02 / FROM THE SOURCESWhat the official documents say.
The UAE has more than 45 free zones, each allowing 100% foreign ownership with no local partner required, full profit repatriation, and 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income.
Choosing a zone is mainly about fit: DIFC and ADGM are common-law financial centres ideal for funds and fintech; JAFZA and DMCC suit trading and logistics; IFZA and RAKEZ are low-cost zones popular with consultancies and SMEs.
Setup costs vary widely — a JAFZA FZE starts around AED 15,000 and IFZA packages start around AED 11,900 — and your licence type and required visa quota drive the final price.
A free zone company generally cannot sell directly into the UAE mainland without appointing a local distributor or opening a mainland branch.
The fastest zones can issue a licence in one to three business days once documents and payment are in place, after which you can apply for establishment cards and residence visas.
03 / THE KEY FACTSThe figures, with their sources.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership permitted | 100% in all free zones | UAE Ministry of Economy |
| Import/export duty within free zones | 0% | GCC Common Customs Law |
| Profit repatriation | Unrestricted — 100% | UAE Ministry of Economy |
| Total UAE free zones | 45+ | UAE Ministry of Economy |
| DIFC minimum share capital (private company) | USD 1,000 | DIFC Companies Law No. 5 of 2018 |
| JAFZA FZE setup cost (from) | AED 15,000 | JAFZA Fee Schedule 2025 |
| IFZA entry package (from) | AED 11,900 | IFZA 2025 |
| Fastest free zone setup timeline | 1–3 business days | IFZA / RAKEZ |
04 / SOURCES & DOWNLOADSKnow what this guide rests on.
Legal basis: 3 primary source documents. Laws change; verify with the issuing authority before acting.