Frequently Asked Questions

FreeZone Global is an independent comparison and marketplace platform for UAE company formation. We help entrepreneurs: • Compare all 45+ Dubai freezones side-by-side • Find and verify formation agencies • Form companies safely with optional escrow protection • Track formation progress in a dashboard We're not a formation agency ourselves - we're a neutral platform connecting entrepreneurs with the right freezones and verified agencies.

Yes! Our comparison tools and agency marketplace are completely free. You can: • Compare all freezones without signup • Browse all verified agencies • Save comparisons (optional signup) • Book a free 30-minute consultation • Submit DIY formation requests You only pay if you choose our optional Hands-Off Service (€149 one-time fee).

We earn revenue in two ways: **1. Hands-Off Service Fee:** €149 one-time payment for customers who want us to handle their entire formation process **2. Agency Commissions:** When agencies successfully form companies for our referrals, they share a percentage of their profit with us (this doesn't increase costs for you - it comes from the agency's margin) This business model keeps our platform free for research while ensuring we're incentivized to provide excellent service.

No, not for browsing! You can: • Compare freezones ✅ No account needed • Browse agencies ✅ No account needed • Read blog posts ✅ No account needed • Book consultation ✅ No account needed (just provide email) You only need to create an account if you: • Want to save freezone comparisons • Purchase the Hands-Off Service (€149) • Submit a DIY formation request

**DIY Path (Free):** • You use our comparison tools for free • You submit a request form • We send it to multiple agencies • Agencies send you offers (24-48 hours) • You choose an agency and work directly with them • You manage documents and coordination yourself **Hands-Off Service (€149):** • We handle everything for you • Document preparation and review • Agency coordination • Escrow payment protection • Progress tracking dashboard • End-to-end support until license delivery Both lead to the same result: your company formed. Choose based on whether you prefer hands-on control (DIY) or convenience (Hands-Off).

Yes! If you start with DIY and decide you want our full support, you can upgrade by paying the full €149 Hands-Off Service fee. Contact us at any point during your formation process to upgrade.

Our free 30-minute consultation includes: • Discussion of your business type, goals, and budget • Personalized freezone recommendations (2-3 best options) • Explanation of costs and timeline • Answers to all your questions • Guidance on next steps There's no obligation to purchase anything. Many users book consultations, do more research, and return later when ready.

**Average timeline: 10-20 business days** from document submission to license delivery. **Breakdown:** • Week 1: Consultation, freezone selection, document collection • Week 2-3: Agency submits to freezone, processing and approval • Week 3-4: License issued and delivered **Factors that speed it up:** • Complete, correct documents from the start • Simple business activities • Fast-track freezones (IFZA, Ajman) • Responsive communication **Factors that slow it down:** • Incomplete or incorrect documents requiring resubmission • Complex business structures • Peak seasons or government holidays • Slow responses to requests for additional information

**Basic Requirements:** **Personal Documents:** • Valid passport (color scan or clear photo) • Passport-sized photo (white background, biometric quality) • UAE entry stamp (if you've visited before) • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement) **Business Information:** • 3 company name options (we help check availability) • Business activity description • Shareholder structure (if multiple partners) **Additional Information:** • Mother's name • Mobile number (outside UAE) • Address (outside UAE) • Religion (if applicable to freezone) • Education level • Marital status We provide a complete checklist and review all documents before submission to ensure they meet requirements.

**It depends on the freezone:** **100% Remote Formation (No visit required):** • IFZA • RAKEZ • Ajman Free Zone • Several others **Requires Brief Visit:** • DMCC (biometrics) • DIFC (signature and biometrics) • Some premium freezones During your free consultation, we'll clarify whether your chosen freezone requires a visit. Most freezones now allow fully remote formation, making it easy for international entrepreneurs.

