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Here’s how to get a free zone license in Dubai. You pick a zone and choose your licence type. Then you send your documents, pay the fee and collect your licence.
DMCC, one Dubai free zone, quotes 7 to 10 days from application to licence. Other zones set their own pace.
What Is a Free Zone License?
A free zone licence lets you run a company inside one of Dubai’s free zones. The zone’s own authority issues it. You can own 100% of the company. You trade inside the zone and abroad, but selling on the mainland needs an extra step.
Founders pick this route for full ownership and a simple setup. We handle free zone business setup in Dubai across the main zones. The UAE government free zones portal has the official list of zones.
How to Get a Free Zone License in Dubai
Follow these five steps in order:
- Choose a free zone. Each zone suits certain activities. Some suit trading. Some suit media or tech. Start with the most popular free zones in the UAE if you’re unsure.
- Choose your licence type. Your activity sets the type. A trading business needs a commercial licence. A consultancy needs a service licence. Pick your company structure now too. Our guide to the types of free zone companies compares them.
- Prepare your documents. Gather passport copies and the application form. Some zones ask for a business plan. The full list is below.
- Submit your application. Send the file to the zone authority. Many zones take it online. DMCC runs the whole application remotely. Banks and visa biometrics still need you in person.
- Pay and collect your licence. The authority approves your file. You pay the fee and get your licence. Then you apply for visas and a bank account.
What Documents Do You Need?
Most zones ask for the same core papers: a passport copy for each shareholder and the zone’s application form. Many also want a passport photo and a reserved trade name. Some ask for a short business plan. A company shareholder adds its own company papers.
The usual list:
- A passport copy for each shareholder and manager
- A passport photo
- A visa or entry stamp copy, if you’re in the UAE
- The zone’s application form
- Proof of your trade name reservation
- A business plan, if the zone asks for one
Each zone can add its own items. Check the zone’s list before you apply. One complete file saves weeks of back and forth.
Which Free Zone License Type Is Right for You?
Your business activity picks your licence type. A commercial licence covers trading goods, and a service licence covers consulting and professional work. An industrial licence covers making or assembling products, and an e-commerce licence covers online selling. Match it to your real activity.
| Licence type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Commercial | Trading, import, export |
| Service | Consulting, IT, marketing, agencies |
| Industrial | Manufacturing, assembly |
| E-commerce | Online stores and digital selling |
Start with one main activity. Many zones let you add related activities to the same licence.
What Affects the Cost of a Free Zone License?
Four things drive your cost: the zone, your licence type, your visa count and your office. The zone sets the base fee. Each visa adds to the package, and a flexi-desk costs less than a private office. No single price fits every founder.
- The zone. Each zone sets its own fees.
- Visa count. More visas means a bigger package.
- Office type. A shared desk costs less than a full office.
- Licence type and activity. Some regulated activities carry extra approval fees.
Ask the zone for a full written quote. Check for renewal fees too. It stops surprise costs later.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Selling on the mainland. A free zone company trades inside the zone and abroad. To sell on the mainland, you appoint a local distributor. Since March 2025, you can also apply to Dubai’s DET for a branch licence or permit.
Industrial space. Industrial licences often need a unit or warehouse. Check the space rule before you apply.
Missing papers. One missing document stalls your file. Send a complete set the first time. See the challenges of free zone business setup before you start.
Conclusion
A free zone licence is a short process if you prepare. Pick the right zone, match the licence to your activity and send a clean file.
Want it done without the back and forth? Our team handles your Dubai free zone setup from start to finish.
This guide is general information. Rules and fees differ by free zone and can change. Check with the free zone authority or a setup consultant for your own case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a free zone license in Dubai?
DMCC quotes 7 to 10 days from application to licence. Each zone sets its own pace. Visas and your bank account come after the licence. They add more time.
What documents do I need for a free zone license?
A passport copy for each shareholder and manager, a passport photo, the zone’s application form and a reserved trade name. Some zones also ask for a business plan.
