WhatsApp quoteA Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is a single-shareholder free zone company with limited liability. On the ground, the FZE is the go-to structure for solo founders in every major free zone and can later convert to a FZCO by adding shareholders. GoldenKey registers Free Zone Establishments in ten UAE free zones, and this page explains when the structure is the right choice.
Where to register a Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Free Zone Establishments are registered in ten UAE free zones. Choose a jurisdiction below for live prices and the exact requirements.
Ajman Free ZoneOne of the UAE's most affordable free zones — 0-visa packa…Ajman New Venture CentreAjman's newest entrepreneurial free zone — built for start…Ajman Media CityUAE's media and content-creator hub — licences from AED 5,…Meydan Free ZoneDubai's entrepreneurial free zone at the iconic Meydan rac…IFZA Free ZoneDubai's fastest-growing free zone — multi-activity licence…DMCC Free ZoneWorld's #1 free zone — the premium choice for commodity tr…Shams Free ZoneSharjah's media free zone — creative and digital licences …SAIF ZoneSharjah's industrial free zone — warehousing, logistics an…RAKEZRAK's all-in-one economic zone — business, industrial and …JAFZAJebel Ali — the world's largest free zone and gateway to g…How it is formed
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
We confirm that your activity is available in Free Zone Establishment (FZE), choose the licence type and agree the visa package and office option that match your plan.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
We submit your preferred trade names to Free Zone Establishment (FZE) and secure initial approval, normally within a day or two of submission. For setting up a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 3Document submission and payment
As we tell every client, you sign the file forms and memorandum, we submit the attested documents and the licence fee is paid to the authority.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
In practice, once the Free Zone Establishment (FZE) licence and company papers are released, we move immediately to the immigration file, residence visas and the bank meeting. Your portal shows the status of this step for setting up a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) in real time.
Indicative pricing
Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.
Why the UAE
From day one, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so setting up a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) no longer requires a local partner. As we tell every client, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international customers and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for setting up a Free Zone Establishment (FZE).
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled setting up a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. We will tell you plainly if Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less.
Tell us about your plans for setting up a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Who should choose a Free Zone Establishment (FZE)?
A single-shareholder free zone company with limited liability. It suits founders who need the fze is the go-to structure for solo founders in every major free zone and can later convert to an fzco by adding shareholders.
Can a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) be owned 100% by foreigners?
Yes in free zones and offshore registries, and for most mainland activities since the 2021 reforms.
Can I change from a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) to another structure later?
Yes. GoldenKey handles conversions, additions of shareholders and new entities when a business outgrows its original structure.
