Free Zone Company Formation

A freezone company setup in Dubai means registering a business in a special economic zone with its regulatory authority. These zones offer key benefits: 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax, full profit repatriation, and streamlined licensing. Each authority issues a business licence limited to activities within the zone or international trade. To operate in the mainland, a local distributor is required. EGSH manages the whole setup process — from the licence application to visa coordination.

Free zone business setup in Dubai allows 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax (in most cases), and simplified licensing under zone-specific authorities like DMCC, DAFZA, or IFZA. Companies are limited to international operations or trading within the zone unless they appoint a mainland distributor. Mainland registration, licenced by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), permits direct business across the UAE, access to government tenders, and broader visa quotas. EGSH provides a legal setup for both models and advises on the most compliant option based on your business activity.

The process includes selecting a free zone, defining your business activity, reserving a trade name, submitting the application, and leasing office space. Once approved, you receive your free zone licence and can apply for visas. EGSH handles all stages of company formation in the Dubai free zone through official channels for a fast and compliant setup.

Core documents include passport copies of shareholders and managers, a completed application form, business plan or CV, trade name options, and office lease or service agreement. Some zones may require KYC or parent company documents. EGSH ensures full compliance with document standards across all major UAE free zones.

Choosing the correct free zone in the UAE depends on your business activity, required infrastructure, target markets, and visa needs. Each zone specialises in specific sectors and offers different licensing and office solutions. — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC): Ideal for trading, commodities, and financial services. In Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), DMCC offers advanced infrastructure, a wide range of commercial licences, and proximity to Dubai’s business districts. — Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA): Suited for international trade, aviation, logistics, and technology firms. Located next to DXB airport, DAFZA provides quick customs processing and high-end office facilities for global companies. — International Free Zone Authority (IFZA): A flexible option for professional services, consultancies, and SMEs. IFZA offers low-cost licensing, simplified documentation, and shared desk licensing options for startups and freelancers. — Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO): Best for tech companies, software development, and engineering. DSO is an integrated free zone and residential community with modern IT infrastructure and R&D facilities. Factors like free zone visa quota, type of office (virtual, shared desk, or physical space), and access to transport hubs should also be considered. EGSH helps you select the optimal free zone based on your business type and handles end-to-end company formation in Dubai free zones.

Yes. Free zone companies do not require a local sponsor or Emirati partner. Foreign investors are granted full ownership.

An e-commerce licence in the Dubai free zone is issued as a commercial licence. The exact category depends on the nature of your business—whether you operate a proprietary online store, sell through third-party platforms, or provide digital services. Several free zones offer dedicated e-commerce licensing options: — DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) provides e-commerce licences for trading physical goods online, as well as access to warehousing and fulfilment services. — IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) offers flexible e-commerce licence packages ideal for startups and cross-border sellers. — DAFZA (Dubai Airport Freezone) supports e-commerce companies focused on international logistics, re-export, and customs efficiency through proximity to Dubai International Airport. Licensing requirements may include a virtual or flexi-desk office setup, domain registration, and activity-specific approvals depending on the product category (e.g., health, cosmetics, food). EGSH helps identify the correct licence type for your e-commerce model, prepares the required documents, and completes the company setup in Dubai free zones.

Yes. 100% foreign ownership of the UAE is a key benefit of all Dubai free zones. Investors can fully own and manage their business without a local partner.

Residence visas are available to shareholders, employees, and dependents through a licenced free zone company. Once your company is incorporated and the licence is issued, you can apply for a free zone establishment card, which is required to access visa quotas and initiate the visa process. Each free zone visa quota depends on the size and type of your office space. For example: — A flexi-desk or shared desk licensing package typically allows 1–3 visas. — A dedicated physical office may allow for a larger visa allocation. The process involves medical testing, an Emirates ID application, and approval by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Zones like Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), IFZA, and DMCC offer streamlined visa issuance through their respective portals. EGSH assists with the whole visa application workflow, including quota determination, establishment card setup, and GDRFA coordination, ensuring smooth residence visa issuance after your company is formed.

A virtual office in Dubai free zones refers to flexible workspace solutions such as Flexi Desk or Shared Desk Licensing, which provide a legal business address within the free zone without requiring a permanent physical office. The free zone authorities officially recognise these packages and fully comply with UAE company formation regulations. Key features typically include: — A registered office address within the free zone jurisdiction — Limited or no physical workspace access — Access to meeting rooms on demand (in some zones) — Visa eligibility, usually 1–3 visas, depending on the zone and package — Lower setup and maintenance costs This model is ideal for startups, remote entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital businesses that do not require full-time office premises. Zones like DMCC, IFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and DAFZA all offer virtual office solutions as part of their freezone company setup options. EGSH assists clients in selecting the appropriate virtual office package based on visa needs, licensing type, and regulatory compliance within the free zone.