It depends on several factors: **Consider:** • **Business type:** Some freezones specialize (DMCC for trading, TECOM for tech, DIFC for finance) • **Budget:** Costs range from €5,000 to €20,000+ depending on freezone • **Visa requirements:** How many employee visas do you need? • **Office requirements:** Do you need physical office space or is virtual enough? • **Mainland trading:** Do you need to trade within UAE mainland? Use our comparison tool to filter by these criteria, or book a free consultation for personalized guidance.

UAE freezones allow most business activities, including: • General Trading • E-commerce and online businesses • Consulting and professional services • Technology and software development • Marketing and advertising • Import/export • Real estate investment • Media and creative services • And many more... **Restricted activities:** Certain regulated industries (banking, insurance, healthcare) require special licenses. During consultation, we'll confirm if your specific activities are allowed in your chosen freezone.

Yes, but it's a formal process. You'll need to: • Submit new name options to freezone authority • Pay amendment fees (varies by freezone) • Update all official documents It's easier to get it right the first time. We help you check name availability and ensure it meets freezone requirements before submission.

After license issuance, you'll receive: • Trading license (official document) • Company registration certificate • Memorandum of Association • Share certificates (if applicable) **Next steps (not included in our current service):** • **Visa processing:** Apply for residence visas for yourself and employees • **Bank account:** Open a UAE business bank account • **Emirates ID:** Obtain official UAE identification • **Office setup:** If required by your license type We're adding visa and banking services soon. For now, we provide guidance and can recommend trusted partners.

**Total costs vary by freezone, typically €5,000 - €15,000+** **Cost breakdown:** **1. FreeZone Global Service Fee:** • DIY Path: €0 (free platform usage) • Hands-Off Service: €149 one-time fee **2. Agency Fees:** • Budget freezones: €2,500 - €3,800 • Mid-range freezones: €3,800 - €6,300 • Premium freezones: €6,300 - €12,500+ **3. Government/Freezone Fees:** • License fees: Varies by freezone and license type • Registration fees: Included in package • Office/desk space: €1,000 - €5,000+/year **Example Total Costs:** • IFZA (budget): ~€5,000 - €7,000 • DMCC (mid-range): ~€8,000 - €12,000 • DIFC (premium): ~€12,000 - €20,000+ During your free consultation, we'll provide an accurate cost estimate for your specific situation.

**Everything from consultation to license delivery:** ✓ Free 30-minute consultation (freezone selection) ✓ Agency matching and verification ✓ Document collection and review ✓ Format checking (correct sizes, backgrounds, quality) ✓ Application coordination with agency ✓ Escrow payment protection ✓ Progress tracking dashboard ✓ Status updates throughout process ✓ License delivery confirmation ✓ Support via email, WhatsApp, phone **Not included:** • Agency fees (paid separately via escrow) • Government/freezone fees • Visa processing (coming soon) • Bank account opening (coming soon)

**Payment timeline depends on your path:** **DIY Path:** • Platform usage: Free, no payment to us • Agency fees: You pay agency directly per their terms **Hands-Off Service:** 1. Book free consultation (no payment) 2. Decide on freezone and agency (no payment yet) 3. **Pay €149 to FreeZone Global** (service fee) 4. **Pay agency fees to us** (we hold in escrow) 5. We coordinate everything 6. License delivered to you 7. You confirm receipt in dashboard 8. **We release payment to agency** (escrow released) **Refund trigger:** Once we've submitted your documents to the freezone authority, the €149 service fee is non-refundable (work has officially started). Before that point, full refund available.

We accept: • Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) • Bank transfer (SEPA, international wire) • Stripe payment processing (secure and encrypted) **For escrow payments (Hands-Off customers):** All payments processed through our secure escrow account. Funds held safely until license delivery confirmed.

**Yes, here's our refund policy:** **€149 Hands-Off Service Fee:** • ✅ **Full refund:** If you cancel before we've submitted your documents to the freezone authority • ❌ **Non-refundable:** Once documents are officially submitted (formation process has started) **Agency Fees (held in escrow):** • ✅ **Refundable:** If agency fails to deliver license (rare with our verified partners) • ⚠️ **Partially refundable:** If cancellation occurs mid-process, some government fees may already be paid and non-recoverable • Contact us to discuss specific situations **DIY Path:** • No fees paid to us, so no refunds needed We're fair and reasonable. If there's a legitimate issue, we'll work with you to find a solution.

