Written by: UAE Freezone Compare Editorial Team |
Last reviewed: June 2026 |
Data sources:Pricing Methodology
Pricing data is sourced directly from official free zone fee schedules and updated quarterly.
This page may contain affiliate-free comparisons — we do not accept payment for rankings.
You need a free zone option that can match your activity and visa plan.
You want a practical setup route with clear office and renewal checks.
You need to compare banking access before committing.
Avoid Dubai Design District if:
Avoid choosing on headline price alone without checking visas, establishment card, renewal and banking requirements.
You need a guaranteed bank account without document and activity review.
You need mainland trading without checking distributor or mainland-license requirements.
Starting price
From AED 18,000Needs confirmation
This is a planning figure, not a guaranteed final government or authority fee. Request the current breakdown before choosing a package.
Dubai Design District Cost Table
Cost item
Estimated amount
Included?
Notes
Confidence
License fee
From AED 18,000
Package dependent
Confirm activity and package scope before payment.
Needs confirmation
Registration fee
Indicative or bundled
Varies
May be bundled into year-one setup offers.
Quote-based
Establishment card
Indicative
Often separate
Required for most visa processing routes.
Quote-based
Flexi desk / office
Package dependent
Varies
Office allocation can affect visa options and renewals.
Needs confirmation
Investor or employee visa
AED 3,000-5,500 per visa
Usually separate
Medical, Emirates ID, insurance and status change may apply.
Indicative public price
Renewal fee
Often similar to license fee
No
Promotional setup prices may not repeat at renewal.
Quote-based
What Is Included
Trade license processing for eligible activities
Free zone registration or incorporation support
Basic authority documentation where included in package
What Is Not Included
Medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance
Bank account approval or guaranteed account opening
Mainland trading permissions, customs or external approvals
Banking Difficulty
Medium - depends on activity, documents and bank profile. Banks usually review the business activity, shareholder profile, contracts, invoices, website, source of funds and expected transaction flow.
Visa Options
Investor and employee visa availability depends on the license package, office allocation and free zone quota. Calculate medical, Emirates ID, status change and insurance costs before comparing zones.
Hidden Costs
Establishment card and immigration file
Medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping
Office/flexi desk upgrades and renewal increases
Activity approval, amendments and cancellation fees
Setup Timeline
Most straightforward applications take 2 to 10 business days for license processing after documents and activity approvals are complete. Visa processing can add 2 to 4 weeks.
Documents Required
Passport copy and contact details
Shareholder and manager information
Business activity description
Proof of address, CV or business plan if requested
No. Figures are indicative and may change based on business activity, visa count, office requirement, shareholder structure, authority approval, and free zone updates. Request the current verified quote before committing.
Can Dubai Design District support my activity?
Activity eligibility depends on the authority activity list and approval process. Check the exact activity name before paying setup fees.
Will a bank account be easy?
Banking depends on activity risk, documents, shareholder profile, contracts, invoices and expected transactions. No free zone can guarantee approval.
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. Reviewed by UAE Business Setup Research Team. Last reviewed: June 2026. Price confidence: Needs confirmation. View our pricing and ranking methodology.
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