UAQ FTZ vs Dubai Silicon Oasis — UAE Free Zone Comparison 2026
Deciding between UAQ FTZ and Dubai Silicon Oasis for your UAE company? This side-by-side comparison breaks down costs, visa quotas, setup time, and banking ease so you can make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
- Cheapest year 1: UAQ FTZ (AED 13,000)
- Fastest setup: UAQ FTZ (10 business days)
- Easiest banking: Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Best 3-year value: UAQ FTZ (saves AED 34,800)
UAQ FTZ vs Dubai Silicon Oasis — Full Comparison Table
| Factor | UAQ FTZ | Dubai Silicon Oasis |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Licence Cost | AED 13,000 | AED 25,000 |
| Annual Renewal Cost | AED 11,000 | AED 22,000 |
| Visa Cost (per visa) | AED 3,200 | AED 4,000 |
| Visa Quota (base) | 1 | 1 |
| Setup Time | 10 days | 14 days |
| Banking Ease | Challenging | Moderate |
| 3-Year Total (1 visa) | AED 38,200 | AED 73,000 |
When to Choose UAQ FTZ
UAQ FTZ is the stronger choice if you prioritise lower upfront costs — AED 12,000 cheaper in year 1. It is best suited to entrepreneurs and solo founders looking for an affordable entry point into the UAE.
When to Choose Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis wins if easier bank account opening is your priority. Its strong banking relationships make it particularly attractive for businesses that need easy UAE bank account access.
3-Year Cost Deep Dive
Year 1 costs include the licence fee and first visa. Years 2 and 3 use the renewal rate. Over 3 years with 1 visa:
- UAQ FTZ: AED 38,200 (Year 1: 13,000 + Year 2: 11,000 + Year 3: 11,000 + Visa: 3,200)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis: AED 73,000 (Year 1: 25,000 + Year 2: 22,000 + Year 3: 22,000 + Visa: 4,000)
UAQ FTZ saves AED 34,800 over 3 years. For multiple visas, multiply the visa cost by the number of people you need to sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate from both UAQ FTZ and Dubai Silicon Oasis simultaneously?
You can set up separate companies in both zones simultaneously, which some business groups do for different activities or for liability separation. However, each company has its own licence fees and visa costs. Most solo founders and small teams are better served by choosing one zone.
Which zone is better if I need to open a UAE bank account quickly?
Dubai Silicon Oasis has a lower banking difficulty score, meaning it is generally easier to open a UAE business bank account as a licensee of this zone. For the fastest bank account opening, also consider using Wio Business or Mashreq Neo Biz, which have lower barriers for new free zone companies.
Is the setup process significantly different between the two zones?
Yes — UAQ FTZ is notably faster at 10 business days vs 14 days. If speed is a priority (e.g., you need to start invoicing clients quickly), factor this into your decision.
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