**No. We're committed to complete transparency.** **What you'll know upfront:** • Our €149 service fee (clearly stated) • Agency fees (provided by agency before you commit) • Government/freezone fees (disclosed in consultation) **The only "surprise" costs might be:** • Optional add-ons you choose later (express processing, extra visas) • Changes to your original plan (e.g., upgrading license type mid-process) If any additional costs arise, we'll inform you immediately and get your approval before proceeding.

**Our comprehensive 4-step verification process:** **Step 1: License Verification** We verify every agency has a valid UAE trade license and is legally registered to provide company formation services. **Step 2: Background Check** We check: • Years in business (prefer 2+ years) • Market reputation • Any complaints or red flags • References from past clients **Step 3: Service Quality Assessment** We evaluate: • Communication responsiveness • Timeline accuracy • Customer satisfaction • Professional conduct **Step 4: Escrow Willingness** Our highest-tier "Verified & Trusted Partners" agree to work with escrow protection, demonstrating confidence in their service quality. Agencies that don't pass our vetting are not listed on FreeZone Global.

**We have three tiers:** **🟢 Verified & Trusted Partner** • Full background check passed • Accepts escrow protection • Proven track record • Priority placement on platform • Highest level of confidence **🔵 Verified Agency** • License verified • Basic background check passed • Listed on platform • Does not offer escrow (work directly) **⚫ Not Listed** • Did not pass our vetting • Not recommended • Not on FreeZone Global All agencies on our platform are at least "Verified." The difference is primarily whether they offer escrow protection.

**Absolutely! You have complete control.** **DIY Path:** • Submit request form • We send to multiple relevant agencies • You receive offers from several agencies (24-48 hours) • You compare and choose your preferred agency • You work directly with them **Hands-Off Service:** • **Option A:** We recommend the best-matched agency based on your freezone, needs, and budget • **Option B:** You browse our marketplace and select your preferred agency Either path, you're in control of the final decision.

**You're protected, especially with Hands-Off Service:** **With Escrow Protection (Hands-Off customers with Trusted Partners):** • Your money is held safely until license delivered • Agency knows they only get paid upon completion • If they fail, we can reassign to another agency or provide refund • You maintain leverage throughout **Without Escrow (DIY path or non-Trusted Partner agencies):** • You're working directly with the agency • We can advocate on your behalf if issues arise • You can file complaints with UAE authorities • We'll remove poor-performing agencies from our platform Our verification process minimizes this risk, but escrow provides the strongest protection.

**Escrow is a secure way to hold payment until service is delivered.** **How it works:** 1. **You pay FreeZone Global:** €149 + agency fees transferred to our escrow account 2. **We hold your funds safely:** Money not released to agency yet 3. **Agency starts work:** They know payment is secured, so they begin immediately 4. **License delivered:** Agency provides your trading license 5. **You confirm receipt:** Check everything in your dashboard 6. **We release payment:** Only after your confirmation, agency receives their fees **Benefits:** • ✅ Zero payment risk (if agency fails, you're protected) • ✅ Quality guarantee (agencies deliver because they want payment) • ✅ You maintain leverage throughout process • ✅ Fair for everyone (agency knows they'll get paid, you know you'll get license) Available only with Verified & Trusted Partner agencies on Hands-Off Service.

**Yes, and we encourage it!** **DIY Path:** • When you submit a request form, we automatically send it to multiple relevant agencies • You'll typically receive 3-5 offers within 24-48 hours • Compare their proposals, prices, and timelines • Choose the one that best fits your needs **Hands-Off Service:** • We typically recommend one best-matched agency • But if you prefer, we can get offers from 2-3 agencies for comparison • Just let us know your preference More options = better decision making.

