Build or refine your UAE free-zone structure with strategy and precision

Learn how UAE free-zone structures, licenses, and residency options fit your goals.

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Why UAE Free Zones

A UAE free-zone company gives you more than a license — it builds real structure for international work, combining freedom with legal credibility.

Full foreign ownership

100 % control of your company and its profits.

Flexible company formats

From solo consultancies to multi-partner firms, free-zone structures support independence and scalability.

Residency opportunity

Long-term legal status and tax-free living with full global mobility.

Financial credibility

Compliant UAE companies gain access to trusted clients, banks, and fintech platforms.

Protected personal assets

Legal separation between business and personal holdings safeguards your savings.

Affordable, high-quality healthcare

Residency unlocks access to excellent medical care and  low-cost insurance plans.

A properly structured UAE company builds trust with clients and banks, and we help you translate these advantages into a setup aligned with your goals. All company formations are reviewed personally by a senior partner.

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How It Works

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Stage 1 — Document Preparation & Review

After your advisory session, we finalize the activity list and company structure, issue your document checklist, and prepare a compliant application file. You provide supporting documents; we format and verify them for accuracy.

Typical timeline: 2–5 business days, depending on document readiness.

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Stage 2 — Application Submission

We submit your approved file to the selected free-zone authority, manage the required formalities, and monitor progress through acknowledgment and company-name approval.

Typical timeline: submission acknowledgement within 1–2 business days; name approval up to 2 business days.

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Stage 3 — License Issuance & Company Formation

The free-zone authority issues the company license and incorporation documents—typically including the memorandum, share certificate, and incorporation resolution.

Typical timeline: 5–10 business days for complete files.

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Stage 4 — Residency Visas (optional)

If you choose to obtain UAE residency, we manage the full visa process—including entry permit, medical exam, biometrics, and Emirates ID—and assist you in selecting an approved health insurance plan. Presence in the UAE is required for the medical and biometric steps.

Typical timeline: 3–4 weeks after licence issuance.

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Stage 5 — Post-Setup Advisory (booked separately)

Once your company is active, you can book focused advisory sessions to strengthen operations and compliance. Services include banking setup and payment strategy, VAT and corporate tax alignment, bookkeeping and reporting, local networking, and other tailored guidance for your structure and markets.

Typical timeline: determined by the advisory scope you select.

Important clarifications

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    Timelines vary.

    They depend on document readiness and each authority’s review schedule.

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    Expedited options

    Some free-zone authorities offer priority or express handling for selected steps at an additional fee. Availability and timelines vary by authority and case—ask during your Advisory Session.

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    Banking access is not guaranteed by any free zone or advisor.

    We prepare a compliant, bank-ready profile and guide you through a realistic application plan.

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    Government fees

    Fees are set by the free-zone authorities and may be included within package pricing or settled directly with the authority.

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    Advisory scope

    Services beyond company formation are contracted separately.

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    Every setup is reviewed by a senior partner—no automated decisions.

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Old Crane Gateway is a certified partner of the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) in Dubai. We manage company formations directly through IFZA’s systems—ensuring accuracy, speed, and full regulatory compliance. We also work with other UAE free zones to align each setup with our clients’ structure and goals.

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Formation Costs at a Glance

Formation from AED 15,480 / USD 4,215 (approx.)

Total cost depends on company structure, number of partners, licensed activities, residency visas, and chosen free zone. All government and advisory fees are itemized separately for full transparency.

Detailed cost mapping is provided in our Full Setup Planning and Comprehensive Advisory sessions, where we align your budget, structure, and licensing path with precision.

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FAQs

Clear answers to the most common questions.

  • No. You can operate and manage your company remotely. Residency is optional; if you obtain it, you maintain travel flexibility and only need periodic re-entry to keep it active.

  • Yes. Free zones allow 100 % foreign ownership and single-shareholder structures. Partners or directors can be added later as your company evolves.

  • With documents ready, most formations complete within 7–10 business days from submission to license issuance. Adding residency typically requires 3–4 additional weeks for entry permit, medical exam, biometrics, and Emirates ID. Some free-zone authorities offer expedited processing for an additional government fee; availability varies by case.

  • Banking decisions are made directly by licensed financial institutions. We provide general advisory insight on maintaining a compliant company profile that supports future banking access.
    For taxation, we address VAT and corporate-tax alignment appropriate to your activities and scale during advisory sessions.

  • You receive your license and incorporation documents. From there, we assist with next steps such as residency, banking, and compliance through dedicated post-formation advisory.

  • Yes. We assist with restructuring, activity updates, and compliance reviews for existing UAE companies, including resolving banking or VAT issues when required.