FAQ
Everything you need to know about forming your UAE company
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ℹ️
Platform
FreeZone Global is the independent comparison platform for UAE company formation. Features:
• Compare all 45+ Dubai freezones
• Access verified formation agencies
• Optional escrow payment protection
• Track formation progress
We're a neutral platform, not a formation agency.
Yes. All comparison tools and agency browsing are free:
• Compare freezones without signup
• Browse verified agencies
• Save comparisons (optional account)
• Book free 30-minute consultation
• Submit DIY requests
You only pay for the Full-Service option (€149).
Two revenue sources:
1. Full-Service Fee: €149 one-time payment for customers who want us to handle the entire process
2. Agency Commissions: Agencies pay us a referral fee for successful formations (doesn't affect your costs)
This model keeps the platform free for research.
No, not for browsing. You can:
• Compare freezones (no account)
• Browse agencies (no account)
• Read blog posts (no account)
• Book consultation (just email needed)
Account only needed to:
• Save comparisons
• Purchase Full-Service
• Submit DIY requests
**DIY (Free):**
• Use comparison tools
• Submit request form
• We send to agencies
• Get offers in 24-48h
• Choose agency, work directly
• You manage everything
**Full-Service (€149):**
• We handle everything
• Document prep & review
• Agency coordination
• Escrow protection
• Progress tracking
• Support until delivery
Both get you the same result. Choose based on time and preference.
Yes. Start DIY and upgrade anytime by paying €149. Contact us during formation to upgrade.
Free 30-minute call includes:
• Discuss your business, goals, budget
• Get 2-3 freezone recommendations
• Learn costs and timeline
• Ask any questions
• Next steps guidance
No obligation. Many people consult, research more, then return when ready.
🏢
Formation Process
Average: 10-20 business days from documents to license.
Timeline:
• Week 1: Consultation, freezone selection, documents
• Week 2-3: Agency submits, processing, approval
• Week 3-4: License issued
Faster with:
• Complete documents
• Simple business activities
• Fast freezones (IFZA, Ajman)
• Quick responses
Slower with:
• Incomplete documents
• Complex structures
• Peak seasons/holidays
• Delayed responses
Personal Documents:
• Passport (color scan)
• Photo (white background)
• UAE entry stamp (if visited)
• Proof of address
Business Info:
• 3 company name options
• Business activity description
• Shareholder structure
Additional Info:
• Mother's name
• Mobile, address
• Education, marital status
We provide a checklist and review everything before submission.
Depends on the freezone:
100% Remote (No visit):
• IFZA
• RAKEZ
• Ajman Free Zone
• Others
Requires Visit:
• DMCC (biometrics)
• DIFC (signature, biometrics)
• Some premium freezones
We'll clarify this in your consultation. Most freezones now allow remote formation.
Key factors:
• Business type: Some specialize (DMCC for trading, TECOM for tech, DIFC for finance)
• Budget: €5,000 to €20,000+ range
• Visas: How many employees?
• Office: Physical space or virtual?
• Mainland trading: Need UAE market access?
Use our comparison tool or book a consultation for guidance.
Most activities allowed:
• General trading
• E-commerce
• Consulting
• Software/tech
• Marketing
• Import/export
• Real estate
• Media/creative
Restricted: Banking, insurance, healthcare need special licenses. We'll confirm your activities during consultation.
Yes, but it requires:
• New name submission to freezone
• Amendment fees
• Document updates
Easier to get it right first time. We check availability before submission.
You'll receive:
• Trading license
• Registration certificate
• Memorandum of Association
• Share certificates
Next steps (not in our service yet):
• Visa processing
• Bank account opening
• Emirates ID
• Office setup
We provide guidance and can recommend partners.
