Cost of establishing a company in a free zone, establishing a company in a free zone in the United Arab Emirates is an attractive option for investors and entrepreneurs seeking to achieve growth and expand their business activities in a developed economic environment that is exempt from taxes on companies and individuals. The free zones in the Emirates are among the most important investment areas in the Middle East, as they offer many advantages that encourage investment and reduce financial burdens on companies. The most important of these advantages are the reduced costs compared to establishing a company on the main lands, which allows investors to access modern infrastructure and advanced services at an appropriate cost.

When heading to open a company in a free zone, investors look to understand the establishment costs and financial requirements, which vary from one free zone to another based on the location, legal type of the company, office space, in addition to the additional services that the company may need. The main costs usually include registration fees, licenses, office and warehouse rental costs, as well as annual fees that vary according to the type of activity and size of the company. In turn, Itqan Company offers its expertise to help investors determine their most appropriate financial options and learn about the details of the costs, ensuring maximum benefit from available resources and avoiding excess costs.
Free zones in the UAE support multiple business models including trade, services and industry, providing promising opportunities for investors in various fields. By working with specialized companies such as Itqan, investors can simplify the establishment procedures and know the necessary steps to ensure that the company gets the best possible start, from budget assessment to resource allocation.
Types of licenses available to establish a company in the free zone
When considering establishing a company in one of the free zones in the UAE, it is important to understand the types of licenses available. Free zones provide an encouraging investment environment for investors and entrepreneurs, allowing them to fully own their companies and benefit from tax advantages and advanced services. To meet the needs of various commercial and industrial activities, free zones offer multiple licenses that suit the nature of the work and the targeted sector, helping companies operate legally and efficiently within a clear framework that ensures compliance with local regulations.
Types of licenses available to establish a company in the free zone:
Commercial license: This license is granted to companies that wish to carry out commercial activities such as wholesale or retail, import and export, and distribution of products. This type of license is suitable for commercial activities that require freedom of movement between local and international markets.
Industrial License: The industrial license is suitable for companies operating in the fields of manufacturing and production. This license allows the production, assembly and manufacture of products within the free zone, and this type of industrial companies depends on internal production lines.
Service License: This license targets companies that provide various services such as business consulting, professional services, information technology services, and management. This license allows companies to provide services to customers in the local market or foreign markets.
Media License: This license is intended for companies operating in the media sector, such as publishing, media production, marketing, and broadcasting companies. This type of license is suitable for media companies that aim to reach a wide audience inside and outside the UAE.
Educational License: This license is suitable for educational institutions and training centers that provide educational and training programs, and allows institutions to organize and provide specialized educational programs within the free zone.
E-commerce License: This license is granted to companies that operate online commercial activities, such as online stores. This license helps companies provide e-commerce services with greater flexibility, while facilitating electronic sales and marketing procedures.
Maritime License: This type of license targets marine service companies, such as ship maintenance and repair, and providing logistics services related to maritime transport, which meets the needs of the maritime transport and shipping sector.
Free zones in the UAE offer multiple licensing options that allow investors to choose according to the nature of their business and needs, which contributes to the growth of companies and facilitates their expansion in the local and global market.

Table of Contents
ToggleDuration of establishing a company in a free zone
Establishing a company in a free zone is an attractive option for many investors and businessmen who seek to benefit from a sophisticated investment environment and advantages such as tax exemptions and 100% ownership of companies. The United Arab Emirates is considered one of the most prominent global destinations for establishing companies in free zones thanks to the ease of procedures and the provision of modern infrastructure. However, knowing the duration of establishing a company in a free zone is very important for investors to ensure proper and appropriate planning for their business.
Duration of establishing a company in a free zone
The duration of establishing a company in a free zone varies depending on the selected free zone, the type of license, and the size of the business activity. In general, the duration of establishment ranges from a few days to several weeks. In some free zones such as “Jebel Ali” and “Dubai Silicon Oasis”, registering a company may take about 5 to 7 working days if all documents and applications are complete. In other areas such as “Sharjah” or “Ras Al Khaimah”, the duration may take a little longer, especially if there are special requests or the type of activity that requires additional procedures.
