UAE Freezones

40+ Freezones. One Team That Knows Them All.

NUBIZ holds direct channel partnerships with leading UAE freezone authorities — IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, ADGM, JAFZA and more. We don't just advise on which freezone fits your business — we submit directly into their portals.

Compare freezones →Talk to an advisor →
What is a Freezone

Your own regulatory zone — built for foreign investment

A freezone is a designated economic area that operates under its own independent regulatory authority, separate from the mainland licensing system. The UAE has 45+ freezones across all seven emirates — each issues its own licenses, sets its own fees, and maintains its own activity list.

Freezones were created to attract foreign investment with 100% foreign ownership. The mainland has since largely caught up on ownership — but freezones still hold real advantages in cost, speed, tax, and flexibility.

100% foreign ownership — no local partner or sponsor
0% personal income tax on salary and dividends
100% profit repatriation out of the UAE
Potential 0% corporate tax via the QFZP regime
No import/export duties within the freezone
Streamlined, mostly remote digital setup
Flexible office options — flexi-desks and virtual offices accepted
The QFZP Tax Advantage

A path to 0% corporate tax on qualifying income

The UAE introduced 9% corporate tax in 2023 — but freezone companies can access a 0% rate on qualifying income by meeting the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions:

  • Registered in a UAE freezone
  • Earns qualifying income (international / other freezone trade)
  • Maintains adequate economic substance in the UAE
  • Non-qualifying income stays below 5% of total income
Freezone vs Mainland vs Offshore

The Core Decision — Where Are Your Customers?

MainlandFreezoneOffshore
Trade in UAE✓ AnywhereLimited✗ Not permitted
100% foreign ownership✓ Most sectors✓ Always✓ Always
UAE residency visa✓ Yes✓ Yes✗ No
Physical office required✓ MandatoryFlexi-desk OK✗ Not needed
Government contracts✓ Eligible✗ Not eligible✗ Not eligible
Corporate tax9% on profit0% qualifying0% foreign income
Setup speed10–15 days1–7 days3–10 days
Best forUAE market accessInternational businessHolding & assets
Our Channel Partners

Explore the Freezones We Work With

Not all freezones are equal — location credibility, activity specialisation, cost, and physical infrastructure vary widely. Here are the eight we know inside out.

IFZAMultiple activities. One Dubai license.
15,000+Companies registered
6Activities per license
View IFZA
Meydan FZA prestige Dubai address, issued in hours.
2,500+Business activities
6Visas included
View Meydan FZ
DMCCThe world's #1 freezone for commodities & crypto.
26,000+Companies
#1Ranked 9 years
View DMCC
ADGMEnglish Common Law in the UAE capital.
Common LawEnglish legal system
Abu DhabiUAE capital
View ADGM
JAFZAPort access and global supply-chain power.
9,500+Companies
36%Of Dubai GDP
View JAFZA
ANC FZThe UAE's most affordable entry point.
MostAffordable
48hrLicense issuance
View ANC FZ
RAKEZAffordable setup with real physical infrastructure.
18,000+Companies
33Msqm zone
View RAKEZ
SPC FZFreezone plus mainland access, issued in 24 hours.
DualLicense option
24hrLicense issuance
View SPC FZ

Not Sure Which Freezone?

Our consultants map your business model to the right freezone in a free 30-minute call.

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