Hello DhanGuard Team,
My name is Thiago Almeida, and I'm from Portugal. I'm considering expanding my existing business into Dubai and want to establish a company that can serve international customers while maintaining a presence in the UAE.
I have been researching Dubai freezone company setup options, but I'm unsure which jurisdiction would be most suitable for my business requirements.
I have a few questions:
- What are the main steps involved in setting up a free zone company in Dubai?
- Which Dubai free zones are suitable for consultancy, trading and service-based businesses?
- Can a foreign entrepreneur own 100% of a free zone company?
- What are the office and residence visa options available for a new business?
- What is the estimated setup and annual renewal cost for a small free zone company?
I'd appreciate your advice on selecting a suitable free zone based on my business activities and future expansion plans.
Thanks,
Thiago Almeida
Portugal
Hi Thiago,
I'm Hemant Katyal from DhanGuard. A Dubai free zone company setup can be a suitable option for international entrepreneurs who want to establish a UAE presence and serve overseas clients.
1. What Are the Main Setup Steps?
The process generally includes:
- Selecting a free zone and approved business activities.
- Choosing a company name and legal structure.
- Submitting the application and required documents.
- Obtaining initial approval and paying the applicable fees.
- Receiving the licence and incorporation documents.
- Applying for visas and opening a corporate bank account, if required.
2. Which Free Zones Are Suitable?
The right jurisdiction depends on your business activity, budget and operational needs. Options include:
- DMCC: Suitable for trading, commodities and selected professional services.
- IFZA: Offers options for consultancy and service-based activities.
- Meydan Free Zone: Worth considering for consultancy and selected commercial activities.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis: Suitable for technology and innovation-related businesses.
Check that the selected free zone permits your exact activities before applying. You can also review DhanGuard's free zone company formation services in the UAE.
3. Can Foreign Entrepreneurs Own 100% of the Company?
Yes. Dubai free zones generally allow 100% foreign ownership, so a Portuguese entrepreneur can own the company without a UAE national shareholder, subject to the selected authority's rules.
4. What Office and Visa Options Are Available?
Most free zones offer workspace options such as:
- Flexi-desk or shared workspace
- Co-working facilities
- Dedicated offices
- Private office spaces
Visa eligibility depends on the licence package and workspace arrangement. You may be able to select a zero-visa package or a package with one or more residence visas.
5. What Are the Estimated Setup and Renewal Costs?
For a small free zone company, the following are broad planning estimates:
|
Cost Component |
Estimated Cost (AED) |
|
Initial licence and registration |
10,000–20,000 |
|
Establishment and immigration charges |
1,500–3,500 |
|
One residence visa, including related processing |
3,000–7,000 |
|
Basic workspace |
5,000–15,000 annually |
|
Annual licence renewal |
8,000–18,000 |
Note: These are indicative planning ranges, not fixed quotations. Actual costs depend on the free zone, business activities, visa allocation, workspace and authority fee schedule. Additional compliance, insurance and banking costs may apply.
You can compare available business setup packages to understand the options and inclusions.
Final Advice
Before selecting a free zone, confirm your business activities, expected visa requirements, office needs and plans for serving UAE-based customers. The right choice should support both your current operations and future expansion.
Best regards,
Hemant Katyal
DhanGuard
