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Explore the UAE’s top free zone locations and their costs

Looking for more information on UAE free zones? We have listed down the top free zones in the UAE, their costs, benefits and average business setup time, so you can easily compare and assess them.

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List of top UAE free zones with pricing

With more than 40 free zones in the UAE, it can be challenging and even confusing to choose the right one for your business. But that’s why we’re here.

Our company formation experts will help you understand the advantages of each free zone and guide you in selecting the free zone that best supports your business activities and goals.

We’ll also help you navigate the unique requirements and processes of each free zone, so that you avoid mistakes that can cost you time and money.

adgm
ADGM - Abu Dhabi Global Market Free Zone
Abu Dhabi
Starting from: AED 6,978
An award-winning international financial centre with a legal framework based directly on English Common Law, attracting financial institutions, fintech, and professional services firms.
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ajman
Ajman Free Zone
Ajman
Starting from: AED 5,555
A dynamic and cost-effective ecosystem with a fully digitized setup process and strategic proximity to Ajman Port and major UAE airports.
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creative cit fujairah
Creative City Free Zone
Fujairah
Starting from: AED 17,850
Provides flexible and cost-effective business solutions for a wide range of creative, media, and consulting activities with a streamlined setup process.
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dafza
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Dubai
Starting from: AED 5,000
A dynamic business hub with direct access to the world's busiest international airport, offering unrivalled connectivity for global trade and logistics.
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Dubai CommerCity
Dubai CommerCity
Dubai
Starting from: AED 7,000
The first and leading free zone in the region dedicated exclusively to digital commerce, providing a complete and integrated e-commerce ecosystem.
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d3
Dubai Design District Free Zone
Dubai
Starting from: AED 7,500
The region's premier hub for design, fashion, and culture, fostering a vibrant community for the world's leading creative brands and emerging talent.
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dubai-internet-city
Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Dubai
Starting from: AED 7,500
The region's leading technology hub, offering a dynamic ecosystem where brilliant minds and innovative businesses collaborate to shape the future.
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dubai-knowledge-park
Dubai Knowledge Park
Dubai
Starting from: AED 7,500
MENA's dedicated hub for human resource management, recruitment, consultancy, and professional development, fostering a community of talent and learning.
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dubai-media-city
Dubai Media City Free Zone
Dubai
Starting from: AED 7,500
The region's most established media community, housing the largest global and local media brands and fostering a collaborative environment for creative industries.
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dmcc
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Dubai
Starting from: AED 35,484
The world’s premier business destination for commodities trade and enterprise, home to a diverse community of over 25,000 companies.
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silicon-oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai
Starting from: AED 12,000
A globally recognized integrated technology park and 15-minute city, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for knowledge, innovation, and modern industries.
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dwtc
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Dubai
Starting from: AED 12,000
A globally recognized hub for events and business, offering fast, flexible setup options within Dubai's central commercial district.
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Asset 1
DUQE
Dubai
Starting from: AED 12,500
A unique free zone for innovators and disruptors, strategically located on the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 ship in the heart of Dubai.
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ifza
IFZA
Dubai
Starting from: AED 14,000
A leading free zone community operating on a unique B2B model, providing premium business setup solutions through a global network of professional partners.
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jafza
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
Dubai
Starting from: AED 5,000
One of the world's leading free trade zones, offering unparalleled multimodal connectivity through its integration with the premier Jebel Ali Port.
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kezad
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD)
Abu Dhabi
Starting from: AED 9,450
The region's largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial hub, offering unmatched scale and connectivity through its strategic linkage with Khalifa Port.
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meydan
Meydan Free Zone
Dubai
Starting from: AED 12,500
The UAE's only 100% digital free zone, offering a prestigious business address and a seamless, award-winning platform for company formation in Dubai.
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rakez
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Ras Al Khaimah
Starting from: AED 6,000
A powerhouse business and industrial hub offering highly cost-effective and customizable solutions for both free zone and non-free zone companies.
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shams
Shams Free Zone (Sharjah Media City)
Sharjah
Starting from: AED 5,750
A pioneering creative and media hub empowering entrepreneurs with cost-effective business setup solutions and fostering a vibrant, digitally born ecosystem.
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saif
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF)
Sharjah
Starting from: AED 11,000
A premier commercial and investment destination with state-of-the-art infrastructure and fast, simple registration, leveraging its strategic location adjacent to Sharjah International Airport.
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What Changes Free Zone Pricing

The "starting from" price you see in advertisements is rarely the final figure on your invoice. Free zone pricing is composite, meaning it is built from several different blocks. Understanding these five factors will help you calculate your true total cost of ownership.

