A complete step-by-step guide to setting up a UAE free zone company in 2026 — from choosing your free zone through license, visa, and bank account.
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Entrepreneurs who want to set up a UAE company often get lost in the process: too many free zone options, unclear activity requirements, confusing visa rules, and banks that reject applications without explanation. The result is costly mistakes or abandoned setups.
FIXE GROUP handles the entire UAE setup: free zone selection, license application, visa processing, and guaranteed bank account opening — so you get a fully operational structure in 4–6 weeks.
Setting up a UAE Free Zone Company involves five steps: (1) choose the right free zone for your business activity, (2) reserve your trade name and apply for a commercial license, (3) apply for office space (flexi-desk or virtual office), (4) apply for your residency visa, and (5) open a corporate bank account. The total process takes 4–8 weeks and costs between $4,000 and $12,000 all-in depending on the free zone and visa type. FIXE GROUP guarantees bank account opening, which is the most commonly failed step for self-managed setups.
The free zone you choose determines your permitted business activities, annual license cost, office requirements, and banking relationships. DIFC and ADGM are best for financial services and professional services with premium prestige. DMCC is excellent for commodities and trading. Meydan and IFZA are cost-effective options for consulting, digital services, and holding structures. RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) is the most affordable option, starting at approximately $1,500/year for a license.
Submit your business activity list, passport copies, and business plan to your chosen free zone authority. Most free zones process licenses within 5–10 business days. Activity categories must precisely match your actual business or you risk regulatory issues. Typical license types: Professional License (service businesses), Commercial License (trading), and Holding License.
Most free zones require at least a flexi-desk or co-working membership (from ~$500–$1,500/year). This provides a registered address for your company and is the basis for your visa application. Physical offices are available at higher cost but may improve banking relationships.
The company license entitles you to apply for investor/partner residency visas for yourself and dependents. The visa process (medical test, Emirates ID, visa stamping) takes 2–4 weeks. Visa validity: 2–3 years, renewable. You may also sponsor employee visas once your company is established.
This is the most challenging step. UAE banks (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK, FAB) conduct thorough KYC: proof of business activity, client contracts, invoices, and source of funds. Rejection rates for self-managed applications exceed 50%. FIXE GROUP has established banking relationships and manages the application process with guaranteed outcomes.
Legal basis
UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022 (Corporate Tax)
Cabinet Decision No. 100/2023 (Free Zone activities)
UAE Commercial Companies Law
Individual Free Zone regulations
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