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What are Free Zones?

A Freezone Company is a business entity established within a designated area called a free zone, which operates under its own set of regulations, separate from the UAE mainland. These free zones are designed to attract foreign investment and boost business activity by offering specific benefits and advantages, making them an appealing option for entrepreneurs and investors.

Forming and registering a company in a free zone is typically more straightforward and faster compared to mainland business setup. UAE has numerous free zones, each catering to specific industries or sectors, allowing businesses to choose the ideal location based on their specific needs.

Key benefits of a freezone company include:

  • 100% foreign ownership

  • Full repatriation of profits

  • No personal or corporate income taxes

  • Industry-specific zones designed to business requirements

Freezone Company Formation by Locations

Basis
 Ajman Freezone
 Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)
 Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)
 International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
Basic Information Established in 1988, the Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) has grown into one of the region’s most stable and dynamic business ecosystems. Located in the heart of the UAE’s Northern Emirate, it has attracted over 9,000 companies since its inception. SPC is the world’s first free zone dedicated to publishing. Established in 2017 to cater to publishers, authors, and the media industry. Shams was founded in 2017 as a media hub supporting creative industries. Offers fast and cost-effective business setup for media entrepreneurs. IFZA, located in Dubai, offers a wide range of licenses at competitive rates. It provides a global business platform for startups and SMEs.
Benefits Resident or employment visas for investors and employees

100% exemption from all import and export duties

Access to healthcare and various value-added services

Lowest tariffs in the region

Exemption from financial report submission and audits

Lowest lease prices

Low labour costs

Easy access to Dubai & Sharjah international airports and four ports		 100% foreign ownership

No income or corporate tax

No import/export duties

Streamlined support for the publishing industry

Lease Agreement with every Business License

Zero Paid Share Capital

Immigration Services onsite		 100% foreign ownership
No personal income tax
Media-friendly environment
Fast business setup
Operational Flexibility		 100% ownership of commercial enterprises
100% repatriation of capital and profits (receipt to home country)
Fast and efficient company incorporation processes
Flexibility to combine multiple activities under one IFZA license
Type of Companies Free Zone Establishment

Free Zone Company

Branch of a Local Company

Branch of a Foreign company		 Free Zone Establishment

Free Zone Company

Branch of Local or Foreign Company		 Free Zone Establishment
Free Zone Company
Branch of Local or Foreign Company		 Free Zone Establishment
Free Zone Company
Branch of Local or Foreign Company
Type of License Trade License

Service License

Industrial License

Freelancer License

Offshore License		 Publishing License

Trade License

Service License

Freelancer License		 Industrial License
Trade License
Service License
 Branch
Commercial License
Professional License
Office Space Offices
Warehouses		 Offices

Storage		 Offices

 Offices
Audit Requirements Not Required Not Required Not Required Required
Registration Timeline For License once all documents are submitted- 48 hours For License once all documents are submitted- 48 hours For License once all documents are submitted- 3 to 5 working days For License once all documents are submitted- 3 to 5 working days
Visa Package 0 Visa Package: AED 5,555*
1 Visa Package: AED 13,131*
2 Visa Package: AED 21,212*
3 Visa Package: AED 24,242*
4 Visa Package: AED 29,292*		 E-commerce Business License AED 5,750
Business license AED 6,875*
License with 1 Visa AED 14,990* (All Inclusive)
License with 2 Visa AED 20,185* (All Inclusive)
 0 Visa Package: AED 6,875*
1 Visa Package: AED 8,475*
2 Visa Package: AED 10,075*
3 Visa Package: AED 11,675*
4 Visa Package: AED 23,275*		 0 Visa Package: AED 12,900*
1 Visa Package: AED 14,900*
2 Visa Package: AED 16,900*
3 Visa Package: AED 18,900*
4 Visa Package: AED 20,900*
Authority Ajman Freezone Authority Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone Authority Sharjah Media City Free Zone Authority IFZA Authority
Bank Account Option Yes Yes Yes Yes
Employee visa Yes Yes Yes Yes
Taxation No corporate or income tax 0% personal and corporate income tax No corporate or income tax 0% personal and corporate income tax
Proximity to Ports Close to Ajman Port for imports/exports, and easy access to Dubai & Sharjah airports Close to Sharjah International Airport and Port Close to Sharjah International Airport and Port Close to Dubai's ports and international airports
Renewal Costs Same as cost of registration (Depends on Visa Package) Same as cost of registration (Depends on Visa Package) Same as cost of registration (Depends on Visa Package) Same as cost of registration (Depends on Visa Package)