**All 45+ Dubai and UAE freezones are available in our comparison tool.** You can: • Compare up to 5 freezones side-by-side simultaneously • Filter by business type, budget, benefits, visa quota • Save your comparisons (with optional signup) • View detailed profiles for each freezone **Popular freezones include:** • DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) • IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) • DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) • RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) • Sharjah Media City (Shams) • Dubai South • Meydan Free Zone • And 38+ more

**Freezones differ in several key ways:** **1. Specialization:** • DMCC: Trading and commodities • TECOM/Dubai Internet City: Technology • DIFC: Financial services • Media/Creative Cities: Content and creative industries • Industrial zones: Manufacturing **2. Cost:** • Budget: €5,000 - €7,000 (IFZA, Ajman, RAK) • Mid-range: €8,000 - €12,000 (DMCC, Dubai South) • Premium: €12,000 - €20,000+ (DIFC, ADGM) **3. Visa Quotas:** • Freelance: 1 visa • Standard: 2-5 visas • Larger licenses: 10+ visas **4. Office Requirements:** • Virtual office (flexi-desk) • Shared office space • Dedicated office required **5. Mainland Trading:** • Some allow direct mainland trading • Others require local distributor Use our comparison tool to filter by what matters most to your business.

**It depends on how far you've progressed:** **Before Payment:** • ✅ Yes, absolutely! Change your mind anytime before paying. **After Payment, Before Document Submission:** • ⚠️ Possible, but you'll need to restart the process • May incur some administrative costs • Contact us to discuss **After Document Submission to Freezone:** • ❌ Very difficult and expensive • Would require canceling current application (fees lost) • Starting new application in different freezone • Not recommended This is why we emphasize the free consultation - we help you choose the RIGHT freezone from the start.

**Yes, we cover all 45+ UAE freezones, including:** **Dubai:** • DMCC, IFZA, DIFC, DAFZA, Jebel Ali (JAFZA), Dubai South, Meydan, TECOM zones, Media/Internet/Knowledge/Design cities, and more **Other Emirates:** • RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) • Sharjah (Shams, SAIF Zone, Airport Free Zone) • Ajman Free Zone • Fujairah Free Zone • Umm Al Quwain • ADGM (Abu Dhabi) If there's a UAE freezone, we probably cover it. If you're interested in a specific freezone not visible on our platform, contact us - we may still be able to help.

**Hands-Off Service customers get access to a dedicated dashboard:** **Dashboard Features:** • Real-time formation status (6 key milestones) • Document upload and management • Communication with our team • Agency coordination updates • Notifications at each milestone • Download license when ready **Milestones tracked:** 1. Consultation completed 2. Documents submitted 3. Company name approved 4. Application under review 5. License approved 6. License delivered **DIY Path users:** Track progress directly with your chosen agency (we provide initial introduction but not ongoing dashboard access).

**Yes, but it depends on timing:** **Before Submission to Freezone:** • ✅ Yes, easily! Upload new documents to your dashboard • We review and replace the old ones • No additional fees **After Submission to Freezone:** • ⚠️ Possible but more complicated • May require formal amendment with freezone • Could delay timeline • May incur additional fees • Contact us immediately if you need changes This is why we carefully review all documents BEFORE submission to avoid this situation.

**We keep you informed at every key milestone:** **Email + Dashboard Notifications:** • Consultation scheduled/confirmed • Documents received and under review • Documents approved (ready for submission) • Application submitted to freezone • Company name approved • License under final review • **License issued and ready for download** You can also: • Message us anytime via dashboard • Email us directly • WhatsApp our team • Schedule follow-up calls We aim to be proactive with updates, but you can always reach out if you want a status check.

**Yes, but refund depends on how far you've progressed:** **Before Document Submission:** • ✅ Full €149 refund available • ✅ Agency fees in escrow fully refundable • Minimal to no loss **After Document Submission to Freezone:** • ❌ €149 service fee non-refundable (work started) • ⚠️ Agency fees partially refundable (minus any government fees already paid) • Contact us to discuss specific situation **Better approach:** If you're uncertain, delay starting the process until you're ready. Our free tools and consultation are available with no commitment.