💰
Pricing
Total: €5,000 to €15,000+ (varies by freezone)
Cost breakdown:
1. FreeZone Global:
• DIY: €0
• Full-Service: €149
2. Agency Fees:
• Budget: €2,500 to €3,800
• Mid-range: €3,800 to €6,300
• Premium: €6,300 to €12,500+
3. Freezone Fees:
• License & registration (varies)
• Office space: €1,000 to €5,000+/year
Examples:
• IFZA: ~€5,000 to €7,000
• DMCC: ~€8,000 to €12,000
• DIFC: ~€12,000 to €20,000+
We'll give you exact costs in consultation.
Included:
✓ 30-min consultation
✓ Agency matching
✓ Document review
✓ Format checking
✓ Application coordination
✓ Escrow protection
✓ Progress tracking
✓ Status updates
✓ License confirmation
✓ Email, WhatsApp, phone support
Not included:
• Agency fees (via escrow)
• Freezone fees
• Visa processing (coming soon)
• Bank opening (coming soon)
DIY:
• Platform: Free
• Agency: Pay directly per their terms
Full-Service:
1. Free consultation (no payment)
2. Choose freezone/agency (no payment)
3. Pay €149 to us
4. Pay agency fees to escrow
5. We coordinate
6. License delivered
7. Confirm receipt
8. We release payment
€149 refundable before document submission. Non-refundable after.
We accept:
• Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
• Bank transfer (SEPA, wire)
• Stripe (secure, encrypted)
Escrow payments held safely until delivery.
€149 Service Fee:
✅ Full refund before document submission
❌ Non-refundable after submission
Agency Fees (in escrow):
✅ Refundable if agency fails
⚠️ Partial if cancelled mid-process
Contact us for specific cases
DIY: No fees to us, no refunds needed.
No. Complete transparency.
You'll know upfront:
• €149 service fee
• Agency fees
• Freezone fees
Potential extras:
• Optional add-ons (express, extra visas)
• Plan changes mid-process
We inform you immediately and get approval first.
✅
Agencies
4-step process:
1. License Check
Verify valid UAE trade license.
2. Background
• Years in business (2+ preferred)
• Market reputation
• Complaints/red flags
• Client references
3. Quality Assessment
• Communication
• Timeline accuracy
• Customer satisfaction
4. Escrow Willingness
Trusted Partners accept escrow protection.
Agencies that fail aren't listed.
Three tiers:
🟢 Trusted Partner
• Full background check
• Accepts escrow
• Proven track record
• Priority placement
🔵 Verified
• License verified
• Basic background check
• No escrow (work directly)
⚫ Not Listed
• Failed vetting
• Not on platform
All listed agencies are at least "Verified."
Yes, you're in control.
DIY:
• Submit request
• We send to agencies
• Get offers in 24-48h
• Choose your preferred one
Full-Service:
• We recommend best match, or
• You browse and select
Final decision is yours.
With Escrow (Trusted Partners):
• Money held until delivery
• Agency paid only after completion
• We can reassign or refund if they fail
• You have leverage
Without Escrow (DIY):
• You work directly
• We advocate if issues arise
• File complaints with UAE authorities
• We remove poor performers
Escrow provides strongest protection.
Secure payment holding until delivery.
Process:
1. Pay us: €149 + agency fees
2. We hold funds
3. Agency starts work
4. License delivered
5. You confirm
6. We release payment
Benefits:
✅ Zero payment risk
✅ Quality guarantee
✅ Leverage maintained
✅ Fair for all parties
Only with Trusted Partners via Full-Service.
Yes.
DIY:
• We send to multiple agencies
• Get 3-5 offers in 24-48h
• Compare proposals, prices, timelines
• Choose best fit
Full-Service:
• We recommend one best match
• Or get 2-3 offers if preferred
More options help decision making.
🏙️
Freezones
**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.
👤
Account & Dashboard
**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.
💬
Support & Contact
**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.
🤝
For Partners
**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.
Still Have Questions?
Get in touch with our team.
💬
Live Chat
Quick questions? Chat now.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM GST