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Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

مؤسسة منطقة حرة

在United Arab Emirates注册公司

Best Answer

The FZE is best suited for: Solo founders and single-owner businesses, E-commerce, consulting, and tech companies, Businesses that do not need to trade directly with the UAE mainland market, Entrepreneurs seeking 100% foreign ownership with minimal bureaucracy. Free zone entities that meet the "Qualifying Free Zone Person" criteria under the UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022) pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income — broadly, income from transactions with other free zone persons or from certain qualifying activities. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%. VAT at 5% applies to goods and services supplied within the UAE; intra-free-zone supplies between designated zones are zero-rated. There is no withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties paid abroad.

Who this is for
  • Solo founders and single-owner businesses
  • E-commerce, consulting, and tech companies
  • Businesses that do not need to trade directly with the UAE mainland market
  • Entrepreneurs seeking 100% foreign ownership with minimal bureaucracy

关键信息

最少股东人数1
最多股东人数1
最少董事人数1
最低注册资本Varies by free zone — often AED 1,000 to AED 50,000; many zones no longer enforce a paid-up requirement
责任Limited liability
注册时间3–5 business days (some zones offer same-day approval)
年度费用AED 5,750 – 25,000 depending on the free zone and licence type

逐步注册流程

1

Choose a free zone

Select a free zone that aligns with your business activity, budget, and visa requirements. Each zone has its own regulator, fee schedule, and permitted activity list. DMCC, IFZA, and Shams are popular generalist options; DIFC and ADGM are financial-services focused.

2

Reserve a trade name

Submit your preferred company name through the free zone portal. The name must not conflict with existing registrations and must comply with the zone's naming conventions (no offensive terms, typically no abbreviations without approval).

3

Submit the application and documents

Upload passport copies, a business plan or activity description, proof of address, and any zone-specific forms. Some zones require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you hold an existing UAE visa.

4

Receive initial approval and pay fees

The free zone authority reviews your application. Once approved, you pay the licence and registration fees. Some zones bundle visa allocation, office space, and the licence into a single package.

5

Sign the incorporation documents

Sign (or e-sign) the Memorandum of Association, lease agreement, and any undertaking letters. Many zones now support fully digital signing.

6

Collect the licence and establishment card

The zone issues your trade licence, establishment card, and share certificate. You can then proceed to open a corporate bank account and apply for visas.

所需文件

  • Passport copy of shareholder/director (colour scan, valid for at least 6 months)
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months)
  • Completed application form with business activity description
  • Passport-size photograph (white background, some zones accept digital)
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) if currently employed or sponsored in the UAE
  • Business plan or brief activity summary (varies by zone)
  • Board resolution or Power of Attorney if applying through a representative

费用概览

Cost Breakdown (USD)
年度费用
AED 5,750 – 25,000 depending on the free zone and licence type
注册费用
AED 5,750 – 50,000+

税务处理

Free zone entities that meet the "Qualifying Free Zone Person" criteria under the UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022) pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income — broadly, income from transactions with other free zone persons or from certain qualifying activities. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%. VAT at 5% applies to goods and services supplied within the UAE; intra-free-zone supplies between designated zones are zero-rated. There is no withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties paid abroad.

优势与劣势

Advantages
  • 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
  • Zero corporate tax on qualifying income up to AED 375,000; 9% above that threshold
  • No personal income tax
  • Fast and largely digital incorporation process
  • Repatriation of profits without restriction
  • Flexible visa packages — many zones offer 2- or 3-year residency visas
  • Simplified customs procedures and duty exemptions within the free zone
Disadvantages
  • Cannot trade directly with UAE mainland customers without a local distributor or dual licence
  • Physical office or flexi-desk lease is usually mandatory and adds to annual cost
  • Each free zone has its own rules — portability between zones is limited
  • Some free zones restrict the activities you can perform; adding activities may incur extra fees
  • Banking can be slow; some banks decline free zone entities with no local substance

其他企业结构 — United Arab Emirates

准备注册 FZE in United Arab Emirates?

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This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.