**We offer multiple support channels:** **📧 Email:** [email protected] • Response time: Within 24 hours on business days • Best for: Detailed questions, document-related queries **💬 WhatsApp:** [Contact via website] • Response time: Usually within 2-4 hours on business days • Best for: Quick questions, status updates **📞 Phone:** Available via consultation booking • Available: Business days • Best for: Urgent matters, detailed discussions **💻 Live Chat:** Available on website (when online) • Instant responses during business hours • Best for: Quick questions while browsing **📅 Schedule a Call:** Book via Calendly on website • Free 30-minute consultations • Best for: Detailed freezone/formation discussions

**Business Hours:** Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (GST - Gulf Standard Time) **Response Times:** • Email: Within 24 hours on business days • WhatsApp: 2-4 hours on business days • Phone: Immediate during business hours • Live Chat: Immediate when online **Outside Business Hours:** • We'll respond first thing the next business day • Urgent matters: Leave a message and we'll prioritize We aim to be highly responsive because we know company formation is time-sensitive.

**Absolutely! We offer free consultations.** **Book via:** • Our Calendly link on the website • Email us to schedule • Request during live chat **Consultation includes:** • 30 minutes of expert guidance • Personalized freezone recommendations • Cost and timeline estimates • Answers to all your questions • No obligation or pressure to purchase **Best for:** • First-time entrepreneurs unsure where to start • Comparing 2-3 finalists and need help deciding • Complex business structures • Budget constraints needing creative solutions

**Contact us immediately via:** 1. **WhatsApp:** [Via website] - Fastest for urgent matters 2. **Phone:** Call directly during business hours 3. **Email with "URGENT"** in subject line **Examples of urgent issues:** • Documents rejected by freezone (need quick fixes) • Agency not responding to you • Payment issues • Timeline concerns (e.g., visa expiring soon) • Errors on issued license We prioritize urgent matters and will respond as quickly as possible, often within hours even outside normal business hours for true emergencies.

**Agencies can apply to be listed on our platform:** **Application Process:** 1. Visit our "For Agencies" partnership page 2. Fill out the application form with: • Company information and trade license • Services offered and freezones served • Pricing transparency • References or case studies 3. We review your application (1-2 weeks) 4. Background check and license verification 5. If approved, we onboard you as "Verified Agency" 6. Top performers can upgrade to "Verified & Trusted Partner" (with escrow) **Benefits of Partnering:** • Access to qualified, pre-vetted leads • Featured placement on our platform • Escrow option builds client trust • Performance-based commission (we only earn when you earn) • Marketing and SEO benefits **Requirements:** • Valid UAE trade license for company formation services • Minimum 1-2 years in business (preferred) • Transparent pricing • Professional communication and service standards • Willingness to accept our terms Apply at: /en/agencies-partnership

**We welcome official partnerships with UAE freezones:** **Partnership Benefits for Freezones:** • Increased international visibility (especially Europe) • Qualified lead generation • Professional client onboarding (we handle vetting) • Data and insights on prospects • Enhanced brand presence on our platform **Partnership Process:** 1. Visit our "For Freezones" partnership page 2. Submit partnership inquiry 3. We schedule a discussion call 4. Agree on partnership terms 5. We create your optimized freezone profile 6. Your zone is featured on our platform 7. We drive quality formations to your zone **Performance-Based Model:** • No upfront fees • We earn small commission on successful formations • You only pay for results We're starting with UAE freezones but planning global expansion. Get in touch if interested. Learn more at: /en/freezones-partnership

**Yes, we're developing an affiliate program (launching soon).** **Who can join:** • Business consultants and advisors • Immigration consultants • Accountants and lawyers • Bloggers and influencers in the entrepreneurship space • Anyone with an audience of aspiring entrepreneurs **How it works:** • You refer clients to FreeZone Global • They use our platform and purchase Hands-Off Service • You earn commission on successful formations **Interested?** Email us at [email protected] to join our waitlist. We'll notify you when the program launches.