Another factor that may affect the duration is the type of license chosen by the investor, as industrial or production activities may require more time to obtain the necessary approvals. The investor’s own internal procedures can also affect the speed of establishment, such as obtaining the required papers or choosing the appropriate location.
Overall, by cooperating with consulting companies such as “Itqan”, the company establishment procedures can be accelerated, as these companies help facilitate legal and financial procedures, and ensure that all necessary documents are completed quickly and accurately.
What are the free zones in the Emirates?
Establishing a company in the United Arab Emirates is one of the most prominent factors that have contributed to making the country one of the most attractive investment destinations in the region and the world. These areas provide a distinguished business environment for investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world, as they combine tax advantages and economic incentives that contribute to accelerating the growth of companies and expanding their business. With the multiple types of free zones spread across the various emirates of the country, investors can choose the most appropriate area according to their needs and the type of their business activity.
Free Zones in the UAE
Free zones in the UAE are designated economic zones that offer a range of privileges to foreign investors and companies, contributing to the promotion of commercial, industrial and service activities. These privileges include 100% company ownership, long-term tax exemptions, and ease of doing business. These zones are designed to provide a flexible legal and regulatory environment that encourages investment, while ensuring the support of local governments.
Free zones are spread across the emirates of the country, and differ in the types of activities they support. For example, the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai is one of the largest free zones that supports all types of commercial and industrial activities. As for Dubai Silicon Oasis, it is dedicated to technology companies and advanced industries. While there are other areas such as Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah that offer similar facilities and support startups and industrial companies.
Through these free zones, investors can achieve rapid growth for their companies thanks to modern infrastructure, government facilities, and the provision of ongoing incentives that match the long-term ambitions of businesses.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in the free zone
The cost of establishing a company in the free zone is a promising investment for investors and entrepreneurs aspiring to establish a strong presence in the Gulf and international markets, as free zones provide an attractive environment for commercial and industrial activities thanks to the multiple incentives that include tax exemptions and competitive fees. Although costs may seem different depending on the location and nature of the activity, free zones give investors greater flexibility in allocating their resources, which helps control costs in a manner consistent with the financial goals and expected growth of the company.
Cooperating with specialized companies such as Itqan Company allows for a clearer understanding of the costs and procedures followed, as the company provides comprehensive consultations to investors on the costs of registration, licensing, rent and other side costs that may arise during the establishment process. Itqan Company works to provide solutions that suit the different needs of investors, whether they are looking to establish small, medium or even large companies, while providing service packages that include financial and legal consultations, employment services and choosing ideal locations.
Itqan’s assistance in analyzing costs and providing well-thought-out establishment plans is vital to ensuring the success of the project and reducing financial risks, as these services help investors get a clear picture of future costs and prepare appropriate budgets that serve their long-term ambitions. This cooperation enables investors to focus on expanding their businesses in a sustainable environment, as they establish their companies in a thriving and growing environment that is compatible with the requirements of growth and innovation.
Therefore, establishing a company in the free zone with specialized support from Itqan represents a strategic opportunity for investors, not only because of the efficiency in reducing costs, but also in obtaining comprehensive support that ensures the successful launch of new businesses, which enhances the chances of achieving promising investment returns and contributes to the development and growth of companies in competitive markets.
Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the free zone
What are the free zones in the UAE?
The free zones in the UAE are designated economic zones that provide tax benefits and incentives to foreign investors, allowing them to own their companies 100% without the need for a local partner.
What are the types of licenses available to establish a company in the free zone?
Free zones offer a variety of licenses including commercial, industrial, service, and consulting licenses. Each type of license is designed for specific activities depending on the business needs.
How much does it cost to set up a company in a free zone?
Costs vary based on factors such as the type of license, the size of the office or warehouse, and the additional benefits required. This includes registration fees, licensing fees, and office rental.
Can I set up a company without a physical headquarters?
Yes, many free zones allow a company to be set up with a virtual headquarters or even without a physical office, but some activities may require a physical workspace.