22 Jul 2025
By Vista CorpThe UAE is now one of the world’s top business destinations, attracting investors and entrepreneurs from around the globe. Its fast-growing economy and modern infrastructure give businesses great chances to succeed. If you’re thinking about starting a business here, checking out the different free zones in the UAE is a smart first step. These zones offer unique benefits that can help you save money and grow faster.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the list of free zones in the UAE. But first, let’s understand what a free zone actually is.
What’s a Free Zone?
A free zone is a designated area in the UAE where businesses receive additional benefits and support. These zones are designed to attract foreign investors and support the growth of specific industries. Some of the UAE free zone benefits in 2025 include:
- 100% foreign ownership (no local partner needed)
- No taxes on personal or corporate income
- No customs duties on imports and exports
- Quick and easy business setup
This makes free zones a popular choice for entrepreneurs and companies looking to start or expand their business in the UAE. Now, let’s get back to the list of UAE free zones in 2025.
List of Free Zones in Dubai
The table below lists all the free zones in Dubai currently.
List of Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
The table below lists all the free zones in Abu Dhabi currently.
| Free Zone Name | Benefits |
| Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) | 1. Regulated international financial centre2. Ideal for fintech, banking, crypto, and legal firms3. English common law jurisdiction4. 100% foreign ownership5. Zero corporate tax till 2030 for qualifying entities6. Dual license option (mainland + free zone)7. No restriction on capital repatriation8. Well-connected office spaces on Al Maryah Island9. Excellent dispute resolution system10. Access to Abu Dhabi’s global investment community |
| Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) | 1. Perfect for industrial, logistics, and manufacturing businesses2. Close to Khalifa Port and Etihad Rail3. Cost-effective warehousing & land leasing4. 100% foreign ownership5. No import/export duties within the zone6. Integrated with Abu Dhabi Ports7. Long-term lease options8. Flexible licensing types9. Strong infrastructure for large-scale operations10. Quick access to supply chains |
| twofour54 | 1. Media & creative industry hub2. No license fees for the first 2 years (selected packages)3. 100% business ownership4. Fast-track setup & visa process5. Access to production studios & post-production support6. Large network of freelancers & media experts7. Strong government backing8. No customs duties 9. Located in Yas Island10. Attracts major international broadcasters |
| Masdar City Free Zone | 1. Best for sustainability, tech, AI, and R&D companies2. Eco-friendly infrastructure3. 100% foreign ownership4. Quick licensing and visa services5. Flexible office options (from shared to HQs)6. Exempt from corporate tax (until 2030)7. Strong links to the global clean-tech community8. Near Abu Dhabi International Airport9. Ideal for startups and global innovators10. Attractive incentives for green businesses |
| Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) | 1. Built for heavy industries, steel, chemicals, etc.2. Cost-effective land lease options3. Full infrastructure support4. Close to logistics hubs5. Flexible labour policies6. Utility support for industrial use7. 100% ownership for free zone companies8. Strategic location near ports and highways9. Supports export-oriented manufacturing10. Backed by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development |
List of Free Zones in Sharjah
The table below lists all the free zones in Sharjah currently.
