Compare UAE free zone options for a General Trading license using cost range, activity eligibility, visa options, banking difficulty, documents, mainland trading considerations and hidden costs.
Quick Answer
For many general trading companies, IFZA, SPC, SHAMS and RAKEZ are common shortlisting options. The best fit depends on activity wording, visa count, budget, banking needs and whether you need Dubai positioning.
Best Free Zones Table
| Free Zone | Best For | Indicative Cost | Banking | CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA | Dubai consultants and digital firms | Quote-based | Moderate | View profile |
| SPC Free Zone | Services, publishing and online businesses | Quote-based | Moderate | View profile |
| SHAMS | Media, creators and freelancers | Quote-based | Moderate | View profile |
| RAKEZ | SMEs, trading and flexible visas | Quote-based | Moderate | View profile |
Cheapest Option
ANCFZ, SHAMS, SPC, IFZA and RAKEZ are often reviewed first when cost sensitivity is high. Cheapest is not always best if banking, office, visa or activity wording becomes difficult.
Best Dubai Option
IFZA and Meydan are common Dubai-oriented shortlists. DMCC, DAFZA and Dubai South may fit where reputation, logistics, premium address or infrastructure matter more than lowest starting cost.
Best Banking Option
Banking depends on shareholder profile, residency, documents, contracts, website, invoices and expected transactions. Choose a free zone that matches the activity clearly and prepare a bank-ready file.
Documents Required
- Passport copy for each shareholder
- Passport photo
- Entry stamp or visa page where applicable
- Business activity description
- Proposed company name
- Address and contact details
Cost Range
Most quotes should be treated as indicative until the activity, visa count, office requirement and authority approval are confirmed. Ask for license, registration, establishment card, visa and renewal cost lines separately.
Visa Options
Most free zones offer 0 visa, 1 visa, 2 visa, 3 visa and larger visa packages depending on office/flexi desk allocation and authority rules.
Banking Difficulty
Bank approval depends on activity, shareholder profile, residency, documentation, expected transactions, compliance checks and bank policy.
Mainland Trading Note
A free zone company may need a mainland distributor, permit, branch, dual license or mainland entity to trade directly onshore, depending on the activity and transaction model.
Related Activities
General Trading License UAE, Business Consultancy License UAE, Digital Marketing License UAE.
Image Suggestion and Alt Text
Suggested image: UAE business license application desk with activity approval checklist. Alt text: “General Trading license UAE free zone cost and requirements checklist”.
Useful Internal Links
- Eligible free zones
- Cheapest free zones for this activity
- Best Dubai free zones
- Banking guide
- Cost calculator
- Quote form
Starting price
This is a planning figure, not a guaranteed final government or authority fee. Request the current breakdown before choosing a package.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing a free zone only by headline setup cost.
- Ignoring renewal fees, visa costs, office requirements and bank account difficulty.
- Selecting an activity wording that does not match actual operations.
- Not checking mainland trading restrictions before starting operations.
FAQs
| Is this pricing guaranteed? | No. Request a current verified quote before committing. |
|---|---|
| Can this page help shortlist free zones? | Yes. Use the tables and internal links, then request a recommendation for your exact activity and visa count. |
| What should I compare before choosing? | Compare year-one cost, renewal cost, visa options, office requirement, banking difficulty, activity eligibility and hidden fees. |
Written by: UAE Freezone Compare Editorial Team
Reviewed by: UAE Business Setup Research Team
Last reviewed: June 2026
Our free zone guides are prepared by the UAE Freezone Compare Editorial Team and reviewed using public authority information, official package pages, available fee schedules, partner quotations, and manual research. Prices may change depending on activity, visa count, office requirement, shareholder structure, and authority approval.