The cheapest free zone in UAE for a zero-visa license is currently Ajman Free Zone or Ajman Media City, starting from approximately AED 4,900-5,000. For a Dubai-registered company, IFZA and Dubai South are the most affordable options, starting from around AED 12,000-12,900.
Every consultancy page opens with the same headline number - "packages from AED 4,888" - without showing what it excludes. This guide breaks down real 2026 starting prices across the UAE's most popular free zones, what each price actually includes, and where the "cheapest" option can cost more once visas and renewals are factored in.
| Free Zone | Starting License Price (AED) | Visa Included? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman Free Zone | 4,900 – 6,000 | No (zero-visa package) | Freelancers, solo founders, lowest entry cost |
| Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) | 5,750 – 8,050 | No (zero-visa package) | Media, digital, and consulting freelancers |
| RAKEZ | 6,000 | No (add-on) | Trading, manufacturing, warehousing |
| UAQ Free Trade Zone | 12,500 – 13,500 | Often included | Predictable, simple packages |
| Dubai South | 12,000 | Add-on | Aviation, logistics, e-commerce |
| IFZA | 12,900 | Add-on | Dubai registration + broad activity list |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | 11,900 | Add-on | Tech, IT, and R&D businesses |
| DMCC | 20,000+ | Add-on | Global credibility, commodities, trading |
Prices are starting ranges based on published 2026 packages and change frequently. Contact our team for a current, itemized quote against your exact business activity and visa requirement.
Most guides quote the license fee alone. In practice, your total free zone company cost in UAE depends on several add-ons most first-time investors don't budget for:
This is why a genuinely cost-effective plan looks at the full free zone package price in UAE – license, visa, and renewal together – rather than the headline number alone.
If your priority is the cheapest trade license in UAE and you don't need a Dubai address, Northern Emirates zones (Ajman, RAKEZ, UAQ, SHAMS) will almost always beat Dubai-based zones on price. If client perception or banking ease matters – many banks and clients still associate more credibility with a Dubai-registered entity – IFZA or Dubai South give you a Dubai address without paying DMCC-level premiums.
A free zone setup is usually the cheaper starting point for a small team, since most zones don't require a physical office at entry level and offer 100% foreign ownership without a local service agent. A mainland company can involve higher initial costs (office lease, DED fees) but removes free zone restrictions on trading directly within the UAE local market. If you expect to sell to UAE-based clients directly, it's worth comparing the total cost of a mainland license against a free zone plus a dual-license structure before deciding purely on price.
The lowest-cost free zone for a freelancer with no visa needs is rarely the same as the lowest-cost option for a trading company that needs three visas and a warehouse. Before comparing lowest cost free zone license UAE options, get clear on:
For a zero-visa license, Ajman Free Zone and Ajman Media City currently offer the lowest headline prices, starting from roughly AED 4,900–5,000. If you need a Dubai address, IFZA and Dubai South are among the most affordable Dubai-based options, starting from around AED 12,000–12,900.
Not necessarily. The lowest headline price often excludes visas, and some ultra-low-cost zones take longer for banks to approve accounts against. The right choice depends on your visa needs, banking priorities, and business activity, not just the sticker price.
Within Dubai itself, IFZA and Dubai South are among the most cost-effective options, with packages starting from approximately AED 12,000–12,900, excluding visa costs.
Budget for visa costs (roughly AED 3,500–7,000 per visa, including establishment card, immigration card, medical, and Emirates ID), plus optional office upgrades if your license requires one for additional visa quota.
Free zone setup is generally cheaper upfront for a single-owner or small team, since it typically doesn't require a physical office from day one. Mainland setup can involve higher initial costs but removes restrictions on trading directly within the UAE market.
RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone typically offer the most cost-effective trading licenses, with packages starting from approximately AED 6,000, before visa and warehouse costs.
Headline prices change often and rarely reflect your actual total cost. Our team can give you an itemized quote – license, visa, and first-year renewal – across the zones that fit your business activity.
Contact UAE Free Zones for a free consultation or reach us directly on WhatsApp at +971 52 166 3871.