HOW TO RUN A COMPANY: SET UP IN UAE (Freezone)

Here's in a nutshell how I set up my company in the UAE. This is the freezone version (open to international businesses wanting a base in the Emirates, BUT effectively operating somewhat in an off-shore style - great starting point for the UAE and a popular set up among foreigners). There is also the mainland option, which is becoming more and more open towards single ownership by a foreign person (previously you needed a local Emirati partner), but I'll do a seperate post on that. Both options have their different rules and licences .

I decided to go with a free zone - specifically IFZA - because it offered the right mix of licences for what I needed: TV and e-commerce. And here’s my biggest tip for starters: avoid third-party agencies if you can. Go straight to the free zone authority. You generally get clearer answers, you pay less, and although their replies can sometimes take a bit of patience… it’s absolutely worth handling it yourself.

I paid roughly 17,500 AED total (that covered my licences and the visa application). In this setup, the visa is “lifetime” as long as you keep the company active. The renewal the following year is cheaper, around 13,000 AED.

No, it’s definitely not like setting up a £1 company in the UK. These are upfront costs you need to factor in from day one. Do check various freezones, their licences and running costs.

If you go through an agency, expect to pay 20–40% more—easily. Of course, if you’re short on time, don't want to do it yourself, and most importantly don’t mind the extra cost, an agency can make sense. But otherwise, do it yourself and save the money.

Company sorted with the freezone, and now onto visa and residency: this part takes a bit of time. I’d say give yourself a minimum of two weeks, but three weeks is safer.

In my case, the guy handling my files at IFZA submitted the application for visa later than he should have (ie AFTER my arrival in UAE), so I had to apply for an 'inland application' version once I arrived in Dubai. Not a big drama - just added a few extra days.

Once your visa process starts, you’ll need to go for a medical check-up. There are a few designated clinics in the city that do it specifically for the Emirates ID process.

After that comes the “typing center” stage. A typing center is basically a government-linked office that processes paperwork. They take your passport-style photo. They confirm the medical clearance, check the whole application and arrange your biometrics appointment at yet another government office

Usually someone will contact you on WhatsApp to book the biometrics. Yes—so many things in the UAE run on WhatsApp. It feels weird at first, then you get used to it.

Another important tip, when you go to the goverment offices, dress suitably - long trousers, a long sleeve shirt, and if you want to make the extra effort, wear a shawl (women).

After that, it's a waiting game - usually a few days before the ID is prepped and sent of by courier.

Luckily, I received my ID just a couple of days before I had to fly back to Europe. You must finish the full process once you start it—you can’t leave halfway.

And once you finally have your physical ID, you can get a local long-term phone number. Tourists only get numbers valid for three months, so this is one of those small but important milestones.

All in all, I managed to get everything sorted in about three weeks, just in time to head back to Europe for some TV directing work.

Good luck to everyone setting up their business in UAE! :)