IFZA vs RAKEZ price evidence snapshot
Quick answer: IFZA is usually the closer fit for Dubai-based service, consultancy and e-commerce founders who do not need a warehouse. RAKEZ is usually the stronger operational fit for trading, light industrial, manufacturing and warehouse-led businesses. Compare named packages rather than treating either starting figure as an all-in company cost.
| Free zone and package | Year 1 evidence | Renewal evidence | 3-year planning figure | Source type | Confidence / conflict status | Important scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA zero-visa public references | AED 11,900 to AED 12,900 published range | Quote-based - current renewal not established by comparable public evidence | Quote-based - depends on the written renewal and inclusions | Three independent public consultant sources; IFZA official process page does not publish a comparable tariff | Medium; conflicting public sources and different stated inclusions | Confirm licence activities, flexi-desk, establishment card, immigration file, visas and advisory fees in writing. |
| RAKEZ Instant Licence Basic | AED 6,000 official entry offer | Quote-based - the offer page does not establish one comparable renewal total | Quote-based - do not assume Year 1 repeats | Official RAKEZ authority offer page | High for the named Year 1 component; renewal requires confirmation | The published Basic scope lists one shareholder, one business activity and a co-working facility. Other services and visa requirements can add cost. |
| RAKEZ SME package with one residence visa | AED 14,000 official named package | AED 14,000 where the authority's same-renewal-price term still applies | AED 42,000 arithmetic across three unchanged AED 14,000 annual charges | Official RAKEZ authority promotion | High for the named package; reconfirm offer availability and exclusions | The arithmetic is not a separate all-in three-year authority package. Insurance, status change and unlisted services still require confirmation. |
Why the rows differ: AED 6,000 is a RAKEZ entry offer, AED 14,000 is a different RAKEZ SME configuration with one residence visa, and the IFZA range comes from public consultant references with different inclusions. These are not interchangeable all-in packages.
Sources checked 27 July 2026: RAKEZ Instant Licence, RAKEZ SME package, IFZA licensing process, Arnifi IFZA reference, JSB IFZA reference, and Free Zone Startups IFZA reference.
Review the full RAKEZ vs IFZA evidence guide, pricing methodology, cost calculator and banking-difficulty checker.
Final pricing can change with activity, visa count, office or warehouse needs, shareholder structure, authority updates and advisory/support services. Confirm a current itemised quote before payment.
Compare IFZA and RAKEZ by Year 1 cost, renewal cost, 3-year total, visa options, banking difficulty, activity fit, office requirements, hidden costs and best use case.
Quick verdict
Choose IFZA if you want a Dubai-based option for consulting, services, e-commerce or startup activity. Choose RAKEZ if warehouse access, light industrial activity, trading, larger visa planning or lower-cost setup exposure matters more.
Cost comparison table
| Factor | IFZA | RAKEZ |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 cost | AED 12,900 zero-visa Year 1 planning figure (public consensus, 2026 sources) | From AED 6,000 planning figure |
| Renewal cost | Quote-based renewal | Quote-based renewal |
| 3-year total | Quote-based 3-year total | Quote-based 3-year total |
| Visa options | 0-3 visas | Up to 6 visas |
| Banking difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Price confidence | Indicative public price | Indicative public price |
| Source type | Public package / manual research | Public package / manual research |
Decision factors
| Choose IFZA if | Dubai-based consultants, service companies, e-commerce founders and startups. |
|---|---|
| Choose RAKEZ if | SMEs, trading, light industrial, warehouse-led, e-commerce and cost-sensitive service businesses. |
| Office/flexi/warehouse requirement | Confirm office allocation because it can affect visa options, banking substance and renewal exposure. |
| Hidden costs | Check establishment card, medical exam, Emirates ID, insurance, office, amendments and cancellation before payment. |
| Documents required | Passport, photo, shareholder details, activity description and contracts/invoices for bank readiness. |
Source notes
Before choosing IFZA or RAKEZ, confirm the final package, activity approval, facility requirement and visa terms from current official or written quote sources. IFZA positions Dubai free-zone setup around business setup consultation, activity selection, ownership and workspace options. RAKEZ positions setup around package customisation, licensing, facilities and client services, with separate package pages for promotions. UFZC treats every price and visa count on this page as a planning input until a current written quote confirms it.
IFZA business setup source | RAKEZ setup source | RAKEZ AED 6,000 package source
Best alternatives
IFZA | RAKEZ | SHAMS | SPC Free Zone | Cheapest UAE free zones
FAQs
| Which is cheaper? | Compare Year 1 and renewal rows above. Quote-based rows need current confirmation. |
|---|---|
| Which is better for banking? | Banking depends on activity clarity, documents, shareholder profile and transaction risk. |
Internal links
IFZA profile | RAKEZ profile | Cost calculator | Methodology | Hidden costs | Banking checker
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Written by: UAE Freezone Compare Editorial Team
Reviewed by: UAE Business Setup Research Team
Last reviewed: June 2026
Prices and fit notes are reviewed using public authority information, available package pages, fee schedules, partner quotations and manual research. Pricing can change based on activity, visa count, office requirement, shareholder structure and authority approval.
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Before requesting a quote, check the activity wording, visa count, office requirement, renewal exposure, hidden costs and banking readiness. Final pricing, approvals and bank account decisions depend on the authority, bank and current document review.