GET YOUR FREE ZONE & Mainland
Formation in Dubai
Is a Dubai mainland company the right choice for you? Choose from over 3,000 business activities and enjoy the freedom to trade anywhere in the UAE and overseas.
Shicks Business Hub assists with company incorporation across more than 50 UAE free zones. There’s no doubt a lot of information to review and much to consider when making the decision on which free zone is best suited to your specific business requirements, including location, price, business type, flexi-desk or office space options, auditing and bookkeeping and share capital requirements, and much more.
That’s where the Shicks Business Hub team comes in, walking you through it step-by-step, steering you in the right direction, saving you money, and ultimately making the entire experience a stress-free one.
What are the main benefits to starting your company in a free zone and how do they each operate?
1. Retain Ownership
The main advantage offered by the UAE free zones is that foreign investors can retain 100% ownership of their businesses without the need for a local partner.
3. Financial Incentives
Other financial incentives of free zones includes a 0% income tax rate, no customs duties levied on imports and exports, and the option to repatriate 100% of the profits from the business.
2. Business License
Some business categories require prior approvals from certain authorities. Contact us today for a free consultation. One of our experts will guide you through the necessary requirements to start your business.
4. Sector-Specific
Another factor that can present fantastic opportunities to free zone companies is that many of the UAE free zones are sector specific. This gives its entrepreneurs ready access to a hub of knowledge and expertise from others within their field.
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai comes with many advantages. Here are some key benefits:
- Wider Business Opportunities: Mainland companies can trade anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE, giving you access to a larger market.
- Full Ownership: You can have 100% ownership of your business, providing you with full control and flexibility.
- Flexible Locations: Choose from various locations to set up your business, allowing you to find the best spot for your needs.
- These benefits make mainland company formation an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to grow and succeed.
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai comes with many advantages. Here are some key benefits:
1. Location flexibility and zero trade restrictions
With a Dubai mainland company, you can trade freely with other businesses and have unlimited location options. These companies can also offer services to the government and sell directly to consumers anywhere in the UAE. Plus, setting up a mainland company allows you to open multiple branches, establishing a strong presence throughout the Emirates.
3. Access to lucrative government contracts
A large incentive to set up a mainland business in Dubai is the access to valuable government contracts in the UAE. In recent years, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council approved AED 17.5bn (USD 4.76bn) of spending on government projects, including over AED 4bn on infrastructure.
2. Broad working scope
Mainland businesses can take on a wide range of work. If you want to diversify your services within the mainland, simply re-register the new business activity with the DED, and you can start trading freely.
4.100% ownership control of mainland business entities
Traditionally, 100% foreign ownership of a UAE business entity was only possible under two circumstances:
- When setting up in a free zone or
- When establishing a professional services company in the mainland (Sole Establishment or Civil Company)
Starting a business in Dubai is simple with Shicks Business Hub. We can help you set up in a free zone, on mainland or offshore.
You will be guided through the process step-by-step in a very transparent manner that gives you a full overview of exactly where you are at any given time of the setup journey.
We do all the heavy lifting for you so that you don’t have to give anything a second thought, but we make sure you are well-informed along the way.
While the entire process can take as little as seven working days, Shicks Business Hub is doing a lot behind the scenes to ensure your UAE free zone company setup is a complete success.
UAE Free Zone Setup
Shicks Business Hub — Your Gateway to the Right Free Zone
We help entrepreneurs and businesses find, compare, and set up in the UAE’s leading free zones. Every zone below is one we work with directly — meaning you get expert guidance, competitive pricing, and end-to-end support from day one.
All free zones featured on this page offer:
- 100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required
- 0% personal income tax
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- Tax exemptions on qualifying income
- Access to UAE residence visas for owners and employees
- Shicks Business Hub end-to-end setup support
Meydan Free Zone
- Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Dubai
- Startups, Consultants, E-commerce & General Trading
Overview
Meydan Free Zone is one of Dubai’s most popular and affordable free zones, situated in the heart of the city near Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. Established under the vision of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it offers a fully digital, fast-track setup experience — with licenses issued in as little as 60 minutes via their Fawri service. With over 2,500 permitted business activities and no paid-up capital requirement, Meydan is an ideal choice for entrepreneurs looking to launch quickly and cost-effectively.
Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required
- One of the most affordable free zone licenses in Dubai, from AED 12,500
- License issuance in as little as 60 minutes (Fawri service)
- Over 2,500 business activities available under one license
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying income
- No minimum paid-up capital requirement
- Flexi-desk office included — no need for dedicated office space
- 100% profit repatriation with no restrictions
- Fully digital, remote-friendly setup process
- Visa allocations scalable with business growth
- Strategic location — 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport
Ideal For:
Solo founders, consultants, digital entrepreneurs, e-commerce businesses, and startups seeking a fast, low-cost Dubai presence.
IFZA — International Free Zone Authority
- Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai
- SMEs, Consultants, Multi-Activity Businesses & Remote Founders
Overview
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is one of Dubai’s fastest-growing and most affordable free zones, operating within Dubai Silicon Oasis. Originally established in Fujairah in 2018, IFZA strategically relocated to Dubai to strengthen its global appeal. It is particularly popular among entrepreneurs for its multi-activity licensing, competitive pricing, and minimal bureaucracy. IFZA allows businesses to combine professional and commercial activities under a single license — a flexibility that few free zones match.
Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership — no local partner needed
- One of the most affordable free zone licenses in Dubai, from AED 12,900
- Combine up to 3 activities under one license at no extra cost
- 0% personal income tax and 0% import/export duties
- No minimum paid-up capital requirement
- No mandatory annual audit for most setups
- Remote setup available — no need to visit Dubai
- Company registration completed in 3–5 working days
- Flexible office options: virtual, flexi-desk, private office
- IFZA Academy, banking support, and networking ecosystem included
Ideal For:
Freelancers, consultants, e-commerce businesses, traders, and SMEs looking for a low-cost, flexible Dubai free zone with multi-activity capabilities.
Dubai South Free Zone
- Near Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai
- Logistics, Aviation, Trading & E-commerce Businesses
Overview
Dubai South is a master-planned urban development and free zone strategically positioned adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport — set to become the world’s largest airport. As a sector-agnostic free zone, it accommodates a wide range of business activities including general trading, e-commerce, consultancy, logistics, and aviation-related services. With direct access to the Expo 2020 legacy district and the Dubai South logistics corridor, it is one of the most strategically located free zones in the UAE.
Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership with full profit repatriation
- Direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port
- Over 3,500 business activities across multiple sectors
- Trade licenses starting from AED 12,500
- 0% income and corporate tax on qualifying income
- Flexible office solutions — virtual, flexi-desk, and physical offices
- Multiple activities combinable under a single license
- Dedicated logistics and aviation ecosystem
- Fast digital registration process
- Home to world-class infrastructure and the Expo legacy district
Ideal For:
Logistics companies, aviation-related businesses, e-commerce operators, traders, and entrepreneurs looking for a future-facing free zone with global connectivity.
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
- Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai
- Tech Companies, Startups, IT & Innovation-Driven Businesses
Overview
Dubai Silicon Oasis is a government-owned, integrated technology park and free zone established in 2004. Spanning over 7 square kilometres, DSO combines business, residential, and lifestyle facilities into a single smart community — home to over 40,000 registered companies. It is Dubai’s leading hub for technology, research & development, IT, and innovation. DSO hosts the largest tech startup campus in the Middle East (Dtec) and is home to global brands such as Porsche, Henkel, and Hyundai alongside thousands of growing startups.
Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying income
- Government-owned zone with strong regulatory stability
- World-class tech infrastructure: fiber internet, data centres, and R&D facilities
- Home to Dtec — the largest tech incubator and coworking hub in the Middle East
- Access to startup accelerators, mentorship, and venture capital networks
- Licenses from AED 11,900, with flexible payment options
- Over 2,000 permitted business activities
- Strategic location — 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport
- Fully integrated community: schools, hospitals, retail, and residential units on-site
Ideal For:
Tech startups, software companies, IT consultancies, AI and fintech firms, R&D businesses, and innovation-driven entrepreneurs seeking a world-class tech ecosystem.
RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
- Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
- Manufacturing, Industrial, Trading & Budget-Conscious Businesses
Overview
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the UAE’s largest and most versatile economic zones, home to over 30,000 companies from more than 100 countries. Strategically located approximately 45 minutes from Dubai, RAKEZ offers an exceptional combination of affordability, infrastructure, and flexibility. It covers over 50 industry sectors and provides everything from flexi-desks and co-working spaces to large industrial land plots and warehouses — making it the go-to zone for businesses of all sizes and stages.
Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership with 100% profit repatriation
- Among the most competitive license packages in the UAE, from AED 5,499
- Over 50 industry sectors covered — from trading to heavy manufacturing
- Customisable warehousing and industrial land available
- All services under one roof: licensing, visas, office, and compliance
- Strategic access to RAK port, airport, and major UAE highways
- Fully digitalised, fast setup and renewal process
- Best customer service and dedicated VIP
- Flexible office options from co-working desks to full industrial facilities
- Ideal for both small startups and large-scale manufacturing operations
Ideal For:
Manufacturing companies, industrial businesses, traders, e-commerce operators, and budget-conscious entrepreneurs seeking a high-value, scalable setup outside Dubai.
SHAMS — Sharjah Media City
- Sharjah, UAE
- Media, Marketing, Creatives, Freelancers & Digital Entrepreneurs
Overview
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is one of the UAE’s fastest-growing and most affordable free zones, purpose-built for media, digital, and creative industries. Despite its media focus, SHAMS has rapidly expanded its scope to accommodate a wide range of business activities including consultancy, e-commerce, general trading, social media, education, and professional services. With over 20,000 companies from more than 160 countries, SHAMS has built a reputation as a dynamic, entrepreneur-friendly zone offering excellent value for money.
Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership with full profit repatriation
- One of the most affordable free zones in the UAE — licenses from AED 5,750
- 0-visa packages available for investors based outside the UAE
- Combine up to 5 activities under a single license
- No minimum share capital requirement
- Wide range of activities: media, trading, consultancy, e-commerce and more
- Modern facilities: meeting rooms, co-working spaces, and fully serviced offices
- 20-minute drive from Dubai
- Remote setup available — process completable from abroad
- Growing community of 20,000+ businesses from 160+ countries
Ideal For:
Content creators, media professionals, marketers, social media influencers, consultants, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs seeking an affordable, flexible UAE base.
SPC — Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone
- Sharjah, UAE
- Publishing, Media, Consultants, Freelancers & Service Businesses
Overview
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone is a unique free zone rooted in Sharjah’s identity as the UAE’s cultural and knowledge capital. Originally designed for publishing, printing, and media businesses, SPC has evolved into a cost-effective multi-sector free zone welcoming consultancy, general trading, service, and professional businesses alongside its core creative industries. Located in the heart of Sharjah, it offers some of the most competitive licensing packages in the UAE while maintaining a prestigious address in an emirate known for culture and education.
Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation
- Highly competitive license packages starting from AED 5,750
- 0-visa packages available for remote investors
- Ideal for publishing, media, printing, and creative industries
- Expanded activities include consultancy, trading, and professional services
- No minimum paid-up capital requirement
- Cost-effective co-working and flexi-desk office solutions
- Located in Sharjah — the UAE’s cultural capital
- Fast, digital-first registration process
- Strong community of knowledge-driven and creative businesses
Ideal For:
Publishers, authors, content creators, media businesses, consultants, and professional service providers seeking one of the UAE’s most affordable and culturally prestigious free zone addresses.
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
- Ajman, UAE
- Trading, Import/Export, E-commerce & Cost-Effective Startups
Overview
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is one of the oldest and most cost-effective free zones in the UAE, established in 1988. Strategically located within Ajman — just 30 minutes from Dubai — AFZ benefits from direct proximity to Ajman Port, making it an ideal choice for import, export, and distribution businesses. With licensing packages among the most affordable in the country, AFZ attracts thousands of SMEs, startups, and trading companies seeking a legitimate, well-regulated UAE presence at the lowest possible cost.
Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership with full profit repatriation
- Among the cheapest free zone licenses in the UAE, starting from AED 5,000
- On-site customs and direct proximity to Ajman Port for seamless trading
- Multi-activity and dual-license options available
- Quick digital registration and fast renewals
- Flexible workspace options: offices, co-working hubs, smart cabins, and warehouses
- Industrial units and standalone warehouses available
- Dedicated investor desks and relationship managers
- Companies from over 160 nationalities registered
- 30 minutes from Dubai — cost-effective without sacrificing connectivity
Ideal For:
Trading companies, import/export businesses, e-commerce operators, industrial businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking the most affordable UAE free zone setup with genuine logistics advantages.