| Free Zone Name | Benefits |
| Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) | 1. Located next to Sharjah International Airport2. Ideal for logistics, trading & light manufacturing3. Fast customs clearance & bonded warehouses4. 100% foreign ownership & full capital repatriation5. 0% corporate tax6. Competitive licensing fees & renewals7. Warehouses, offices & plots available8. Access to GCC & global markets9. Supports SMEs to large enterprises10. Established in 1995 with over 6,500+ companies |
| Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) | 1. Industrial hub near Hamriyah Port2. Deep-water port & multimodal logistics access3. 100% foreign ownership4. No corporate or customs tax5. Plots, warehouses & office space available6. Low-cost licenses 7. Flexible setup for SMEs and manufacturers8. Fast approvals & investor support9. Over 6,000+ companies already operating10. Strategic location near Ajman & RAK |
| Sharjah Media City (Shams) | 1. Ideal for media, tech & creative startups2. Low license fees 3. 100% ownership with no NOC required4. No audit requirement for many packages5. Coworking & virtual offices available6. Fast online setup & renewals7. Freelancers & influencers welcome8. Visa options available9. Cost-effective & startup-friendly10. Established in 2017, 2,000+ firms onboard |
| Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) | 1. First publishing-dedicated free zone globally2. Perfect for publishing, content & e-commerce3. 100% foreign ownership4. Office, warehouse, and desk options5. Quick setup and license issuance6. No customs duty on trade7. Author and content-creator friendly8. Government-backed support9. Business-friendly policies for startups |
| Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) | 1. Innovation & sustainability-focused hub2. Located in Sharjah University City3. Office, lab, and R&D space available4. 100% ownership and tax-free income5. Low License fees6. Great for tech & research startups7. Academic and investor collaborations8. No import/export duties9. Business incubator environment10. 200+ companies have already set up |
| Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone (COMTECH) | 1. New free zone for ICT & telecom firms2. Established in 20243. 100% foreign ownership4. VAT & corporate tax exempt5. Built for software, AI, IoT, and digital startups6. High-tech infrastructure & R&D labs7. Fast-track license & visa process8. Flexible office solutions9. Backed by the Sharjah government10. Growth-focused for communication industries |
List of Free Zones in Ajman
The table below lists all the free zones in Ajman currently.
| Free Zone Name | Benefits |
| Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) | 1. Established in 1988, serving 9,000+ companies from 165+ countries2. Proximity to Ajman Port, Dubai and Sharjah airports3. Digital (fully online) company setup process4. Low license fees 5. 100% foreign ownership & full profit repatriation6. Offers Smart Offices, warehouses, executive suites, land leases, an ecommerce hub or an AI robotics hub7. No customs duties or corporate tax for eligible businesses (until corporate tax triggers)8. Diverse sectors: F&B, automotive, health, construction, tech, media, packaging, etc.9. Value-added support services (banking, insurance, licensing support) included10. Known for being one of the cheapest and fastest free zones in the UAE |
| Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ) | 1. Launched in 2018 under the Ajman Free Zone Authority2. Specialising in media, creative, tech, and digital startups3. Low license fees4. Offers 100% business ownership with fast digital registration5. No NOC required for many licenses6. Freelancer-friendly with visa options for consultants and startups7. Affordable packages tailored for SMEs and creative entrepreneurs8. Access to media-focused networking and events9. Tax-free under free zone regulations, with full capital repatriation10. Supported by Ajman Free Zone Authority with industry facilitation services |
List of Free Zones in Ras Al Khaimah
The table below lists all the free zones in Ras Al Khaimah currently.
| Free Zone Name | Benefits |
| Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) | 1. Company formation options for commercial, industrial, service, and freelance activities.2. Tailored packages for startups, SMEs, and manufacturers.3. Sector-specific zones: media, education, tech, and industrial.4. Modern infrastructure: warehouses, office spaces, and land plots.5. 100% foreign ownership and 0% personal or corporate tax.6. Fast-track setup process with easy visa processing.7. No restrictions on capital repatriation or currency movement.8. On-site staff accommodation and labour housing options.9. Access to RAK Airport and Saqr Port for trade logistics.10. Ideal for businesses planning long-term industrial presence. |
| RAK Maritime City Free Zone (RMCFZ) | 1. Dedicated to maritime trade, shipping, and logistics businesses.2. Direct access to Saqr Port, which is one of the region’s largest bulk ports.3. Established by the government in 2009 for maritime expansion.4. Suited for shipbuilding, marine logistics, and oil & gas support.5. Offers long-term land leases and ready plots for marine industries.6. Berthing, docking, and port infrastructure available on-site.7. 100% foreign ownership and full capital repatriation benefits.8. No import/export duties for goods inside the free zone.9. Maritime licenses, marine services, and vessel support are available.10. Built with global maritime safety and sustainability standards. |
| RAK Investment Free Zone (RAKIA) | 1. Promotes industrial growth with land and warehousing options.2. Excellent for manufacturers, logistics, and construction sectors.3. Offers customised plots and long-term lease facilities.4. Strategic access to northern UAE and GCC markets.5. Supported by RAK Investment Authority for FDI growth.6. Quick registration and low-cost license packages.7. Government support for utilities, manpower, and admin setup.8. 0% tax policy and full foreign ownership rights.9. Suits trading, import/export, and industrial operations.10. Flexible leasing terms to fit different business needs. |
| RAK Media Free Zone | 1. Created in 2006 to support media and creative industries.2. Ideal for content creators, agencies, and production firms.3. Affordable licenses for freelancers and small media setups.4. Fast company registration and visa issuance.5. Full ownership, zero personal/corporate tax environment.6. No NOC needed from local sponsors to register a company.7. Eligible for freelancer visas and consultant activities.8. Covers publishing, broadcasting, journalism, and digital content.9. Lower overhead costs than Dubai’s media-free zones.10. Located close to Dubai. |
List of Free Zones in Fujairah
The table below lists all the free zones in Fujairah currently.
