DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre): complete guide
DIFC is the UAE’s premier financial free zone under English common law. Non-regulated licence from AED 65,000, Innovation Licence USD 1,500/year.
James Thornton
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone): complete guide
JAFZA is the UAE’s premier logistics free zone with 9,000+ companies adjacent to Jebel Ali Port. General trading licence AED 30,000/year.
DMCC free zone: complete guide for foreign businesses
DMCC is the UAE’s largest free zone with 25,000+ companies in JLT Dubai. Trading company setup costs AED 35,000-45,000 year one.
GCC free zones explained: complete guide for foreign founders
The GCC hosts over 80 free zones across six countries. A free zone permits 100% foreign ownership, applies its own licensing rules, and often offers corporate tax incentives.
Low-cost business setup in the UAE: the cheapest free zones in 2026
The cheapest UAE business licence in 2026 costs AED 4,888 at Ajman NuVenture. Among Dubai free zones, Meydan starts at AED 12,500 and IFZA at AED 12,900.
How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE?
A UAE free zone company can be incorporated within 5 to 10 working days. A mainland company takes 2 to 4 weeks. An offshore company takes 5 to 7 working days.
Do you still need a local sponsor in the UAE?
No. Since the 2021 reform, most UAE mainland businesses no longer require a local sponsor or a 51% UAE national partner. The Local Service Agent requirement has also been removed in most activities.
100 % foreign ownership in the UAE: how the 2021 reform changed everything
The UAE’s Commercial Companies Law reform of 2021, extended by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025, allows foreign founders to hold 100% of most mainland businesses without a local sponsor.
UAE trade license types explained: commercial, professional, industrial, tourism
The UAE issues four core mainland trade licence categories — commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism — plus parallel free zone tracks for e-commerce, freelance, and holding. The right type depends on what your business actually does.
UAE business license costs: full breakdown by activity and jurisdiction
UAE business licence costs in 2026 range from AED 4,888 for the cheapest free zone to AED 900,000+ for a regulated DIFC financial firm. Most foreign founders spend AED 18,500 to AED 50,000 in year one.