Why the headline price is not what you pay
Almost every free zone advertises a low starting figure, something like from AED 5,750. That number is real, but it is a licence only, with no visa. The moment you need a residence visa, which most founders do, the total climbs, and the headline stops meaning much.
On top of the licence, a realistic budget includes:
- A residence visa, around AED 3,500 to 6,000 each, mostly a federal fee that is similar across zones.
- The establishment card, about AED 1,500, which lets the company sponsor a visa at all.
- The medical test and Emirates ID, usually bundled into the visa cost.
- Renewal from year two, often 80 to 100% of the licence fee, every year.
Free zone licence cost compared: 2026
Here are the main free zones, ranked from cheapest to premium, with the licence-only price and a realistic figure once you add one visa. The northern zones are cheapest; a genuine Dubai address costs more.
| Free zone | Licence only | With 1 visa | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman NuVentures | From AED 4,888 | Around AED 10,800 | The cheapest in the UAE, for lean startups |
| SHAMS (Sharjah) | From AED 5,750 | Around AED 11,500 | Media, freelance and online businesses |
| RAKEZ (RAK) | From AED 6,000 | Around AED 13,000 | Industrial, warehouse and trading |
| Meydan (Dubai) | From AED 12,500 | Around AED 18,000 | A cheap, credible Dubai address |
| IFZA (Dubai) | From AED 12,900 | From AED 12,900 (incl. 1 visa) | Consultants and digital firms wanting Dubai |
| DMCC (Dubai) | From AED 35,000 | Around AED 40,000+ | Commodities, crypto and premium banking |
Three things the cheapest price hides
The lowest number is not always the best deal. Before you pick a zone on price alone, weigh these up.
A low setup fee sometimes comes with a high annual renewal. Add up setup plus two renewals, and the ranking can flip completely.
With us: We show you the three-year cost, not just the first-year headline.
Budget zones like Ajman and SHAMS can add four to eight weeks to opening a business account with a major bank. IFZA, Meydan and DMCC have stronger banking relationships.
With us: We match you to a zone your bank will actually accept, not just the lowest price.
A genuine Dubai licence from Meydan or IFZA is about twice the price of a Sharjah or Ajman zone. It is worth it if your clients expect Dubai, and a waste if they do not.
With us: We tell you honestly whether the Dubai premium is worth it for your business.
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How to pick the right zone for your budget
Price is only half the decision. Start from what your business actually needs, and the choice narrows fast.
Go for a low-cost zone if you
Want the lowest possible cost and do not need a Dubai postcode
Run an online, freelance or consulting business
Serve international clients who do not mind where you are based
Need warehouse or industrial space, where RAKEZ leads
Are starting lean and plan to keep overheads low
Pay more for a Dubai zone if you
Need a Dubai address for client or investor credibility
Want the stronger banking that IFZA, Meydan or DMCC offer
Trade commodities or crypto, which need DMCC
Are building toward investment or a sale, where the jurisdiction matters
Value being in Dubai itself over saving a few thousand dirhams
Still weighing it up? Our free zone finder narrows the options in a minute, or see our free zone pages for the full detail on each.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The questions UK founders ask us most about choosing where to set up in the UAE. Rules change, so treat these as a guide and confirm your own case before you commit.
How much does a Dubai free zone licence cost?
A licence starts from around AED 5,000 in the cheapest UAE zones and about AED 12,500 for a genuine Dubai address. Once you add a visa and the standard fees, a realistic all-in figure is roughly AED 11,000 to 30,000 depending on the zone and your visa count.
What is the cheapest free zone in the UAE?
Ajman NuVentures is the cheapest overall, from around AED 4,888 for a zero-visa licence, followed by SHAMS and RAKEZ. These are in the northern emirates rather than Dubai, so you trade a Dubai address for the saving.
What is the cheapest free zone in Dubai?
For a genuine Dubai licence, Meydan from around AED 12,500 and IFZA from around AED 12,900 are the most affordable credible options. IFZA’s package usually includes one investor visa.
Does the licence price include a visa?
Usually not. The headline price is normally a licence only, with no visa. Each residence visa adds around AED 3,500 to 6,000, plus an establishment card, so always check whether a quote is licence-only or all-in.
What are the hidden costs of a free zone setup?
The main extras beyond the licence are the residence visa, the establishment card, the medical and Emirates ID, and the annual renewal from year two. A cheap headline with high renewals can cost more over three years than a dearer setup.
How much is a free zone visa?
Around AED 3,500 to 6,000 per visa, most of which is a federal fee that is similar in every zone. That covers the entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping.
Do free zone prices include renewal?
No. Setup and renewal are separate. Renewal from year two is often 80 to 100% of the original licence fee, so a low first-year price does not always mean the cheapest long-term option.
Why is a Dubai free zone more expensive?
A genuine Dubai licence costs roughly double a Sharjah or Ajman zone, because you are paying for the Dubai address and, usually, stronger banking. It is worth it if your clients expect Dubai, and not if they do not.
Is the cheapest free zone the best choice?
Not always. The cheapest zones can have weaker banking, adding weeks to opening an account, and higher renewals. The best zone is the one that fits your activity, visas and banking, at the lowest total cost.
How much is an all-in setup with one visa?
Roughly AED 11,000 to 14,500 in a cheap northern zone, or AED 18,000 to 30,000 for a Dubai zone, covering the licence, one visa and the standard fees. We give you an exact figure for your case.
Can I pay for a free zone setup in instalments?
Some zones offer payment plans, and it varies by zone and package. We will tell you which options are available for the zone you choose when we quote you.
Does Riz & Mona give a real all-in quote?
Yes. We quote the full cost upfront, licence, visas and fees itemised, not a teaser price. And we tell you honestly if a cheaper zone would work out more expensive later.
See your real free zone cost
Book a free consultation or try our free zone finder. We will give you the honest all-in figure for the right zone.
