Recruiting in free zones
Laws applicable on free zones employees
Employees in the UAE’s free zones are generally governed by the employment regulations of the relevant free zone authority, together with the provisions of the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law). While each free zone has its own specific rules and procedures, these are typically aligned with the federal labour law, which applies to most private sector employees across the UAE. However, certain financial free zones, such as DIFC and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), operate under their own independent employment regulatory frameworks.
Authorities regulating free zone activities
You can apply for work permit and residence visa for your employee with the respective free zone authority. The number of visas that a business can get depends on various factors such as the package they have signed up for. Check with the respective free zone authority for the eligibility and scope for increasing the quota.
Refer to the websites of free zones and the authorities across the UAE.
Updated on:
16 Apr 2026