Best Free Zones in UAE for Business Setup

The UAE offers a range of free zones that cater to different industries and business needs, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors. Here's an overview of some of the best free zones in the UAE:

Ajman Freezone

Ajman Freezone is one of the most popular and cost-effective free zones for startups and small businesses. It offers a wide variety of licenses, including industrial, trading, and service licenses, along with affordable business setup packages.

Entrepreneurs benefit from easy access to global markets through the nearby Ajman port and excellent infrastructure. 

Key Highlights:

  • One of the cheapest free zone licenses in the UAE.

  • Ideal for startups and SMEs.

  • Strategic access to Ajman Port and nearby Emirates, including Dubai and Sharjah.

  • Warehouse and office space options are available.

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone)

SPC Free Zone, located in Sharjah, is specifically designed for businesses in the publishing and creative sectors. It provides 100% foreign ownership, and its strategic location between Dubai and Sharjah allows companies easy access to both Emirates. The free zone offers a wide range of business activities, making it flexible for companies beyond the publishing industry as well.

Key Highlights:

  • Designed for the publishing and creative industries.

  • Located near key trade routes, making it an attractive hub for international business.

  • Competitive setup costs.

  • Access to Sharjah Airport and Port, enabling easy international trade.

Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams)

Shams, or Sharjah Media City, is an innovative free zone that caters to media, entertainment, and creative industries. Shams offers a broad range of business activities and affordable setup packages, which makes it ideal for entrepreneurs looking for budget-friendly solutions.

The zone promotes a collaborative environment, with numerous networking opportunities to help businesses grow.

Key Highlights:

  • Focus on media, entertainment, and creative industries.

  • Cost-effective setup packages.

  • Wide range of business activities with no restrictions on foreign ownership.

  • Offers a wide range of business activities beyond just media.

  • Close to Sharjah's ports and airports, allowing for streamlined logistics.

International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)

IFZA, located in Dubai, is known for offering a versatile range of business activities at competitive prices. The free zone provides flexible office solutions and a hassle-free company registration process.

It is popular with international investors due to its global appeal, streamlined administrative processes, and proximity to major logistics hubs like Dubai's airports and seaports.

Key Highlights:

  • Wide variety of business licenses and activities.

  • Competitive pricing with attractive office options.

  • Easy company formation with streamlined processes.

  • Strategically located in Dubai, with access to key global trade hubs like Dubai's airports and seaports.

Making the Right Choice with Our Freezone Comparison Tool

Selecting the best free zone in the UAE depends on your business type, budget, and target market. Each of these zones offers unique benefits, whether it's the affordability of Ajman Freezone, the industry-specific advantages of SPC and Shams, or the global reach of IFZA. Consider your business priorities and compare these free zones to find the best fit for your company's needs.

Our Compare Freezone Tool is specially designed to help you evaluate the Best Free Zones in UAE for Business Setup and choose the ideal option for your business. Whether you're looking for the Cheapest Freezone in UAE or want to explore different UAE Freezone Locations Comparison, our platform makes it easy to find the right fit. 

Connect with experts at DhanGuard for seamless company formation, and we'll guide you through every step to successfully set up your business in the UAE. 

For more personalized advice on UAE free zone locations comparison and finding the best free zones in UAE for business setup, Our business setup consultants can assist you throughout the business formation process, ensuring a smooth and successful setup.