ANCFZ guides
FZE vs FZC: the 2-minute decision
Short answer: one shareholder → FZE. Two or more → FZC. Existing company expanding → branch. Everything else — ownership, tax, liability — is identical.
Side by side
| FZE | FZC | Branch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholders | Exactly 1 (person or company) | 2 or more | Parent company |
| Liability | Limited | Limited | Parent’s |
| 100% foreign ownership | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Solo founders, freelancers | Partners, families, investors | Expansion into the UAE |
| ANCFZ price | Same packages for all three — from AED 4,888* | ||
Details that actually matter
At ANCFZ specifically
- No minimum capital for most activities
- Unlimited shareholders supported
- Convertible later — FZE becomes FZC when a partner joins
Company types explained
- FZE — Free Zone Establishment, single owner
- FZC — Free Zone Company, multiple owners
- Branch — extension of an existing company, no separate shareholders
Full comparison on the types of companies page.
Frequently asked questions
Does an FZC cost more than an FZE at ANCFZ?
No — package price depends on visas, not company type.
Can a company (not a person) own an FZE?
Yes, corporate shareholders are accepted.
Which do most founders choose?
Solo founders overwhelmingly pick FZE; partners pick FZC. Both convert later if things change.
Decided? Both cost the same at ANCFZ
Packages from AED 4,888* — pick by visa count, not company type.
* 1-year prices are full advance payment with the 10% upfront discount included. “License in 2 hours” and fully-remote setup are subject to all documents being in order. Flexi-desk availability per package terms. Corporate tax treatment follows UAE free-zone provisions and depends on activity and structure — professional advice recommended. Health insurance is mandatory during any visa process and is excluded from package prices.