Quick answer: As of July 2026, entry-level UAE free zone license costs range from AED 4,888 (Ajman NuVentures Center) to AED 50,000+ (DIFC) for a single-shareholder, zero-visa company. The median indicative entry cost across the 26 major zones we track is approximately AED 12,500. Sharjah and the northern emirates offer entry costs roughly 50–70% below comparable Dubai packages.
Key UAE free zone cost statistics for 2026
- Cheapest UAE free zone license in 2026: AED 4,888 (Ajman NuVentures Center, zero-visa).
- Cheapest Dubai free zone entry: AED 12,500 (IFZA and Meydan starting packages).
- Five zones under AED 6,000: Ajman NuVentures (4,888), Ajman Free Zone (5,000), SRTIP (5,500), SHAMS (5,750), RAKEZ (6,000).
- Premium tier (financial centres): ADGM from AED 35,000; DIFC from AED 50,000+.
- Typical first-year budget with one visa: AED 12,000–25,000 including establishment card, medical, Emirates ID and stamping.
- Number of active UAE free zones in 2026: 45+, of which 26 major zones are tracked in this index.
Methodology
This index tracks indicative starting license costs (single shareholder, zero visas, no physical office) across 26 major UAE free zones, compiled from authority-published packages and quotes processed by the UAE Free Zone Finder setup team. Figures are reviewed when authorities publish pricing changes; the on-page updated date reflects the last review. Final costs vary by activity, visa count, office product and current promotions.
UAE free zone starting cost index, July 2026
| Rank (lowest entry) | Free zone | Emirate | Indicative starting license (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajman NuVentures Center | Ajman | from 4,888 |
| 2 | Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | 5,000–8,500 |
| 3 | SRTIP | Sharjah | 5,500–10,000 |
| 4 | SHAMS | Sharjah | 5,750–8,750 |
| 5 | RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | 6,000–11,500 |
| 6 | Ajman Media City | Ajman | from 6,000 |
| 7 | Sharjah Publishing City | Sharjah | from 6,500 |
| 8 | Creative City | Fujairah | from 6,500 |
| 9 | UAQ Free Trade Zone | Umm Al Quwain | from 8,000 |
| 10 | Fujairah Free Zone | Fujairah | from 9,500 |
| 11 | twofour54 | Abu Dhabi | 10,000–18,000 |
| 12 | RAK Innovation City | Ras Al Khaimah | from 10,000 |
| 13 | Hamriyah Free Zone | Sharjah | from 12,000 |
| 14 | IFZA | Dubai | 12,500–15,500 |
| 15 | Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | 12,500–14,500 |
| 16 | SAIF Zone | Sharjah | from 14,000 |
| 17 | Dubai Silicon Oasis | Dubai | 15,000–20,000 |
| 18 | RAK Maritime City | Ras Al Khaimah | from 15,000 |
| 19 | Masdar City | Abu Dhabi | from 16,000 |
| 20 | KEZAD | Abu Dhabi | from 20,000 |
| 21 | DMCC | Dubai | 22,000–34,000 |
| 22 | JAFZA | Dubai | from 30,000 |
| 23 | DAFZA | Dubai | from 30,000 |
| 24 | ADGM | Abu Dhabi | from 35,000 |
| 25 | DIFC | Dubai | from 50,000 |
| 26 | RAK ICC (offshore) | Ras Al Khaimah | from 4,000* |
*RAK ICC is an offshore registry (no UAE residency visas) and is listed separately from the visa-eligible ranking.
Emirate-level cost comparison
Ajman offers the lowest median entry cost (~AED 5,300) followed by Sharjah (~AED 6,500 excluding SAIF Zone’s industrial tier). Dubai’s cheapest mainstream entry is AED 12,500 — roughly 2.5x the cheapest northern-emirate license — reflecting the premium for a Dubai address. Financial centres (DIFC, ADGM) operate in a separate tier from AED 35,000 upward. Full details per zone: see the UAE free zone comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest UAE free zone license in 2026?
The cheapest UAE free zone license in 2026 is Ajman NuVentures Center at AED 4,888 for a zero-visa license, followed by Ajman Free Zone from AED 5,000 and SRTIP from AED 5,500.
How much more expensive are Dubai free zones?
Dubai’s cheapest mainstream free zone packages (IFZA, Meydan at AED 12,500) cost roughly 2.5 times the cheapest northern-emirate license. Premium Dubai zones like DMCC start around AED 22,000 and JAFZA around AED 30,000.
How often is this price index updated?
The UAE Free Zone Finder price index is reviewed when free zone authorities publish package changes, and at minimum quarterly. The visible updated date on this page reflects the most recent review.
Reviewed by the UAE Free Zone Finder setup team · Last updated August 4, 2026