| Free Zone Name | Benefits |
| Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ) | 1. Located near the Port of Fujairah and the Fujairah International Airport.2. Offers powerful access to Indian Ocean trade routes.3. Quick licence processing, often within one working day.4. Wide range of licenses: trading, industrial, service, consulting.5. Modern facilities: offices, warehouses, land plots.6. 100% foreign ownership and 0% corporate or personal tax.7. Exempt from import/export duties on raw materials and goods.8. Simple legal framework and investor-friendly regime.9. Multi-modal connectivity for global logistics.10. Attractive pricing and minimal setup costs |
| Fujairah Creative City Free Zone (FCC) | 1. Launched in 2007, dedicated to media, creative, consulting, IT, and events.2. Supports activities like publishing, music, marketing, production, and consultancy.3. Affordable License packages.4. No mandatory office requirement—virtual and coworking setups supported.5. Processing time: ~2–3 business days for licences.6. 100% foreign ownership with full capital and profit repatriation.7. Zero corporate, income, and auditing requirements for many license types.8. Multiple visa eligibility—even under flexi‑desk visas.9. Low cost of living plus access to Fujairah’s growing media ecosystem.10. Known as the cheapest free zone for digital/media companies. |
Start Your Free Zone Company with Vista Business Setup
Setting up a company in a UAE free zone offers numerous benefits, including full foreign ownership and tax savings. And with the right support, the process can be simple and stress-free. At Vista Business Setup, we make it easy for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in the UAE. Our team has helped thousands of business owners build their dream companies.
We’ll guide you through a complete list of UAE free zones, from selecting the right free zone and registering your company, to understanding license costs and obtaining all the necessary approvals. With Vista, your business setup is secure and streamlined.
FAQs
What are the cheapest free zones in the UAE for startups?
Some of the cheapest free zones in the UAE for startups include IFZA Dubai, Shams (Sharjah), Ajman Media City, RAKEZ, Fujairah Creative City, and UAQ Free Trade Zone. These offer affordable license packages, minimal paperwork, and flexible office or visa options, making them ideal for entrepreneurs looking to launch a business on a budget.
Which UAE free zone allows a dual license in 2025?
The following free zones in the UAE offer a dual license:
- Dubai Design District (D3)
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ)
- Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
- Twofour54, Abu Dhabi
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
What free zones allow crypto trading in the UAE?
The free zones in the UAE that allow crypto trading and offer virtual asset licenses include:
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
- Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO)
- Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
Step-by-step guide to UAE free zone business setup.
Here are seven simple and helpful steps to set up a business in a UAE free zone:
Choose the Free Zone: Select a free zone that matches your business activity and goals.
Decide on Business Activity: Pick the activity or services your company will offer.
Select a Company Name: Choose a unique name that meets the free zone’s naming rules.
Apply for Initial Approval: Submit documents and get initial approval from the free zone authority.
Submit Legal Documents: Provide required documents like passport copies, application forms, etc.
Get the License Issued: Pay the fees and receive your trade license.
Open a Bank Account: Use your license to open a UAE corporate bank account.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available sources as of the time of writing, which is 2025 free zone data for the UAE. Certain details, such as license fees or the exact number of companies per zone, may vary over time. These should be periodically verified.
