How It Works
Find, compare, and choose the perfect UAE free zone for your business in four simple steps.
Finding Your Ideal Free Zone in Minutes
UAE FreeZone Compare was designed so that any entrepreneur — whether you know nothing about UAE free zones or you’re a seasoned investor — can identify the best setup option for their specific needs without speaking to a single salesperson. Here’s exactly how the platform works:
Search or Browse by Emirate
Start from the homepage. Use the emirate tabs to filter free zones by location — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain. Or use the live search bar to type a free zone name, activity, emirate, or budget and get instant results. All 52 free zones are indexed and searchable.
Review Free Zone Profiles
Click any free zone card to open its full profile. Each profile displays: the minimum setup cost and what it includes, the range of visa packages available, the minimum share capital requirement, permitted business activities, office options (flexi-desk, co-working, private office, warehouse), processing time from application to licence, and the physical location within the UAE. Every data point links back to the official free zone authority source.
Use the Compare Tool
Found two or three options you like? Head to the Compare page and select multiple free zones to view a structured side-by-side comparison table. Compare setup costs, visa quotas, capital requirements, activity lists, and office options in a single view. This is the fastest way to identify which zone offers the best value for your specific combination of requirements.
Search by Business Activity
Not sure which free zone allows your specific trade? Visit the Activities page and search for your business activity. Whether you’re in e-commerce, fintech, media production, food trading, or any of 559+ other licensed activities, you’ll instantly see every free zone that licenses it — along with their current setup cost. This is particularly useful for niche industries where not all free zones hold the relevant regulatory approvals.
Get a Free Consultation
Once you have shortlisted your preferred free zones, use the Get a Free Quote button (available on every page) to submit your requirements. Our partner advisors — who have no exclusive relationship with any single free zone — will review your activity, budget, and visa needs and provide a personalised recommendation along with a detailed cost breakdown. There is no obligation and no fee for this consultation.
Understanding the Data We Show
Setup Cost
The setup cost shown on each free zone profile represents the lowest available published package at that free zone, typically a zero-visa or sole establishment licence for the most common activity category. This is the entry point — actual costs vary based on your chosen activity, number of visas required, office type, and whether you need additional approvals. We always show what is and is not included in the headline price.
Visa Quota
Visa quota refers to the number of UAE residence visas an establishment licence allows. Different package tiers offer different visa allowances. The figure shown on each card is the maximum standard allocation for that free zone’s top published package — you can typically purchase fewer visas at a proportionally reduced cost.
Business Activities
Each free zone in the UAE maintains its own list of approved business activities, which are regulated by the respective free zone authority and, in some cases, by UAE federal regulators. The activities shown on our platform are sourced from official published lists. Some activities require additional approvals or NOCs (No Objection Certificates) from federal bodies regardless of which free zone you choose.
Processing Time
Processing times shown reflect the standard timeline from complete document submission to licence issuance under normal conditions. Processing can be faster (some zones offer same-day digital licences) or slower during peak periods, public holidays, or if additional approvals are required for regulated activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using This Tool
Is this platform free to use?
Yes. UAE FreeZone Compare is completely free to use. You can search, browse, and compare all free zones without creating an account or paying any fee.
Do you earn commission from free zones?
No. We are an independent platform. We do not accept payment from free zone authorities to feature or rank their zones preferentially. Our data is presented neutrally based on publicly available information.
How current is the pricing data?
We aim to review all pricing data on a rolling basis. However, free zone authorities can and do adjust their fee schedules — sometimes without advance notice. We strongly recommend confirming current pricing directly with the free zone authority before making a final decision. If you spot outdated data, please let us know.
Can I set up a company directly through this website?
No — UAE FreeZone Compare is a research and comparison tool only. We do not process licence applications, collect fees, or submit documents on your behalf. Once you have identified your preferred free zone, you can either apply directly through that free zone’s official website or use the Get a Free Quote form to connect with a setup specialist.
Ready to find your free zone?
Start by browsing the Free Zones directory, compare options on the Compare page, or search for your business activity in the Activities tool.