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UAE Free Zones & Advanced Manufacturing

Establish Your Regional Hub in UAE Free Zones

Leverage the UAE’s world-class Free Zones, 0% Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income, 0% customs duties on re-exports, MoIAT Operation 300bn incentives, and Industry 4.0 infrastructure to power global manufacturing operations.

Explore Free Zones Compare Free Zone vs Mainland
0%
Duty on Re-exports in Free Zones
#1
MENA Logistics Hub & Trade Gateway
100%
Foreign Ownership & Profit Repatriation
0%
Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
Free Zones? Compare Entities Operation 300bn Ecosystem 5-Step Setup Duty & Tax Calculator Free Zone FAQ
Dropdown Option 1

What are UAE Free Zones?

Free Zones in the UAE are designated geographic jurisdictions where businesses enjoy 100% foreign ownership, 0% customs duties on re-exports, zero currency restrictions, and 0% Corporate Tax on Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) income.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

The Middle East's flagship maritime and industrial hub connected directly to DP World's Jebel Ali Port.

Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ)

Premier zone for high-value cargo, advanced electronics, pharmaceuticals, and express air logistics.

KEZAD (Abu Dhabi)

Abu Dhabi's largest integrated industrial, logistics, and advanced manufacturing ecosystem linked to Khalifa Port.

Dubai Industrial City (DIC)

A dedicated regional hub tailored for heavy machinery, FMCG manufacturing, chemical processing, and R&D.

Key Advantage of Operating in UAE Free Zones

Goods entering UAE Designated Free Zones are treated as outside the UAE customs territory. Import duties and 5% UAE VAT remain suspended until goods are cleared into the UAE mainland market.

Download Free Zone Handbook
Dropdown Option 2

Compare Free Zone Entities vs Mainland Companies

Analyze key operational, financial, and tax parameters to determine whether a UAE Free Zone license or a Mainland DET license fits your global business model.

Parameter Free Zone Entity (QFZP) Mainland Industrial Co. Bonded Warehouse License
VAT Exemption on Imports 100% Deferment / Designated Zone 5% Standard Import VAT Applies Deferred until local clearance
Customs Duty Exposure 0% on Re-exported goods 5% Standard Tariff (Unless exempt) Duty-free during storage
Corporate Tax Rate 0% on Qualifying Income 9% above AED 375,000 taxable income Depends on parent entity status
Local UAE Mainland Sales Via local distributor / Agent (or 9% CT) Direct UAE Mainland market access Permitted via customs declaration
In-Country Value (ICV) Eligibility Eligible for ICV Certification Eligible for ICV Certification Not applicable
Minimum Share Capital Varies by Free Zone (e.g. AED 10k - 300k) Standard Commercial Co. Rules Bank Guarantee / Security Deposit required
Advanced Ecosystem

Operation 300bn & Industry 4.0 Support

The UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) drives industrial growth through strategic incentive frameworks, digital transformation mandates, and competitive financing.

Operation 300bn Strategy

National strategy aimed at scaling industrial sector GDP contribution to AED 300 billion, offering priority energy tariffs and R&D support.

National In-Country Value (ICV) Program

Grants priority access to UAE government tenders and procurement contracts for locally manufacturing entities.

Emirates Development Bank (EDB) Financing

Provides flexible long-term debt financing and capital expenditure grants for advanced manufacturing, robotics, and clean technology.

UAE Advanced Manufacturing Hub

Dubai Industrial City & KEZAD Hubs

Integrating design, automated manufacturing, and smart logistics within world-class specialized industrial zones.

Implementation Roadmap

5 Steps to Establish Your UAE Free Zone Entity

A streamlined path from name reservation to Free Zone lease execution and UAE Customs code registration.

1
Trade Name & Initial Approval

Reserve trade name and secure initial clearance from chosen Free Zone Authority.

