5 Things to Know Before Opening a Freezone Company in the UAE
H&H Legal & Corporate Services | Freezone Business Setup Experts
Introduction: Why Freezone Companies Are Popular in the UAE
Setting up a freezone company in the UAE is one of the most efficient ways to start your business journey. With benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and fast licensing, it’s no wonder entrepreneurs worldwide are choosing UAE freezones.
But before you jump in, there are a few key factors to understand. At H&H Legal & Corporate Services, we guide you through every step. Here are 5 things you should know before starting your freezone company.
1. Not All Freezones Are the Same
The UAE is home to over 45+ freezones, and each one has its own:
Licensing authorities
Business activities allowed
Setup costs and timelines
Office space requirements
Popular freezones include:
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Jebel Ali Freezone (JAFZA)
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Fujairah Creative City
IFZA (International Freezone Authority)
Tip: Choose a freezone based on your business activity, budget, and location preference.
2. You Must Choose the Right Business Activity
Each freezone has a list of approved business activities, and you must select the one that matches your services or products.
Some activities require:
Special approvals (e.g. media, education, finance)
Physical office space
A professional qualification
Why it matters: Choosing the wrong activity can lead to delays or licensing issues.
3. Office Space May Be Mandatory
Some freezones offer flexi-desks or virtual offices for startups, while others require physical office space or even warehousing.
H&H Legal Tip: Always check the minimum space requirements and rental fees, especially if you’re in logistics, manufacturing, or consultancy.
4. Freezone Companies Have Limitations
While freezone businesses enjoy many perks, there are some limitations:
You cannot directly trade in the UAE mainland without a local distributor or branch license
You may have restricted access to government tenders
Some visa quotas are capped based on office size
Workaround: We can help you legally expand into the mainland through dual licensing or local partnerships.
5. The Setup Process Is Faster With Professional Help
Setting up a freezone company can take anywhere from 2 to 15 working days, depending on the freezone. But paperwork, legal requirements, and activity approvals can be time-consuming.
With H&H Legal & Corporate Services, we ensure:
Correct document submission
Fast-tracked approvals
Transparent pricing
Ongoing legal & PRO support
🎯 Conclusion: Set Up the Smart Way with H&H Legal
Opening a freezone company in the UAE is an excellent choice—when done correctly. Our experienced consultants at H&H Legal & Corporate Services will guide you every step of the way, from selecting the right freezone to registering your business and handling your visas.
Other Blogs
5 Things to Know Before Starting a Freezone Company in the UAE | H&H Legal
Why Your UAE Startup Needs Legal Support | H&H Legal & Corporate Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to open a freezone company in the UAE?
Costs range from AED 5,750 to AED 25,000+, depending on the freezone, business activity, and visa packages.
Can I sponsor employees with a freezone license?
Yes, most freezones allow employee visas. The number depends on your office size.
Can a freezone company open a bank account in the UAE?
Yes, and we assist you with business banking introductions.
Get Started Today
Ready to set up your freezone company in the UAE?
- info@handhdxb.com
- Call/WhatsApp: +971501011145
- www.handhdxb.com
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