What This Index Measures
Amendments, establishment card, e-channel, medical, Emirates ID, insurance, office, cancellation, renewal and banking-support exposure.
Who Should Use It
Use this index when shortlisting UAE free zones before requesting a current quote or speaking with an advisor. It is most useful for comparing tradeoffs, not for treating any single metric as a guarantee.
Methodology
Signals are grouped from available public data, internal research fields, source confidence labels and page-level review notes. Where data is incomplete, the page shows the framework and uses cautious wording instead of inventing numbers.
Data Fields
- Free zone
- Fee type
- When it applies
- Mandatory or optional
- Estimated amount if verified
- Notes
- Source/confidence
Scoring System
Scores use a directional High, Medium or Low confidence model. Cost and timing values are shown only where a reviewed source or internal cost-proof row exists.
Main Table
| Signal | What We Track | How To Interpret It | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establishment card | Needed for many visa routes | Check before comparing zero-visa vs visa packages. | Medium |
| Medical and Emirates ID | Applies to residence visa processing | Usually outside a basic license-only package. | Medium |
| Amendment or cancellation | Applies when changing activity/shareholder or closing | Often missed during initial setup budgeting. | Low to Medium |
Compliance and exit costs to check before payment
The real cost of a free zone company can continue after the initial licence payment. Ownership updates, banking preparation, visa cancellation, facility handover, authority clearances and company closure can each create work or fees depending on the free zone and company profile.
| Hidden-cost area | Question to ask | Public display rule | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| UBO or ownership updates | What ownership/control details must be kept current? | Do not assume one rule fits every free zone. | Authority-specific; confirm current process. |
| Visa and immigration closure | What happens to investor or employee visas before cancellation? | Quote separately from licence-only setup cost. | Free-zone and immigration-dependent. |
| Facility and outstanding dues | Are lease, utility, warehouse or office clearances required? | Show as closure exposure, not setup fee. | Authority/facility-specific. |
| Bank-account closure | Will the bank require account closure documents or no-liability evidence? | Do not promise a fixed timeline. | Bank-specific; no approval guarantee. |
Source context: This checklist uses public planning signals from UAE official free-zone closure guidance, Ministry of Economy and Tourism beneficial-owner procedure material, and free-zone authority service guides such as DMCC and Jafza. It is a planning aid, not legal, tax, immigration or bank-approval advice. Confirm the current authority process before payment.
Compare before choosing: Cost calculator | Cost Index | Documents checklist
Limitations
Free zone packages, government fees, visa processes, bank policies and activity approvals can change. Final decisions should be based on current written confirmation.
FAQ
Is this index a guarantee?
No. It is a research framework and planning aid.
How often is it reviewed?
Core rows are reviewed during scheduled research cycles and when credible corrections are submitted.
Can free zones submit corrections?
Yes. Send source-backed corrections through the corrections page or email info@uaefreezonecompare.com.
Next Step
Request Verified Quote Calculate Setup Cost
Last reviewed: July 2026. Reviewed by: UAE Freezone Compare Research Team. Read our methodology or request a correction.