Have you ever thought about starting a company in the country of opportunity? You should start by looking through the list of the top free zones in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE has made a name for itself as a place where business owners may build their enterprises. Due to its favorable tax laws, numerous incentives, incubator programs, and other features, the UAE is also an excellent destination for investors.

The best place to start is with a UAE freezone company setup. Free zones are jurisdictions that will help you grow your business and ensure your success as an entrepreneur. 

This article will tell you everything you need to know about the top ten free zones in the UAE. It will assist you in selecting options that best fit your business needs.

Understanding Dubai Free Zones

Dubai free zones are designated areas providing companies with specific rules allowing them to operate freely. 

Free zones allow investors full ownership; however, companies established in free zones cannot trade directly within UAE mainland markets unless they obtain an additional mainland license or dual license specifically permitting such operations. 

Free zones offer a 0% corporate tax rate exclusively to Qualifying Free Zone Persons on their Qualifying income. 

However, income generated from non-qualifying or excluded activities will be taxed at the standard corporate tax rate of 9%, as outlined by the UAE Federal Tax Authority guidelines effective since June 2023. 

Moreover, it is mandatory for all Free Zone entities—whether qualifying for the preferential 0% corporate tax rate or not—to register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority through the ‘EmaraTax‘ platform. 

Best Free Zones in UAE

1. Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)

Dubai Ports (DP) World’s flagship free zone is JAFZA. It is a key component of the integrated business hub for the DP World UAE region. 

JAFZA is one of the UAE’s oldest free zones, established in 1985. It is ideally situated close to Jebel Ali Sea Port, the seventh-largest container port in the world. Because of this, it is the best free zone for import and export.

JAFZA has established guidelines that other free zones can use. Its innovative work practices and distinctive location are the reason for this. The jurisdiction allows diverse business models and is ISO-certified.

2. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

One of the most prominent free zones in the United Arab Emirates is DMCC. It is acknowledged as the top free zone in the world.

The DMCC has also played a significant role in the growth of Dubai’s trade and commerce, which makes it a perfect sector to enter and launch a business in the United Arab Emirates. The DMCC free zone provides various office options and is accessible to nearly all company activities.

A DMCC-issued license can support up to six commercial operations from the same organization. In addition to being limited to general, industrial, or service trade, the DMCC free zone is one of only two that permits the trading of cryptocurrency commodities.

In addition to DMCC, dual licensing is now also available in Fujairah Creative City Free Zone following its partnership with Fujairah Municipality announced at GITEX Global 2024. 

Similarly, Abu Dhabi economic free zones offer dual licenses, enabling businesses to operate both within and outside their respective free zone jurisdiction. 

3. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

In the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, DIFC is a major financial hub. It has top-notch infrastructure and a regulatory environment specifically designed to attract businesses.

For business owners and investors in the financial services industry, which includes banking, insurance, asset management, and wealth management, DIFC is the best option. It offers access to a vast network of financial experts and a sophisticated business environment.

As per DIFC’s latest published statistics (2024), there has been continued growth in registered companies; please refer directly to DIFC’s official website for current figures. 

4. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)

One of the most desired free zones in the United Arab Emirates is IFZA. This is due to the fact that, despite its recent beginning, the free zone quickly gained attention as one of the most cost-effective locations for business establishments in Dubai.

The free zone offers a very economical setup procedure and is positioned effectively. As a result, it is among the most promising areas for expansion and company opportunities. Additionally, IFZA provides entrepreneurs with a variety of licenses. Consulting, service, e-commerce, commercial, and trading licenses are among these licenses. 

5. Fujairah Creative City Free Zone

The Fujairah Creative City free zone is one of the MENA region’s fastest-growing media free zones. It provides business entities with a wide range of adaptable options to set up.

Its growing popularity is also a result of how easy it is to establish a business there. It is also one of the few free zones that requires the least amount of work and paperwork, in addition to being extremely cost-effective.

Fujairah’s Creative City enables business owners to engage in various commercial endeavors. Media, events, consulting, education, marketing, and more are central to these operations. 

6. Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams)

One of the few free zones in Sharjah that provides a quick and easy setup process with low upfront and renewal expenses is Shams Free Zone, which was established in 2017. Soon after, Shams earned a reputation as the UAE’s fastest-growing free zone.

Shams is the best free zone for branch businesses looking to grow because of its easy setup procedure and affordable prices. Additionally, they can choose between branch setup and LLC company formation. 

Additionally, entrepreneurs can register in the free zone without requiring attested documents.

7. Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)

Dubai International Airport, the busiest passenger airport in the world, is ideally situated next to DAFZA. It serves a broad spectrum of companies, emphasizing import-export, aviation, and logistics.

DAFZA is well-known for its excellent connectivity and simplicity in accessing international markets. It provides warehousing space, top-notch logistical facilities, and a simplified business setup procedure. 

DAFZA will be a strategic site for businesses that are investors or entrepreneurs engaged in aviation, logistics, or import-export.

8. Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) Free Zone

DSO is a free zone dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.  IT services, semiconductors, biotechnology, and microelectronics are among the industries it draws.

DSO serves as a center for technological advancement and innovation in the area. It provides top-notch research facilities, infrastructure, and a friendly environment for tech startups and businesses. DSO is an excellent place for high-tech and innovation-related investors and entrepreneurs to establish businesses.

9. Dubai Internet City (DIC)

Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and other multinational tech companies are based in DIC, the region’s most prominent tech-free zone. Digital marketing firms, e-commerce websites, and IT companies are the best prospects for DIC. 

Fast internet access, a vibrant community, and a robust tech startup ecosystem are all benefits for businesses.

10. Ajman Free Zone 

The Ajman Free Zone is conveniently located close to the Ajman Airport. The company setup in Ajman Free Zone is an excellent business location because customers can get products and services where they need them.  

There are various workspaces in the Ajman Free Zone Business Setup, such as warehouses where companies can keep their goods and accommodation for employees.  

In Ajman, a lot of businesses specialize in food, beverages, and health. With affordable startup and operating costs, starting a business is a very economical place. Starting an e-commerce company is made simple by the availability of licenses for online sales.

Find the Best Free Zone with JSB Incorporation

For entrepreneurs looking for a UAE freezone business setup, registering a business in the free zone is undoubtedly one of the most excellent options. 

JSB Incorporation, one of the top business setup firms in the United Arab Emirates, can assist you with registering your company. JSB Incorporation guarantees that every step of your business’s setup goes without any problems. 

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to get started.