Licence Activity:

Service and consultancy licenses are generally the most affordable. Commercial and General Trading licenses often command a premium and may require specific clearances.

Visa Allocation:

A "Zero-Visa" license is the baseline cost. Upgrading to a package that allows you to hire staff or obtain a residency visa increases the annual license fee. Note that the visa processing fees (Medical, ID, Stamping) are separate government costs paid per person.

Facility Type:

Most entry-level packages include a "Flexi-Desk" (virtual/shared space). If your business requires a physical, private office for banking or operational reasons, your costs will increase significantly.

Renewal Rates:

Many free zones offer aggressive "Year 1" discounts. Always check the standard renewal price to ensure the cost remains viable in your second year once the initial promotion expires.

External Approvals:

Standard activities are approved instantly. Regulated sectors (e.g., Healthcare, Education, Real Estate) require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from federal authorities, which incurs additional application fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which UAE free zones are the most affordable?
Generally, free zones in the Northern Emirates (such as Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain) offer the most competitive entry rates compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. They are able to offer lower prices by subsidising office requirements and simplifying administrative fees. However, within Dubai, jurisdictions like IFZA and Meydan offer "hybrid" pricing models that are very competitive with the Northern Emirates.
What is the difference between a flexi-desk and a physical office?
A Flexi-Desk is a shared workstation in a business centre that you can use for a limited number of hours per week. It is the minimum facility required to obtain a license and usually allows for a small number of visa allocations. A Physical Office is a private, lockable space that you lease exclusively. You generally need a physical office if you have a larger team, require a higher visa quota, or operate in regulated sectors like healthcare or general trading.
Who is a zero-visa package suitable for?
Zero-visa packages are designed for entrepreneurs who live outside the UAE and need a corporate entity for international invoicing, or for UAE residents who are already sponsored (e.g., by a spouse or employer) and wish to launch a side business. Important: If you need a personal residency visa to live in the UAE or open a personal bank account, you must choose a visa-eligible package.
Are renewal fees the same as the initial setup cost?
Not always. While you save on one-time registration fees during renewal, you may lose the "new incorporation" promotional discounts that were applied in your first year. Consequently, the renewal price is often similar to, or slightly lower than, the first year's cost. It is crucial to ask for a written renewal projection before signing your initial contract.
Can I open a bank account with a free zone license?
Yes, all free zone licenses are eligible for corporate bank accounts. However, "zero-visa" companies with non-resident owners may face stricter compliance checks and higher minimum balance requirements from traditional banks. Digital banks (like Wio or Mashreq Neo) have made this process significantly easier for digital and remote businesses.
Do I need to live in the UAE to own a free zone company?
No. You can own and operate a UAE free zone company from anywhere in the world. The setup process can be done remotely via digital signatures. However, if you apply for a residency visa as an investor or employee, you must visit the UAE physically to complete the medical fitness test and biometric scanning.
How does the "Qualifying Free Zone Person" status affect Corporate Tax?
Under the new UAE Corporate Tax regime, Free Zone companies can benefit from a 0% tax rate on "Qualifying Income." This generally applies to income derived from transactions with other free zone entities or from exports. Income derived from doing business directly with mainland UAE consumers is typically subject to the standard 9% Corporate Tax rate.
Can I combine different business activities under one license?
Yes. Most free zones allow you to bundle multiple business activities (e.g., "Marketing Consultancy" and "Event Management") under a single license. However, combining significantly different categories, such as "General Trading" and "Professional Services," may require a specific license type or incur additional fees.
Is it cheaper to set up in a Free Zone or on the Mainland?
For service-based, digital, or freelance businesses, a Free Zone is almost always cheaper because it does not require you to rent a physical office (Ejari). For retail, restaurant, or contracting businesses that need a physical presence to serve customers, a Mainland setup is necessary and the cost difference is justified by the direct access to the local market.
How long does the setup process take?
The timeline varies by jurisdiction. License Issuance: Can be as fast as 2–5 working days for digital-first zones like SHAMS, UAQ, or IFZA. Visa Processing: Typically takes 2–3 weeks after the license is issued (including entry permit, medical test, and ID card issuance). Bank Account: Can take 5–20 working days depending on the complexity of your business and the bank's compliance procedures.

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