Arab Express Business Centre offers cheapest Dubai free zone company setup for startups

Starting a business in one of Dubai’s free zones is one of the most practical decisions a founder can make. You keep 100% ownership of your company, pay no corporate or personal income tax, and can be licensed and operational in a matter of days — all starting from AED 5,555.

Arab Express Business Centre has helped hundreds of startups through this process. Whether you are launching your first venture or expanding internationally into Dubai, we will handle every step — from choosing the right free zone to receiving your trade license.

Why Dubai Free Zones Work for Startups

Full foreign ownership — no UAE national sponsor required
Zero corporate tax and zero personal income tax
Fast initial approvals, often within 24–72 hours
Flexible workspace options: virtual offices, flexi-desks, and serviced offices
No restrictions on repatriating your profits
Access to over 2,500 permitted business activities

How the Setup Process Works

Arab Express manages the entire process on your behalf. Here is what to expect:

Free consultation — we assess your business activity and recommend the best free zone and license type
Trade name reservation — we check availability and register your company name with the relevant authority
Document preparation — passport copies, business plan, application forms, and any supporting documents
License application and initial approval — submitted directly to the free zone authority
Workspace selection — virtual office, flexi-desk, or serviced office depending on your visa needs and budget
Visa processing — investor and employee residence visas arranged once the license is issued

1. Choose the Right Free Zone

There are more than 40 free zones in Dubai, but for new businesses looking for cheap Dubai free zone company setup for startups, the best ones are IFZA, RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone, and Meydan Free Zone. These are where licensing and office setup start at low prices. Each one serves a different industry and offers scalable services for new businesses that want to grow.

2. Choose what your business will do and what kind of business it will be.

The activity your startup chooses affects licensing and rules. Most free zones give permits to tech companies, e-commerce businesses, consultants, and traders. Depending on how your firm works, you can set up Free Zone LLCs, Free Zone Establishments (FZE), or branches.

3. Reserve a Trade Name

It’s quite important to have a trade name that is both unique and legal. As part of your cheap Dubai free zone company setup for startups, Arab Express makes sure that your trade name registration is done quickly and according to the rules of the free zone government.

4. Getting ready and sending in the documents

Typical documents are scanned copies of passports, evidence of residency in the UAE if necessary, business plans, completed application forms, signatures, and lease agreements if you are renting space. To avoid delays in getting permission, our professionals check and prepare every document.

5. Licensing, Getting Initial Approvals, and Registering

The relevant free zone authority gives initial permissions and issues the trading license after getting all the necessary paperwork. This procedure is sped up for startups, which lets them get into the market quickly.

6. Choosing an Office Space

Depending on your budget and demands, you can choose between furnished workspaces, virtual offices, and flexi-desks. These alternatives make sure that you follow the rules of the free zone while keeping your costs low.

7. Opening a Business Bank Account

Arab Express helps new businesses understand how Dubai’s banks work, which makes it easy to open corporate accounts that are necessary for daily operations.

8. Processing visas for investors and employees

Most free zone startup packages come with investor visas, and you may add staff and family visas as your business grows.

Which FreeZone is Right For You?

With more than 40 free zones across the UAE, choosing the right one depends on your industry, budget, and visa requirements. For startups looking for the most cost-effective entry point, these four consistently stand out:

IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)

One of the most popular choices for consultants, tech businesses, and e-commerce startups. Packages are competitively priced and include multi-activity licenses, making IFZA ideal if your business covers more than one service area.

RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)

Located just outside Dubai, RAKEZ offers some of the lowest licensing fees in the UAE. It is well-suited for trading companies, manufacturers, and service businesses that do not require a central Dubai address.

Ajman Free Zone

A good fit for small businesses and sole traders who want to minimise overheads in their first year. Licensing costs are among the lowest available, and the setup process is straightforward.

Meydan Free Zone

Positioned in the heart of Dubai, Meydan is a strong choice for tech-focused startups and businesses that want a prestigious Dubai address. Packages start from around AED 9,000 and include flexible workspace solutions.

Documents You Will Need

Scanned passport copies for all shareholders and directors
Passport-size photographs
Proof of UAE residence address (if applicable)
Business plan or activity description
Completed free zone application form (we prepare this for you)
Tenancy or virtual office agreement

Our team reviews and prepares every document before submission to avoid delays.

How much does it cost to set up a free zone company in Dubai?

Licensing fees start from AED 5,555 per year, depending on the free zone and the number of activities on your license. Visa costs, workspace fees, and any professional service charges are additional. Arab Express provides a clear, itemised quote with no hidden fees before you commit.

How long does the setup take?

Most free zone licenses are issued within 3 to 7 working days once all documents are in order. Some free zones, such as Meydan, can issue licenses within 24 hours.

Can I set up a free zone company if I live outside the UAE?

Yes. Many founders set up their Dubai free zone company remotely. Arab Express handles the paperwork and government submissions on your behalf, and your authorised representative can sign documents through a power of attorney.

What is the difference between a free zone and a mainland company?

A free zone company offers full foreign ownership and tax advantages but is generally restricted to operating within the free zone or internationally. A mainland company allows you to trade freely across the UAE market, including with government entities, but historically required a local sponsor. For a clear comparison suited to your business, speak to our team.

Ready to set up your free zone company? Call us on +971 50 300 8203 or visit us at Shop No. 06, Al Nahda Centre, Al Qusais 1, Dubai. Free consultation available

Contact info

Our address:

+971 50 300 8203 | +971 4 343 7273

info@arabexpress.ae

Google Map Link Click Here

Free Zone Company Setup in Dubai for Startups