UAE Free Zone Company Formation
100% foreign ownership. No local partner. Licensed in 7–10 days.
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- 0% Personal Income Tax
- Remote Setup in 7–10 Days
100+
Companies Formed
10+
Global Markets Served
25+
Free Zones Covered
What is a UAE Free Zone Company?
A UAE free zone company is registered inside a designated special economic zone — granting 100% foreign ownership with no local partner required. Setup is fully digital and typically completed within 7 to 10 working days.
- ✓100% foreign ownership — no UAE national partner required
- ✓0% personal income tax, full profit repatriation
- ✓Corporate tax: 0% on qualifying free zone income
- ✓Visa eligibility for shareholders and employees
- ✓UAE banking access from day one
Free Zones We Support
Six UAE free zones. Each serves a different business profile, budget, and activity type. StrataLink matches you to the right one.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
IFZA
1,500+ activities
Multi-activity licensing under a single license. Strong investor credibility and fully digital remote setup.
- Multi-activity license
- 0% corporate tax*
- Digital setup in 7–10 days
Dubai
Meydan
2,500+ activities
Premium Dubai free zone. StrataLink is an Official Registered Partner: priority processing and end-to-end setup.
- Official partner status
- 24–48 hr setup
- Premium Dubai address
Sharjah
SHAMS
Freelancer permit available
Cost-competitive free zone for media, creative, consulting, and tech. Up to 50 shareholders.
- Freelancer license
- Media & tech focus
- Lowest cost tier
Sharjah
SPC
World's first publishing FZ
Globally recognised for media, publishing, education, and knowledge industry businesses.
- Publishing & education
- Knowledge sector focus
- 100% foreign ownership
Ajman
ANC
AI, blockchain & metaverse
Innovation-driven hub explicitly supporting AI, blockchain, metaverse, and emerging technology sectors.
- Blockchain & AI friendly
- Startup-focused
- Competitive pricing
Ajman
Ajman Free Zone
Trading & industrial
One of the UAE's most cost-effective free zones. Strong logistics via Ajman Port and Emirates Road.
- Trading & industrial
- Port access
- Lowest cost tier
At a Glance
Compare Top Free Zones
Side by Side
IFZA, Meydan, and SHAMS cover the most popular use cases — international trading, Dubai prestige, and budget-first setups. StrataLink advises on the right fit for your business before you commit.
- All three zones support 100% foreign ownership
- Remote setup — no UAE visit required
- Visa eligibility from day one
Popular Choices
Free Zone Snapshot
IFZA
Dubai
Multi-activity license
Meydan
Dubai
Priority processing
SHAMS
Sharjah
Most cost-effective
UAE Free Zone vs Mainland
Not sure which structure suits your business? Here is a direct comparison.
| Factor | Free Zone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership | 100%, no local partner required | 100% for most activities |
| UAE Market Access | Via registered distributor | Full direct access |
| Government Contracts | Not eligible | Fully eligible |
| Setup Cost | Generally lower | Higher (DED requirements) |
| Visa Quota | Based on package (1–3 entry-level) | Unlimited, based on office size |
| Setup Speed | 7–10 days (digital) | 2–4 weeks |
| Corporate Tax | 0% on qualifying income* | 9% on profits above AED 375k |
* 0% corporate tax applies to qualifying income of qualifying free zone entities under UAE Corporate Tax Law.
How Free Zone Setup Works
From first call to licensed and operational. StrataLink manages every step.
Choose Your Zone & Activity
StrataLink assesses your business activity, visa needs, and budget to identify the best-matched free zone.
Documentation & Submission
We prepare your application, reserve your trade name, and submit directly to the free zone authority.
Licensed & Banking Ready
Your license is issued, address is active, and StrataLink assists with UAE bank account opening.
Documents Required
Most UAE free zone applications require only the following. StrataLink prepares and organises all documentation on your behalf.
- Passport copy of all shareholders and directors
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of address (not older than 3 months)
- Three proposed company name options
- Description of business activity
Frequently Asked Questions: UAE Free Zone Formation
Can't find your answer? Talk to our team.
Ready to Set Up Your UAE Free Zone Company?
Join founders, investors, and enterprises who chose StrataLink. Get a free consultation and itemised proposal within 24 hours.