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UAE Free Zone Comparison Tool

Use our UAE Free Zone Cost Calculator for a personalised Year 1 cost estimate.

  • ADGM — Abu Dhabi Global Market (financial services, fintech, family offices)
  • Creative City Fujairah (media, consulting, freelancers)
  • Ajman Media City — media, publishing, digital & creative industries
  • RAK Maritime City — maritime, shipping & industrial
  • RAK Innovation City — education, tech & SMEs
  • Fujairah Free Zone Authority — oil & gas, logistics & trading

    • Also see our industry-specific guides: UAE Free Zone for E-Commerce | UAE Free Zone for Consultants | UAE Free Zone for Freelancers

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    UAE free zone comparison table 2026: costs, best use and links

    As of July 2026, UAE free zone license costs for a single-shareholder, zero-visa company range from AED 4,888 (Ajman NuVentures Center) to AED 50,000+ (DIFC). The table below compares the major UAE free zones by indicative starting license cost and best-fit business type. Figures are indicative; final pricing depends on activity, visas, office type and current authority promotions.

    Free zoneEmirateBest forIndicative starting license (AED, 2026)
    DMCCDubaiTrading, commodities, crypto22,000–34,000
    IFZADubaiCost-effective generalist with Dubai address12,500–15,500
    Meydan Free ZoneDubaiFast digital setup (Fawri 60-minute license)12,500–14,500
    JAFZADubaiLogistics, industrial, large operations30,000+
    DAFZADubaiRe-export, aviation, premium location30,000+
    DIFCDubaiFinancial services, holding companies50,000+
    Dubai Silicon OasisDubaiTech, IT, digital15,000–20,000
    ADGMAbu DhabiFinancial services under Common Law35,000+
    KEZAD (KIZAD)Abu DhabiIndustrial, logistics20,000+
    Masdar CityAbu DhabiClean-tech, sustainability16,000+
    twofour54Abu DhabiMedia, broadcasting10,000–18,000
    SHAMSSharjahFreelancers, creative, no office required5,750–8,750
    SAIF ZoneSharjahTrading, light industrial14,000+
    Hamriyah Free ZoneSharjahHeavy industry, port access12,000+
    SRTIPSharjahTech, R&D, innovation5,500–10,000
    Sharjah Publishing CitySharjahPublishing, printing6,500+
    RAKEZRas Al KhaimahMulti-sector, low cost6,000–11,500
    RAK Innovation CityRas Al KhaimahTech, digital assets10,000+
    RAK Maritime CityRas Al KhaimahMaritime, ports15,000+
    RAK ICCRas Al KhaimahOffshore structures, no UAE residency4,000+
    Ajman Free ZoneAjmanTrading, services5,000–8,500
    Ajman Media CityAjmanMedia, freelancers6,000+
    Ajman NuVentures CenterAjmanLowest-cost UAE licensefrom 4,888
    UAQ Free Trade ZoneUmm Al QuwainTrading, commercial8,000+
    Fujairah Free ZoneFujairahTrade, light industry9,500+
    Creative City FujairahFujairahMedia, creative6,500+

    Cheapest UAE free zones in 2026

    The five cheapest UAE free zone licenses in 2026 for a single shareholder with no visa are:

    1. Ajman NuVentures Center — from AED 4,888
    2. Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) — from AED 5,000
    3. SRTIP, Sharjah — from AED 5,500
    4. SHAMS, Sharjah Media City — from AED 5,750
    5. RAKEZ, Ras Al Khaimah — from AED 6,000

    How to choose between UAE free zones

    Choosing a UAE free zone comes down to five factors: your business activity (each authority maintains its own activity list), visa quota needs (tied to office type), budget including year-two renewal, banking readiness (some banks favour established zones like DMCC and JAFZA), and location requirements. A Dubai address costs more; Sharjah and the northern emirates offer the same 100% foreign ownership and 0% qualifying-income corporate tax at lower entry cost.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which UAE free zone is the cheapest in 2026?

    Ajman NuVentures Center has the cheapest UAE free zone license in 2026, starting from AED 4,888 for a zero-visa license. Ajman Free Zone, SRTIP, SHAMS and RAKEZ follow, all starting under AED 6,000.

    Which UAE free zone is best for trading companies?

    DMCC is the leading UAE free zone for trading and commodities businesses, with over 600 licensed activities. For budget-conscious traders, RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone offer trading licenses from around AED 5,000 to 11,500.

    How much does a UAE free zone company cost in total?

    A realistic first-year budget for a UAE free zone company in 2026 is AED 12,000 to 25,000 for a license with one visa, including establishment card, medical, Emirates ID and visa stamping. License-only setups start from AED 4,888.

    Can I compare free zones on visa quotas?

    Yes. Visa quota depends on the free zone and office product: flexi-desk packages typically allow 1 to 6 visas, while physical offices and warehouses unlock larger quotas. Each zone guide linked in the table above lists its visa options.

    For ranked cost data with methodology and quarterly updates, see the UAE Free Zone Price Index 2026.

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    Reviewed by the UAE Free Zone Finder setup team · Last updated July 9, 2026

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