8 August 2026 · vs Free Zone
المنطقة المحددة مقابل المنطقة الحرة العادية
A free zone is an economic licensing zone; a VAT designated zone is a specific customs-controlled area named by Cabinet Decision for VAT purposes. They are not the same. Many free zones are not designated zones, and even in a designated zone the VAT relief applies only to goods, not services. So 'we are in a free zone' does not mean 'we are VAT-free' — you must check the official designated-zone list.
Exiloz للإدارة والاستشارات الضريبية · جهة استشارية مقرها دبي تركّز على الهيئة الاتحادية للضرائب (FTA) · ضريبة القيمة المضافة وضريبة الشركات والمحاسبة
Two different things
Different purposes, different lists.
- Free zone = economic/licensing zone.
- Designated zone = VAT customs-controlled area.
- Not every free zone is designated.
- Check the Cabinet Decision list.
Do not assume relief
Free-zone status is not VAT relief.
- Free-zone licence alone gives no VAT relief.
- Designated status only helps with goods.
- Services are taxed regardless.
- Confirm before you zero-rate.
الأسئلة الشائعة
For clearing up the confusion.
هل كل منطقة حرة منطقة محددة؟
No. Only specific areas named by Cabinet Decision are designated zones.
هل تجعلني رخصة المنطقة الحرة معفى من ضريبة القيمة المضافة؟
No. Free-zone status alone gives no VAT relief; designated status only affects goods.
How do I check?
Check the official designated-zone list for your specific area.
هل يمكن أن توضّح Exiloz وضعنا؟
Yes. We confirm whether your free zone is a designated zone.
Know your zone
Exiloz confirms whether your free zone is a designated zone for VAT.