Expert guides on UAE free zones, company setup costs, and business licensing
Bottom line: There is no separate vessel registry per free zone in the UAE. Every commercial or pleasure boat goes through UAE vessel registration federally, via the Federal Transport Authority…
Renewing a business licence in the UAE’s free zones is a pivotal step that can affect cash‑flow and strategic planning. While the first year often carries promotional rates, the second…
A 2026 zone-by-zone comparison of which UAE free zones require Ejari or an equivalent registered tenancy contract, and which accept a flexi-desk lease instead.
See exactly what it costs to cancel a free zone employee visa in the UAE in 2026 — DMCC, RAKEZ, SHAMS, JAFZA and IFZA fees, processing timelines and refund policies compared side by side.
DIFC, ADGM and DWTC price a family office licence three completely different ways, and only two of them publish a fee at all. A source-checked comparison of Year 1 cost, renewal, wealth thresholds and control rules for 2026.
No UAE free zone issues customs codes — the emirate customs department does. Verified official fees by emirate, which Dubai zones get a free portal account, the residence-visa gate that blocks registration, and the deposit myth.
Dual licence eligibility is decided by the emirate, not your free zone. A 2026 comparison of the Dubai, Abu Dhabi, RAKEZ and Sharjah routes to a mainland licence, with published fees, validity periods and the zones that offer no route at all.
Free zone external approval activities 2026 compared: DHA 1-10 working days, DoH Abu Dhabi 20+25, MOHAP 1-10, plus regulators that publish no timeline.
Only two of six UAE free zones publish itemised PRO service rates. DMCC prices company-setup application typing at AED 3,000, standard NOCs at AED 265 and true copies at AED 215; ADGM’s ACCESSADGM schedule prices a government NOC at AED 100 inclusive of VAT. RAKEZ, Shams, Meydan and Ajman publish no dirham figures for document work at all.
Four UAE free zones gate who may sign your audit report and two publish no panel at all. We counted the lists: DMCC 312 firms, RAKEZ 148 across three tiers. This guide prices what panel membership costs the auditor in DMCC, ADGM and DIFC, and shows where that reaches your invoice.
UAE Freezone Compare is not only a comparison site. We shortlist suitable UAE free zones and help you request the best available market quote for your activity, visa count and budget. No service charge from us.