2
Facility Leasing & MOA

Sign warehouse/factory lease in JAFZA, DAFZ, or KEZAD and execute Legal Articles of Association.

3
Licensing & Immigration

Receive official Free Zone Trade License and process establishment card for visas.

4
Customs Code Registration

Register with UAE Federal Customs Authority and local port customs for duty-free re-export permits.

5
MoIAT & Corporate Tax Registration

Register for Corporate Tax, qualify for 0% QFZP status, and obtain ICV certification.

Interactive Estimator

Free Zone Tax & Duty Savings Calculator

Estimate your annual working capital cash flow savings by routing transshipments and advanced assembly through UAE Designated Free Zones.

  • 0% Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income
  • Instant 5% VAT import cashflow preservation
  • Zero tariff exposure on international re-exports

Estimate Your Duty & Cashflow Benefits

Estimated Annual Working Capital Preserved
$500,000 USD

(Includes 5% VAT Deferral + 5% Customs Duty Waiver)

Engagement Fees?

Transparent advisory fees, official authority costs, and institutional incorporation package pricing.

Standard Setup

Free Zone Formation

12,500 AED

Ideal for trading, commercial, and foreign subsidiaries.

  • Name Approval & License Submission
  • Free Zone Lease & MOA Drafting
  • Establishment Card & Residency Visa Support
Get Started
Recommended

Industrial / Factory License

28,000 AED

For assembly, advanced manufacturing & warehousing operators.

  • MoIAT Environmental & Industrial Clearance
  • Custom Customs Code & Designated Zone Permit
  • Corporate Tax Registration & QFZP Filing
Apply Now
Institutional

Financial Service / DFSA / ADGM

55,000 AED

Asset management, fintech & institutional investment hub setup.

  • Comprehensive Regulatory Dossier Filing
  • Legal Structure Opinion & Compliance Framework
  • End-to-end Regulatory Interview Support
Consult Specialist
Custom Cost Estimator
Estimated Total Investment:

12,500 AED

Lock In Custom Quote

Timelines?

Roadmap of turnaround times from initial incorporation to full operational go-live.

Phase 1: Free Zone Name Approval & Trade License
Duration: 3 - 5 Working Days

Authority clearance, lease agreement signing, MOA execution, and trade license issuance.

Phase 2: Establishment Card & Visa Processing
Duration: 1 - 2 Weeks

Immigration registration, entry permit issuance, medical fitness tests, and Emirates ID biometric completion.

Phase 3: Customs Code & Port Account Activation
Duration: 1 Week

Filing with Dubai Customs / Abu Dhabi Customs for duty-exempt import and re-export declaration portal credentials.

Phase 4: Corporate Banking & Tax Registration
Duration: 3 - 5 Weeks

UAE Corporate Bank Account activation, Corporate Tax & VAT registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

Common Questions

Free Zone & Manufacturing FAQ

Clear answers regarding UAE Free Zone regulations, corporate tax, and licensing.

Any foreign or local individual/corporate entity can establish a 100% foreign-owned Free Zone company. Operating permits and facilities are managed directly through the respective Free Zone Authority (e.g., JAFZA, DAFZ, KEZAD).

A Free Zone company qualifying as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) benefits from 0% Corporate Tax on its Qualifying Income. Any Non-Qualifying Income or mainland-derived business is subject to the standard 9% Corporate Tax rate.

When goods exit a Designated Free Zone into the UAE domestic mainland market, a 5% Customs Duty and 5% UAE VAT become payable upon customs clearance.
Industrial Advisory

Schedule a Free Zone Setup Consultation

Our industrial advisory specialists assist global manufacturers in zone selection, MoIAT approvals, and corporate tax structuring.

Regional Office

Building 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Manufacturing Desk

+971 4 123 4567 / +971 4 123 4568

Direct Email

freezone@uaecorporate.ae

Free Zone & Facility Setup Request

Thank you. Our Free Zone specialist will reach out within 24 hours.