How UAE Free Zones Work

Step by step

• Choose the sector, then the zone. Many zones specialise: media, technology, logistics, commodities, finance.
• Choose the legal form: LLC, FZCO, FZE, public company or branch. Not every zone registers every form.
• Register the trade name and apply online with the zone; upload the documents.
• Get the licence, usually within 14 working days of approval.

Source: UAE Government Portal: Starting a business in a free zone¹

Office, visas and staff

• Zones lease flexible offices, co-working desks and warehouses.
• The zone applies for work permits and residence visas; the number of visas depends on the package and the premises.
• Staff are covered by the zone’s employment rules and the federal Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021); DIFC and ADGM have their own employment laws.

Source: UAE Government Portal: Accessing services for free zone companies; UAE Government Portal: Recruiting in free zones^2,4

Customs and the mainland

Goods imported into a free zone, and goods stored there for re-export, pay no customs duty. Goods that move into the UAE mainland are cleared through customs and pay duty. A free zone company sells on the mainland through a licensed distributor, a mainland branch or company, or with the required mainland licences.³