Free Zone Selection
An objective comparison of suitable free zones based on activity, location, facilities and total cost of ownership.
Business Setup · Free Zone
Free Zone Company Formation in the UAE
Set up in one of the UAE's specialised free zones with full foreign ownership, sector-focused infrastructure and objective guidance on choosing the zone that fits your business.
Overview
Choosing the right free zone matters
The UAE is home to a large number of free zones, each with its own authority, regulations, permitted activities and cost structure. Many are built around specific sectors — from media and technology to logistics, commodities and financial services — and offer infrastructure designed for those industries.
Free zone companies can be fully foreign owned and are well suited to international trade, services delivered from the UAE and businesses that mainly work with clients outside the local market. Trading directly with the UAE mainland is generally subject to additional arrangements, such as a local distributor or the appropriate permits.
Because no two free zones are alike, the most important decision is which one to choose. MMAS Advisory compares the options against your activities, budget, visa needs, office requirements and banking plans, then manages the application through to licence issuance.
What We Do
How we support your free zone setup
Objective advice on where to establish, followed by careful management of every application and approval.
Activity & Package Selection
Selecting permitted activities and the licence package that matches your visa and office requirements.
Application & Documentation
Preparing registration documents, shareholder information and any attestation required by the authority.
Facilities & Office Options
Guidance on flexi-desk, shared and dedicated office options within your chosen zone.
Residency & Establishment
Coordinating establishment registration and residence visas for shareholders and employees.
Banking & Tax Readiness
Preparing for corporate bank account applications and corporate tax registration after incorporation.
Is It Right for You?
Is a free zone company right for you?
Often well suited to
- International trading and consultancy businesses
- Technology, media, e-commerce and service start-ups
- Founders seeking full ownership and a streamlined setup
- Companies needing sector-specific infrastructure or regulation
Worth considering
- Each free zone permits a defined list of activities
- Direct trade in the UAE mainland market is generally restricted
- Visa allocation is linked to the package and office space
- Qualifying free zone tax treatment depends on meeting specific conditions
The Process
Your free zone formation, step by step
Step 1: Requirements Review
Your activities, client base, visa needs, budget and timing.
Step 2: Free Zone Shortlist
A clear comparison of the zones that genuinely fit, and a recommendation.
Step 3: Application & Approvals
Document preparation, submission and liaison with the authority.
Step 4: Licence & Establishment
Licence issuance, company documents and establishment registration.
Step 5: Visas, Banking & Tax
Residence visas, bank account preparation and tax registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Free Zone
Can't find what you're looking for? Every business is different — we're happy to answer your questions directly.
Ask an AdvisorThere is no single best free zone. The right choice depends on your activity, where your clients are, visa requirements, office needs and budget. We shortlist zones that genuinely fit and explain the trade-offs between them.
Free zone companies can usually serve clients outside the UAE freely. Doing business directly in the mainland market is generally restricted and may require a distributor, an additional permit where available, or a separate mainland entity.
Free zone companies fall within the UAE corporate tax regime and must register. A company that meets the conditions to be a Qualifying Free Zone Person may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income. The conditions are specific, so professional advice is recommended.
Many free zones allow much of the process to be completed remotely. Some steps — such as residence visa medicals, biometrics and certain bank meetings — typically require presence in the UAE.
Begin With Clarity
Your UAE Chapter Starts With the Right Conversation.
Speak with an MMAS advisor about your plans. We will help you understand your options, choose the right structure and move forward with confidence.