Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIFC | Non-retail Private Company official fee schedule | AED 25,000–45,000 (Innovation License + flexi-desk + 1 visa + establishment card); AED 60,000–185,000 for commercial/non-regulated entities with office space; DFSA-regulated firms from USD 50,000 (AED 183,000+) Confidence: Verified official price |
USD 12,000 annual licence before office and add-ons Confidence: Verified official price |
USD 44,000 incorporation plus three annual licence periods before office and add-ons Confidence: Verified official price |
Residence visas and immigration services are separate | A registered DIFC office is required; rent and fit-out are excluded | Verified official price | Official authority March 2026 handbook | No material public conflict recorded | July 2026 |
| What is included | The official non-retail Private Company schedule lists USD 8,000 incorporation and a USD 12,000 annual commercial licence. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Office or lease, data-protection fee where applicable, establishment card, immigration and visas, DEWS, regulated permissions and advisory costs. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Retail, innovation, financial and regulated entities use different fee schedules. The public total shown here must not be applied to those categories. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium to high |
| Best fit | Finance, professional services, fintech and regulated firms needing DIFC framework. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed July 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.
DIFC Free Zone Cost 2026 — Full Breakdown of Fees
Here is the complete cost breakdown for setting up and maintaining a company in DIFC Free Zone, including licence fees, visa costs, and 3-year total cost projections.
DIFC Free Zone Cost Summary
| Cost Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 Licence + Setup | AED 25,000 |
| Annual Renewal (Year 2+) | AED 22,000 |
| Investor Visa (per visa) | AED 4,500 |
| Base Visa Quota | 1 visas |
| 3-Year Total (1 visa) | AED 73,500 |
What Does the DIFC Free Zone Year 1 Fee Include?
The year 1 cost of AED 25,000 typically includes:
- Trade licence issuance fee
- Registration / application fee
- Flexi-desk or registered address fee
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) preparation
- Initial compliance fee (if applicable)
It does not typically include: investor visa fees (AED 4,500 extra per visa), health insurance, notarisation of documents, or bank charges.
3-Year Cost Projection — DIFC Free Zone
| Year | Cost (AED) | Cumulative Total |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | AED 29,500 | AED 29,500 |
| Year 2 | AED 22,000 | AED 51,500 |
| Year 3 | AED 22,000 | AED 73,500 |
How DIFC Free Zone Compares on Cost
See how DIFC Free Zone compares with other UAE free zones: View all UAE free zone costs →
Are there hidden fees at DIFC Free Zone?
Always ask the zone specifically about: visa medical fees, Emirates ID fees, health insurance (mandatory), document notarisation, typing centre fees, and any mandatory zone-specific insurance. These can add AED 1,500–4,000 per person to the total cost.
Can I get a discount at DIFC Free Zone?
Many UAE free zones offer launch promotions or early-renewal discounts. Contact DIFC Free Zone directly for current promotional pricing. Business setup agents also sometimes have access to preferential rates.