Dubai Free Zone Company Setup
Get **100% foreign ownership**, streamlined licensing, visas, and customs advantages inside Dubai’s leading free zones. Westly coordinates approvals, leasing options, visas, and banking—end to end.
Is a Free Zone Right for You?
Perfect for international trading, tech, media, logistics, and consulting where you want full ownership, simplified setup, and visa packages within the zone.
100% Ownership
Full control of your company without local partner requirements.
Streamlined Licensing
Fast-track approvals with a single-window authority.
Visa Quotas
From flexi-desk to private office—visa allocations tied to your lease.
Customs & Logistics
Enhanced trading advantages and warehousing options (zone-specific).
Top Dubai Free Zones (Highlights)
We’ll recommend the best fit based on your activities, budgets, visa needs, and where your clients are.
DMCC (JLT)
Global trading hub; strong for commodities, crypto/blockchain firms, consultancies, and multi-activity setups.
IFZA (Dubai Silicon Oasis)
Flexible activities, modern processes, good for SMEs and consulting/service firms.
Dubai South FZ
Ideal for aviation, logistics, e-commerce fulfillment near Al Maktoum Airport.
DAFZA (Dubai Airport Freezone)
Premium address; strong for high-value trading, electronics, and near-airport logistics.
DIFC (Financial Centre)
Regulated financial services and fintech under common-law framework (gate approvals apply).
Dubai Media/Internet/Knowledge City
Best for media, tech, edu, and digital firms with network effects inside TECOM clusters.
Common License Types
Service / Professional
Consulting, IT, marketing, and specialized services delivered within or from the zone.
Commercial / Trading
Import/re-export and distribution; warehousing available in select zones.
Industrial / Light Manufacturing
Assembly, packaging, and light manufacturing in designated facilities.
What Westly Handles For You
Documents Checklist
Exact requirements vary by free zone and activity. We’ll tailor the list during consultation.
Onshore Access & Dual-Licensing
Free zone entities primarily operate within their zone and internationally. For onshore UAE trading, you can use distributors/agents or apply for dual-licensing where permitted.
Approach | How It Works | When to Use |
---|---|---|
Local Distributor/Agent | Contract with a mainland distributor to sell onshore. | Trading and product distribution without creating a mainland entity. |
Dual-Licensing (Zone-Specific) | Some zones allow additional onshore permissions for certain activities. | Service firms needing limited onshore scope without a full mainland setup. |
Mainland Subsidiary/Branch | Create a mainland entity while keeping your FZ parent company. | When onshore operations grow and you need full UAE access. |
Free Zone Setup — Step by Step
Compare With Other Dubai Options
Dubai Mainland Company
Full UAE market access, government tenders, and city-wide expansion.
Explore MainlandDubai Offshore Company
International holding & asset protection without onshore trading.
Explore OffshoreSet Up Your Dubai Free Zone Company
We’ll map your activities to the best zone, handle approvals, visas, and banking—without confusing packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a free zone company sell directly in the UAE market?
Primarily within the zone & internationally. For onshore sales, use distributors/agents, dual-licensing (where allowed), or set up a mainland entity.
How many visas can I get?
Visa quotas depend on your lease (flexi-desk vs office) and zone policy. We’ll shape the plan to your team size.
How long does it take?
Once documents are ready, many zones issue licenses swiftly. Timing varies by activity and approvals.
Do you help with banking?
Yes—KYC guidance, documentation, and introductions aligned with your activity and shareholder profile.