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Free Zones in Dubai

The UAE's commercial capital — premium banking, global brands

Dubai hosts 4 of the top 8 Free Zones: IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, DAFZA. With 3.8M+ residents and 17M+ annual visitors, it's the most commercially dense emirate. Home to the world's tallest building, biggest mall, and busiest international airport.

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40+

Free Zones + Mainland

60%

of UAE company formations

#1 globally

DMCC — FT rating

AED 12,900

Starting cost (IFZA)

Market context · 2026

Dubai processes more than 60% of all UAE Free Zone company formations. Its 40+ Free Zones include DMCC (ranked #1 globally by FT for 9 consecutive years), DIFC (common-law fintech hub), and IFZA (most popular for value-conscious founders). Dubai is the only UAE emirate with its own crypto regulator (VARA, since 2022). Banking access is strongest here: Emirates NBD, Mashreq, WIO, FAB, HSBC all maintain Dubai HQs. Corporate Tax at 9% above AED 375k applies Mainland-wide; qualifying Free Zone income stays at 0%.

Why founders choose Dubai

✓ Best banking access (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, WIO, HSBC)

✓ Most prestigious global address

✓ Strongest VC ecosystem (DIFC FinTech Hive, Hub71)

✓ Most international flights (DXB hub)

✓ VARA crypto licensing (only emirate with dedicated crypto regulator)

✓ Highest operating cost of living

4 Free Zones in Dubai

Best for: Global trading, fintech, crypto (VARA), ecommerce, premium brands, restaurants & retail

International Free Zone Authority

IFZA

Best balance of price, speed, and Dubai address

✓ Dubai address (Silicon Oasis)
✓ 0-visa starter option (AED 12,900)
✓ Multi-activity license — combine up to 7 activities
✓ Setup in 5 days end-to-end

Starting at

AED 14,900

License only · 0 visas

5d

Setup

6

Max visas

Start with IFZA →

Banking partners:WIO BankMashreq NeoBizEmirates NBDRAKBANK

Meydan Free Zone

Meydan FZ

Premium Dubai address with strong banking & ecommerce support

✓ Premium Meydan / Nad Al Sheba Dubai address
✓ Higher bank approval rate (~94%)
✓ Excellent for ecommerce (Shopify/Amazon-friendly)
✓ Single-shareholder LLC supported

Starting at

AED 14,500

License only · 0 visas

7d

Setup

3

Max visas

Start with Meydan FZ →

Banking partners:Emirates NBDWIOMashreq NeoBizADIB

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

DMCC

Premium prestige • Crypto/VARA • Best banking access

✓ World's #1 Free Zone (FT Global Free Zones)
✓ Crypto-friendly with VARA proprietary license
✓ Best bank account success rate (~98%)
✓ JLT/Uptown prestige address

Starting at

AED 41,840

License only · 0 visas

10d

Setup

6

Max visas

Start with DMCC →

Banking partners:HSBCStandard CharteredEmirates NBDENBD SecuritiesMashreqWIO

Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority

DAFZA

Logistics, aviation, and high-value trading near DXB airport

✓ Adjacent to DXB Airport
✓ Customs-bonded warehouses
✓ Best for re-export businesses
✓ Strong logistics infrastructure

Starting at

AED 35,500

License only · 0 visas

12d

Setup

∞

Max visas

Start with DAFZA →

Banking partners:Emirates NBDMashreqFABHSBC

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