation documents.
Registered address within the free zone (flexi-desk, office, or approved facility).
Completion of KYC/AML due diligence and beneficial ownership declarations (as required).
Additional pre-approvals for regulated activities where applicable.
Clients need to provide the following information / documents
Document Name
Notarized
Passport copy (shareholders/manager)
Identity verification and KYC file.
No
Proof of residential address
Utility bill or bank statement (typically ≤ 3 months).
No
Proposed company name options
Subject to authority availability and naming rules.
No
Business activity description
Used to confirm licensing scope and any pre-approvals.
No
Corporate documents (if shareholder is a company)
Certificate, registers, and board resolution (as applicable).
Yes
Average Processing Time
Typically 5–10 business days, subject to free zone review, KYC clearance, and any regulated activity approvals.
What you would get when the application is complete
Free Zone Trade License
Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
Share certificates (where issued)
Lease or flexi-desk agreement (registered address)
Establishment Card / immigration file (where applicable)
On-going Compliance Requirements
After completion, businesses must maintain ongoing compliance:
Annual license renewal and maintenance of registered address.
Economic substance notification/reporting where applicable to the activity.
Ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) maintenance and updates upon changes.
Accounting records retention and audit/financial statements where required by the free zone.
Employment/visa compliance for sponsored staff, including renewals and cancellations.
Government Agencies Involved
Government agencies involved / overseeing this application:
Relevant Free Zone Authority
Incorporation, licensing, and ongoing regulatory administration.
Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
VAT registration/filing obligations where thresholds/criteria are met.
ICP / GDRFA (as applicable)
Immigration processing for establishment card and residency visas.
Thanks vOffice for your quick action on my EJARI request. Appreciate your professionalism
Jen Sun
Your company handles our case very well and professional. Your regular updates allow us a peace of mind an dmake us feel like we are cared for. Your professional advise gave us a peace of mind too.
Adam
EngineerThanks for getting our Dubai company setup so quickly. Everything was perfect.
Mint
Thank you for assisting us with our case with the immigration department. We are satisfied with the outcome and we think it is fair.
Ryan Thompson
I like the way Elena handled our case despite the initial confusion. Her profesionalism is commendable.
Rachel Chen
Consult With Our Corporate Advisory Team
Our team is ready to guide you through the full process. Reach us on WeChat or WhatsApp.
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