UAE Free Zone Setup
UAE Free Zone Finder is a Sharjah-based business setup advisory that maintains a comparison database of UAE free zone license costs, visa rules and banking requirements. Compare UAE free zones by setup cost, visa eligibility, business activity, banking readiness and timeline, and get expert help choosing the right package and completing your license, visa and post-setup requirements.
Welcome
UAE Free Zone Finder specializes in business setup inside UAE free zones, where founders can access full foreign ownership, tax-efficient structures, simplified licensing, and flexible visa options.
From initial consultation to full establishment, the UAE Free Zone Finder setup team supports document preparation, authority applications, licensing, establishment cards, residence visas, amendments, renewals, and banking readiness.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, startup, freelancer, consultant, trading company, or an established business expanding into the UAE, the process should feel structured, transparent, and properly guided.
About Us
Quick Shortlist
Start with the authority that matches your activity, address need, visa plan, office type and banking readiness.
| Free zone | Emirate | Best for | Starting cost / first-year estimate | Visa eligibility | Setup timeline | Office / flexi-desk | Banking readiness | Activity fit | Renewal considerations | Caveat | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMCC | Dubai | Trading, commodities, consulting and established teams | Standard licence AED 20,285/yr plus AED 9,020 registration; packages from AED 35,484 (DMCC, checked 21 Oct 2026) | Visa packages available; quota depends on office package | Usually several working days after documents and approvals | Flexi-desk, serviced office and office options | Strong reputation; bank KYC still depends on profile | Trading, Consultancy | Track lease, audit, activity and renewal fee requirements | Best for serious Dubai positioning, not always the lowest first-year cost | Open guide Get quote 3-year cost |
| IFZA | Dubai | Consultants, service businesses and flexible startup packages | Not published by IFZA - quote on request | Visa and non-visa paths available depending on package | Fast digital processing when documents are ready | Desk or office options by package | Good for service companies with clear activity and KYC file | Consultancy, Ecommerce, Tech | Check renewal, visa and activity add-on costs before choosing | Final activity approval and banking depend on documents and compliance | Open guide Get quote 3-year cost |
| SHAMS | Sharjah | Media, creative, digital and professional service activities | From AED 5,750 (Media Package offer, zero visa); visa packages quoted by Shams | Visa eligibility depends on selected package and establishment card | Usually quick for simple activities | Shared desk and office routes available | Works best with clear service contracts and ownership documents | Media, Consultancy, Freelancer | Watch renewal date, desk validity and activity wording | Media or regulated activities may need additional review | Open guide Get quote 3-year cost |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | Trading, industrial, service and cost-conscious UAE setup | From AED 6,000 (Biz Starter); AED 14,000 a year all-inclusive with 1 visa (RAKEZ offers) | Visa quotas depend on facility and package | Fast for standard services; facilities and industry may take longer | Flexi-desk, offices, warehouses and land options | Good when activity, facility and source-of-funds documents are clear | Trading, Industrial, Ecommerce | Renewal depends on facility, visas, customs and compliance needs | Industrial or trading operations may need extra approvals | Open guide Get quote 3-year cost |
| Meydan | Dubai | Dubai address preference and digital-first service businesses | From AED 12,500/yr (visa excluded); first investor visa adds about AED 7,850 (Meydan) | Visa options available subject to authority and immigration rules | Digital applications can be quick when documents are complete | Office evidence and package rules should be checked | Prepare a clear business model before bank submission | Consultancy, Ecommerce, Tech | Check renewal package, activity list and visa timing | Bank account approval is always subject to bank KYC and compliance review | Open guide Get quote 3-year cost |
| SRTIP | Sharjah | Innovation, technology and research-led activities | Not verified against an official price list - quote on request | Visa planning depends on package and immigration file | Timeline varies by activity classification and approval route | Desk and office options available | Useful when tech or innovation activity is clearly documented | Tech, Consultancy | Confirm activity, office and renewal requirements upfront | Specialist activities may need authority clarification before submission | Open guide Get quote 3-year cost |
Source: official pages, checked 21 Oct 2026: DMCC packages, RAKEZ Biz Starter and SME package, Meydan, Shams offers. IFZA publishes no price list. Indicative only; confirm with the zone. How we source prices.
No matching free zone rows for these filters. Reset filters or request a custom shortlist.
What We Do
We shortlist suitable authorities by activity, visa needs, office requirements, budget, banking profile, and long-term plans.
We help organize applications, approvals, document checks, license issuance, establishment card steps, and visa workflows.
Choose license-only, visa, flexi-desk, virtual office, warehouse, branch, and renewal paths based on your real operating model.
Get clear guidance on ownership, corporate tax, mainland access, bank account readiness, activity selection, and compliance obligations.
Stay supported after incorporation with renewals, amendments, visa changes, bookkeeping readiness, tax basics, and banking preparation.
Call, email, WhatsApp, connect on social media, or visit our Sharjah office when you need quick answers from the setup team.
How We're Different
UAE Free Zone Finder is not a pure comparison engine. Our advisors shortlist free zones against transparent criteria — activity fit, total cost, visa needs, office requirements, banking readiness and renewal obligations — and then handle your setup end-to-end, from name reservation to licence, establishment card, visas and renewals.
Every recommendation is explained against published criteria, so you know exactly why a zone fits and what it costs. See how we estimate UAE free zone costs.
One team manages the full journey — documents, authority applications, licensing, establishment card, residence visas, banking preparation and annual renewals.
For a neutral, data-only view across 40+ zones, our companion site runs an independent cost comparison engine — so you can cross-check any shortlist we prepare.
Company Setup
Use the tabs below or hover Company Setup in the main menu to open the full emirate directory.
Free Zone Spotlight
Explore a rotating view of UAE free zone names, emirates, official websites and logos without leaving the homepage.
Setup Resources
Use location pages, answer pages and how-to guides when you are still choosing the right emirate, authority, license path or setup timeline.
Contact Us
Call +971 50 786 4823, email info@uaefreezonefinder.com, or visit Block C, VL02-120, SRTIP, Sharjah, UAE.
Google Reviews
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FAQ
Low-cost UAE free zone licenses can start from Ajman NuVentures Center, Ajman Free Zone, SRTIP, SHAMS and RAKEZ ranges. The right choice depends on your activity, visa needs, address requirements and renewal cost.
Yes. UAE free zones allow 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor or shareholder required.
Fast digital zones can be very quick, while most standard packages take 2 to 7 working days. Physical offices, multiple visas and banking can extend the timeline.
UAE Corporate Tax is 9% above the taxable income threshold, while qualifying free zone income may remain at 0% when the company meets the required conditions.
Yes, commonly through a mainland distributor, a dual license where available, or a mainland branch depending on the activity and free zone.
Last reviewed: October 2026 by the UAE Free Zone Finder setup team. Figures shown are indicative planning numbers, not official price lists.
