Move to Dubai & Start Your Dream Business
Live in Dubai, work from anywhere, pay minimal tax. Get AI-powered free zone recommendations in minutes. Compare 22+ zones, get your residence visa, and start your new life in the UAE.
- 22+Free Zones
- 9%Corporate Tax
- 100%Online Process
Maya doesn't just recommend — she gets it done
Your AI agent works directly with free zone authorities on your behalf. From filing your application to tracking approvals, she handles the coordination so you can focus on your business.
Why Maya AI?
From expert advice to full company registration — we handle the entire process for you.
AI-Powered Match
Decision Core algorithm analyzes 22+ free zones and 53 packages to find your perfect match based on activity, budget, and preferences.
Low Tax Environment
UAE offers 9% corporate tax (with small business exemptions), 0% personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and 100% profit repatriation.
100% Ownership
Retain full control of your business. UAE free zones allow complete foreign ownership with no local sponsor required.
Transparent Pricing
Every recommendation includes detailed cost breakdowns. No hidden fees, no surprises - see exactly what you pay for.
Fast Setup
From application to license in 2-4 weeks. Our streamlined process handles documentation, submission, and follow-up.
Residency Visa Included
Move to Dubai with your family. Most packages include investor visas - live, work, and enjoy the Dubai lifestyle.
How UAE Free Zone Setup Works
The easiest path to your business registration in the UAE.
Tell us about your business type, planned activities, and how many founders or partners will be involved.
Specify your visa needs, physical office requirements, and any specific location preferences in the UAE.
Set your budget range for the initial setup. Our AI finds options that maximize value within your budget.
Get instant AI-powered recommendations ranked by match score, with detailed comparisons tailored to your needs.
Up to $100,000/year tax-free, then just 9% — 100% ownership with no complex structures
Free zones give international entrepreneurs the ideal structure to operate tax-efficiently with full independence.
Free Zone Benefits
Optimized for International Business
- Low 9% corporate tax (0% personal income tax)
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
- Full profit repatriation
- No import/export duties
- Investor visa eligibility
- World-class infrastructure
Maya AI Coverage
Comprehensive Free Zone Database
UAE Free Zone Comparison 2026
Compare top UAE free zones by visa allocation, setup time, and specialization. Find the best free zone for your business activity.
| Free Zone | Location | Starting From (AED) | Visa Allocation | Setup Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA Dubai | Dubai | AED 12,000 | 3 visas | 3-5 days | E-commerce, Trading |
| DMCC | Dubai | AED 25,000 | 5+ visas | 2-3 weeks | Commodities, Premium |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 8,500 | 2-3 visas | 5-7 days | Manufacturing, SMEs |
| SHAMS Sharjah | Sharjah | AED 5,750 | 1-2 visas | 2-3 days | Freelancers, Consultants |
| Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | AED 6,500 | 2 visas | 3-5 days | Trading, Services |
Free zone requirements vary by business activity and visa needs. Our AI analyzes all 53 packages across 22+ free zones to find your best match.
Get personalized recommendations→Search Guides
High-Intent Guides for UAE Business Setup
These pages are built for the questions founders search when they are close to making a jurisdiction decision.
Cost Guide
Dubai Business Setup Cost
A focused pricing guide for founders comparing IFZA, Dubai South, Meydan, DMCC, and lower-cost UAE alternatives.
Free Zone Guide
IFZA Dubai Guide
Who IFZA is good for, current package logic, visa structure, office options, and when another zone is a better fit.
Core Guide
Company Formation in Dubai
A full guide to structures, documents, capital requirements, setup flow, and how founders should think about jurisdiction.
Timing Guide
Start a Business in Dubai Now
Why founders who move during quiet periods gain faster processing, better bank onboarding, and a structural head start over those who wait.
Maya Finance
Zoho Books Alternative for UAE
Why UAE free zone founders switch from Zoho Books, what Maya Finance does differently, and how the built-in migration wizard works.
Comparison
Free Zone vs Mainland
Ownership, cost, trading rights, tax treatment, and the decision logic for choosing the right route for your business.
UAE Investor Visa & Golden Visa
As a UAE free zone company owner, you qualify for an investor visa - live, work, and travel freely from one of the world's most connected hubs.
Multiple Visa Options
From 2-year investor visas to 10-year Golden Visas, choose the option that fits your needs and investment level.
Include Family Members
Sponsor your spouse and children for UAE residence permits through your company. Build your life in the UAE.
Global Connectivity
UAE residents enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180+ countries. Travel freely for business and leisure.
UAE Investor Visa
Free Zone Company Owner
Visa quota varies by package: Most packages include 1-3 visa allocations. Additional visas available at extra cost.
Be among the first
Maya AI is newly launched. We’re focused on getting the first wave of founders set up right — every formation personally handled.
Free Zone License Packages
Different free zones offer different package tiers. Our AI matches you with the right package for your specific business needs.
