45+ UAE free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, 0% qualifying income tax, and streamlined setup. DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, DMCC, IFZA and RAKEZ compared by cost, sector focus, and visa quota.
| 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 |
45+ UAE free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, 0% qualifying income tax, and streamlined setup. DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, DMCC, IFZA and RAKEZ compared by cost, sector focus, and visa quota.
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.
Laws and regulations change. Always verify with the relevant authority before acting on this information.
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