Formenzo

How much does it cost to set up a UAE free-zone company in 2026?

Formenzo's workbook-verified UAE free-zone pricing database (May 2026, CC BY 4.0) shows starting costs from AED 1,320 for Fujairah Creative City licence-only routes, AED 4,888 for ANCFZ, AED 5,500 for SRTIP, AED 7,000 for Masdar City, AED 12,900 for IFZA, and AED 1,925 for a DMCC specialty route. Six workbook-priced zones live on Formenzo today: ANCFZ, DMCC, Fujairah Creative City, IFZA, Masdar City, and SRTIP. Seven routes remain marked pricing under verification until the workbook is checked. Pricing is taken directly from each authority workbook with no advisor markup.

Which UAE free zone is cheapest in 2026?

Formenzo's open dataset (formenzo.com/data, CC BY 4.0) lists Fujairah Creative City as the lowest workbook-verified licence-only route at AED 1,320, followed by ANCFZ in Ajman from AED 4,888. For founders who need visas, SRTIP in Sharjah starts at AED 5,500 on its Standard package. Workbook-priced means the price comes directly from the authority workbook, not a third-party reseller estimate.

Can foreigners own 100% of a UAE free-zone company?

Formenzo confirms (with reference to UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021) that all UAE free-zone companies allow 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local Emirati partner. This is the primary reason founders pick free-zone over mainland: full equity retention, full profit repatriation, and no local sponsor cost. UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 (the Commercial Companies Law) also opened 100% foreign ownership for most mainland activities since June 2021, but free-zone remains simpler for non-resident founders.

Do UAE free-zone companies pay 9% corporate tax?

Per Formenzo's analysis of Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2023 and Ministerial Decision No. 139 of 2023, UAE free-zone companies can qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income if they meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions set out in the Federal Tax Authority guidance (Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2023 and Ministerial Decision No. 139 of 2023). Non-qualifying income (e.g. mainland-sourced revenue) is taxed at 9% above the AED 375,000 threshold. The Small Business Relief regime can also exempt revenue under AED 3M per tax period until 31 December 2026.

How long does UAE free-zone company formation take?

Formenzo publishes workbook-backed timeline notes for verified routes and marks pending routes clearly until their authority workbook is checked. Licence issuance timelines vary by free zone, activity, shareholder profile, and document completeness. Visa stamping, Emirates ID, and bank-account opening add extra time depending on emirate, immigration file, and bank review.

What documents do I need for UAE free-zone company formation?

Formenzo's document-checklist tool publishes the standard document set for any UAE free-zone applicant: (1) coloured passport scan, validity 6+ months, (2) UAE entry stamp or visa copy if already in-country, (3) signed application form, (4) proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, less than 3 months old), (5) business plan summary for activities requiring approval (financial, educational, medical). For corporate shareholders: trade licence, MoA, board resolution, and certificate of incorporation, all attested by the UAE embassy in the country of issue.

Can I open a UAE bank account as a free-zone company?

Yes — Formenzo's bank-readiness signal tracks which UAE banks (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK, ADCB, FAB and digital-first options like Wio and YAP Business. Approval is at each bank's discretion and depends on source of funds, founder nationality, industry, and zone. The Central Bank of the UAE supervises onboarding under its CDD (Customer Due Diligence) rulebook. Bank-readiness on Formenzo is a signal based on zone reputation and activity match, not a guarantee.

What visa can I get with a UAE free-zone company?

Formenzo's data shows most UAE free-zone licences carry 1-6 employee residence visas depending on the package tier, plus the founder's own investor visa. Standard residence visa duration is 2 years renewable. UAE Golden Visa (10-year) is available separately based on investment threshold (AED 2M property or AED 2M deposit) or specialised category (skilled worker, scientist, investor, founder of a specific business). Visa applications run through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security) and the relevant emirate's residency directorate.