- Trade License
- 1-2 Visa Allocation
- Flexi-desk Included
- Basic Support
- Standard Processing
- Trade License
- 2-3 Visa Allocation
- Shared Office Option
- Priority Support
- Faster Processing
- Bank Account Guidance
- Trade License
- 5+ Visa Allocation
- Dedicated Office
- Dedicated Support
- Express Processing
- Bank Introduction
- Compliance Advisory
Package features vary by free zone and activity type. Our AI compares all 53 packages across 22+ free zones to find your optimal match and provides transparent pricing for your specific requirements.
Included with your formation
Form your company. Get 6 months of Maya Finance free.
Invoicing, expenses, VAT returns, bank reconciliation, procurement, payroll, and an AI advisor — all in one platform built for UAE free zone founders.
6 months free when you incorporate through Maya AI. 3 months free for direct signups.
- Invoicing & expense tracking
- Wio bank connection
- VAT return preparation
- Dedicated bookkeeper available
UAE Free Zone FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about UAE free zone business setup.
UAE free zones are special economic areas designed to attract foreign investment. They offer benefits like low 9% corporate tax (with exemptions for small businesses), 0% personal income tax, 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and simplified company setup processes. There are over 40 free zones across the UAE, each with different focus areas and requirements.
Our AI-powered Decision Core analyzes your specific requirements (business activity, budget, visa needs, office requirements) against our database of 22+ free zones and 53 packages. You get personalized recommendations with detailed reasoning explaining why each option suits your needs.
SHAMS Sharjah, Ajman Free Zone, and UAQ Free Zone are popular budget-friendly options. These zones offer competitive packages with trade license and visa allocation included. They are ideal for freelancers, consultants, and small businesses looking to minimize setup costs while still accessing UAE benefits.
License costs vary based on the free zone, package type, visa allocation, office requirements, and business activities. Budget zones (SHAMS, Ajman) offer lower entry costs, mid-range zones (IFZA, RAKEZ) balance cost and features, while premium zones (DMCC, DIFC, ADGM) command higher fees for prestige and specialized services. Our AI analyzes your specific needs to recommend the best value option.
IFZA Dubai offers faster setup (3-5 days), competitive costs, and is ideal for trading, e-commerce, and service businesses. DMCC is a premium zone focused on commodities trading, with higher fees but offers prestige, DMCC member benefits, and specialized facilities. Choose IFZA for speed and flexibility; DMCC for commodities trading and premium positioning.
Yes. As a free zone company owner, you qualify for an investor/partner visa. Most packages include visa allocations. You can also sponsor family members (spouse and children) through your company. Golden Visa (5-10 year) options are available for qualifying investments.
Timeline varies by free zone. Fast options (IFZA, SHAMS) can complete in 2-3 days. Most zones take 1-2 weeks for license issuance. The full process including visa stamping typically takes 2-4 weeks. DMCC and DIFC may take 3-4 weeks due to additional compliance requirements.
Yes, e-commerce is one of the most popular activities in UAE free zones. IFZA, SHAMS, and RAKEZ all offer dedicated e-commerce license packages. You can sell products online globally, use fulfillment centers, and integrate with platforms like Amazon UAE. Most packages include the necessary activities for online retail.
No, you can own and operate a UAE free zone company while living abroad. Many free zones offer flexi-desk or virtual office options. However, if you want a UAE residence visa, you will need to visit for Emirates ID processing and visa stamping. Some zones allow fully remote setup with visa processing on arrival.
Basic requirements include: passport copy (valid for 6+ months), passport-size photo, proof of address, and business plan/description. Some free zones require additional documents like bank reference letters or NOC from current employer. Our system guides you through exact requirements for your chosen zone.
Yes. A free zone license qualifies you to open corporate bank accounts with UAE banks including Emirates NBD, RAKBANK, Mashreq, and international banks. Requirements vary - some require minimum deposits, physical presence, or business substance proof. We provide bank introduction services.
The UAE Golden Visa is a 5-10 year renewable residence visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. You can qualify through property investment, business investment, or as an entrepreneur with a successful startup. Some free zone packages can help you qualify for the Golden Visa program.
Moving to Dubai is straightforward: 1) Choose a free zone and get your trade license (2-4 weeks), 2) Apply for your investor visa through your company, 3) Complete Emirates ID and visa stamping in UAE. You can start the process remotely and only visit Dubai for the final visa steps. Many entrepreneurs relocate within 4-6 weeks.
Yes! Dubai is a top destination for digital nomads and remote workers. With a free zone license, you get a residence visa that lets you live in Dubai while working with clients globally. Many free zones offer flexi-desk packages perfect for remote workers - no physical office needed.
Dubai is consistently ranked among the best cities for entrepreneurs. Benefits include: strategic timezone (connecting Asia, Europe, Africa), world-class infrastructure, low tax environment (9% corporate, 0% personal income tax), access to regional markets, and a thriving expat community of 200+ nationalities.
Yes, as a UAE business owner you can sponsor your spouse, children, and even parents for residence visas. Most free zone packages include multiple visa allocations. Your family members can live, study, and access healthcare in the UAE under your sponsorship.
Ready for Dubai? Let Maya AI handle everything for you
Let Maya AI advise you and handle the entire process — from finding the right free zone to getting your license and visa sorted.
