Guides / Choosing a zone
How to choose a free zone
Six questions, in the order that rules zones out fastest.
- Write down your activity.
Your licence is defined by activities. Check that the zone licenses yours and how many activities the package allows (RAKEZ's all-inclusive: up to 10; Meydan's licence: up to three activity groups).
- Count visas for the next two years.
Visa capacity is often tied to the desk or office. DMCC's flexi desk allows three; SHAMS up to 12 on a shared desk; SPC has no fixed quota on a flexi-desk.
- Decide where your customers are.
Mostly mainland UAE customers? Read mainland vs free zone first.
- Price year one and year two.
Use the calculator, then ask each zone for its renewal price in writing.
- Think about banking and substance.
Banks and the tax rules both look at where the business really operates. A flexi desk is enough for a licence, not always for everything else.
- Pick the emirate you will live and work in.
Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah zones all issue UAE residence visas; daily logistics still matter.
Questions
Does the emirate of the free zone matter for my visa?
A free zone visa is a UAE residence visa; you can live in any emirate. The zone's location matters for offices, inspections and banking.
Can I change free zone later?
Moving usually means setting up a new company and closing or transferring the old one. Choosing well up front is cheaper.
Checked 18 October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.