Free Zone License Packages in the UAE: Prices Compared for 2026
A free zone license package bundles your trade license, registered address (flexi-desk or office), and setup support into one price. Because every authority sets its own fees, the same company can cost AED 5,900 in one zone and AED 33,000+ in another. This page compares the main UAE free zones by starting price and tells you exactly what moves the number.
What Actually Drives the Price
- The authority – prestige zones (DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA) charge more than economy zones (RAK ICC, Ajman, SRTIP).
- License type – trading and industrial licences usually cost more than services or consulting.
- Office space – flexi-desk packages are cheapest; dedicated offices and suites cost several times more.
- Visa quota – each residency visa adds roughly AED 5,000–7,000.
- Activities – extra business activities carry small add-on fees.
Free Zone Packages Compared (Starting Prices, 2026)
| Zone | Starting Cost | Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAK ICC | AED 5,900 | Economy | Lowest-cost company formation and offshore |
| Ajman Free Zone | AED 5,999 | Economy | Budget trading and e-commerce |
| SRTIP (Sharjah) | AED 5,999 | Economy | Research, tech, and budget startups |
| UAQ Free Trade Zone | from AED 7,000 | Economy | Flexible package bundles for SMEs |
| SAIF Zone (Sharjah) | from AED 8,000 | Economy+ | Industrial and trading SMEs |
| SHAMS (Sharjah) | from AED 8,500 | Economy+ | Media and services companies |
| IFZA (Dubai) | from AED 9,000 | Premium | Consultants and SMEs wanting a Dubai address |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | from AED 9,000 | Premium | Tech, e-commerce, and light manufacturing |
| Meydan Free Zone | from AED 9,000 | Premium | Cost-effective Dubai-based setup |
| Dubai South | from AED 9,500 | Premium | Logistics and aviation businesses |
| JAFZA (Jebel Ali) | from AED 12,000 | Premium | Industrial, trading, and warehousing |
| KIZAD (Abu Dhabi) | from AED 11,000 | Premium | Manufacturing and heavy industry |
| DMCC (Dubai) | AED 33,000+ all-in | Prestige | Commodities, fintech, and global trading |
| DIFC (Dubai) | from AED 25,000 | Prestige | Financial services and wealth management |
What Is and Isn’t in a Package
Every package includes the trade license and a registered address for your jurisdiction. Confirm whether your quote adds visa processing, Emirates ID typing, PRO support, and bank account assistance – these are often quoted separately and can add AED 8,000–15,000 to your first year.
How to Pay Less
- Compare economy zones first – the licence is identical in value, only the address differs.
- Limit business activities to what you actually need.
- Take advantage of launch promotions and interest-free instalments (Tabby / Tamara).
- Skip add-on services you can manage yourself, like banking support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest free zone in the UAE? RAK ICC, Ajman Free Zone, and SRTIP publish packages from around AED 5,900–6,000.
Are all free zone licences equal? Legally, free zone benefits (100% ownership, tax treatment, full foreign ownership) are similar; the differences are address, infrastructure, and activity eligibility.
Can I get a free zone licence without renting an office? Yes – most zones include a flexi-desk in the package price.
Do packages include a visa? Usually not. Plan AED 5,000–7,000 per residency visa on top.
