Firms operating in free zones are permitted to transact with other firms there
as well as internationally, but they are not allowed to transact with clients in
Dubai or the rest of the UAE.

The process to establish a company in Dubai is simple and straightforward and involves only a
few simple steps, in all the seven emirates of the UAE. The process involves applying in person
at the Department of Economic Development in the respective emirate where you plan to
establish your business. Additionally, entrepreneurs & Investors can also apply through
business setup professionals or designated companies offering complete business
establishment services. The company formation in Dubai typically involves identifying the office
location, specifying the business activities, and paying the required fees, for the issuance of a
commercial business license. One can establish a company in either Dubai mainland or Dubai
free zone area.
Establishing your company in Dubai's mainland
Establishing your company in UAE-free zones

01 Decide the Nature of Your Business Activity
Depending on the type of business, UAE free zones provide investors and entrepreneurs with a
variety of business licenses.
There are 3 legal forms of businesses in UAE Free Zone
A company's legal framework is determined by the needs of the business and its type. The rules
and legislation that businesses must follow are outlined in this document.
03 Register the Trade Name
The corporate name is referred to as the trade name. It must be distinctive and different
from any existing registered company name. Through the relevant departments of
economic development's websites or mobile applications, you can submit an application
to get a trade name.
04 Select Business Space and Location
In the UAE, there are more than 40 free zones. You can choose a free zone that is appropriate
for the type of business activity you will be conducting.

05 Obtaining the Initial Approval
To get the preliminary clearance to start a new business, you must fulfil all conditions and
submit the required paperwork. Additional government approvals are needed for some
operations, such as tourism, travel, and health, and they must be secured from the appropriate
authorities.
06 Registration and Payment of Fees

• Pay fees and get the company license
• Fees include company license issuance fee, which depends on the type of license

A Free Zone company cannot conduct business outside of its jurisdiction without the
assistance of a local agent, whereas a mainland firm is free to conduct business
wherever it chooses in the United Arab Emirates. This is the main distinction between
mainland and Free Zone corporations.

IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is the most affordable Free Zone in Dubai. For
AED 11,900, IFZA provides low-cost company licenses in Dubai without requiring visas.
The best and most affordable Dubai free zone license option for 2023 is this one.

Setting up a free zone firm with the appropriate authorities is the first step in starting a
free zone company in Dubai. Depending on the free zone you choose, the registration
costs can vary, but they normally fall between AED 5,500 and AED 50 000. The
registration of the business and acquiring the required licenses are covered by this
price.

A platform for online sales, Online goods sales and purchases are permitted in the UAE
with an e-commerce license in a free zone. Free zones do have their own rules,
therefore businesses are not allowed to undertake operations outside of the free zone.