Free zone selection and licensing support.
Choose a free zone that fits your business
Planning a UAE company from abroad or already operating in the region? Professional Connections Consultancies helps founders and overseas advisers assess free zone options, coordinate the application and understand the next steps after a licence is issued.
The right choice depends on your intended activities, customers, ownership structure, visa needs and the facilities you need. We can discuss these factors with you before you commit to an application.
How we support your setup
- Understand your plans. We discuss what the company will do, where its customers will be, who will own it and whether the owners or employees need UAE residence visas.
- Compare the options. We help you assess a suitable free zone, available activities, company form, premises and application requirements. Some activities require additional approvals.
- Prepare the application. We coordinate the documents and submissions required by the relevant authority. Requirements vary for individual and corporate shareholders.
- Plan the next steps. Depending on your needs, we can coordinate visa and Emirates ID applications, introduce banking support, and discuss ongoing accounting and corporate tax obligations. Approval by authorities and banks remains subject to their own requirements.
What should you prepare before applying?
Your checklist depends on the free zone, proposed activities, company structure and the people involved. Before collecting or certifying documents, confirm the current requirements with the relevant authority. Some activities need additional approvals.
If the shareholder is an individual: Be ready to discuss the proposed business activities, ownership, management and visa needs. Depending on the authority, you may be asked for identification, proof of residential address, and, if applicable, UAE residence documents. The authority may also request a business plan or other supporting information for certain activities.
If an existing company will own shares or establish a branch: Prepare to explain its ownership and who will be authorised to act. The authority may ask for the existing company’s incorporation and constitutional documents, its licence or equivalent, a board resolution, and information about its ultimate beneficial owners. Some documents may need certification, attestation or translation; the precise requirements depend on the authority and where the documents were issued.
Our team can discuss your planned structure with you and your appointed adviser and help coordinate the authority’s requested documentation. We can also explain the next steps for visas, corporate banking support and corporate services, where relevant.
What does free zone setup cost?
The total depends on the chosen authority, licensed activities, company structure, office or desk arrangement, number of visas and any additional approvals. Ask for an itemised estimate that separates authority charges, third-party costs and professional fees, and check renewal costs as well as the first-year amount.
Use our business setup cost calculator as a starting point, then discuss the assumptions with our team before making a decision.
Free zone or mainland?
A free zone licence is issued by its relevant authority and defines the activities the company may undertake. Whether a particular transaction or operation can be carried out in the mainland depends on the activity, location, applicable approvals and current rules. Compare your intended activities with our mainland company formation service before choosing a structure.
Working with overseas advisers
We can discuss the proposed UAE company setup with you and your appointed advisers, subject to agreeing the scope of work and the required client information. Where legal representation is needed, we coordinate with our partner law firm as appropriate.
Tell us your business activity, proposed shareholders and visa needs. Discuss your free zone setup.
Need Some Clarity?
We’ve Got the Answers
Can a free zone company do business with customers in mainland UAE?
The answer depends on what the company will do and the applicable licensing and approval requirements. We review the proposed activity and the rules of the relevant authorities before recommending a route.
How many visas can a free zone company obtain?
Visa eligibility and allocation depend on the free zone’s rules, the company’s facility and other relevant approvals. We can check the proposed package against your staffing plans.
Is a free zone company automatically exempt from UAE Corporate Tax?
No. Tax treatment depends on the entity’s circumstances and whether the conditions for any relevant relief are met. Our corporate tax team can help assess your obligations.
