UAE Free Zone Comparison 2026 | Cost, License & Setup Guide
Choosing the right UAE free zone is one of the most important decisions for any business owner. With over 45 free zones across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, the options can be overwhelming. This comprehensive comparison covers costs, license types, visa allowances, office requirements, and best-fit industries to help you decide.
UAE Free Zone Comparison Table 2026
| Free Zone | Starting Cost (AED) | Visa Quota | Best For | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMCC | 22,000 | 3–6 | Commodities, Trading, Consultancy | Dubai (JLT) |
| IFZA | 12,500 | 1–6 | SMEs, Startups, E-commerce | Dubai |
| RAKEZ | 8,000 | 1–5 | Manufacturing, Trading, Freelancers | Ras Al Khaimah |
| SHAMS | 7,500 | 0–3 | Media, Creative, Freelancers | Sharjah |
| Meydan | 12,000 | 1–4 | Consultancy, Services | Dubai |
| DIFC | 50,000+ | 5+ | Finance, Legal, Professional Services | Dubai |
| DAFZA | 15,000 | 2–5 | Aviation, Logistics, Trading | Dubai Airport |
How to Choose the Right UAE Free Zone
The right free zone depends on four key factors: your budget, your business activity, how many visas you need, and whether you need physical office space. Here is a quick guide:
- Lowest cost: SHAMS (from AED 7,500), RAKEZ (from AED 8,000), IFZA (from AED 12,500)
- Most visas: DMCC, IFZA, JAFZA — all allow 5–6+ visas on flexi-desk packages
- Best for e-commerce: IFZA, SHAMS, Meydan
- Best for finance/legal: DIFC, ADGM
- Best for manufacturing: RAKEZ, KIZAD, JAFZA
- Best for media/creative: SHAMS, TwoFour54, Dubai Media City
Free Zone vs Mainland UAE: Key Differences
Free zone companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax (on qualifying income), and full profit repatriation. However, they cannot directly trade with UAE mainland customers without a local distributor or branch. Read our full free zone vs mainland comparison for a deeper breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest free zone in UAE 2026?
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) offers the most affordable packages starting from AED 7,500 per year, followed by RAKEZ at AED 8,000 and IFZA at AED 12,500.
Can I compare all UAE free zones in one place?
Yes — UAE Free Zone Finder lists all 45+ free zones with current pricing, visa quotas, and activity restrictions. Use our free consultation service to get a personalised recommendation within 24 hours.
Do free zones offer 0% corporate tax?
Yes, qualifying free zone persons pay 0% on qualifying income under the UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022). Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%.
