UAE Business Setup Cost Comparison 2026 — All Free Zones Ranked
Setting up a UAE free zone company involves multiple fees. Here is the comprehensive 2026 cost breakdown across all major UAE free zones to help you budget accurately.
In this guide:
Understanding UAE Business Setup Costs
UAE free zone costs have several components:
- Registration/Incorporation fee: One-time fee paid when the company is first formed
- Licence fee: Annual fee for your trade licence (paid on incorporation and each renewal)
- Office/Desk fee: Annual fee for your office, flexi-desk, or registered address
- Share capital: Capital deposited into the company bank account (not a fee — becomes the company funds)
- Visa fees: Per-visa fees for each investor and employee visa
- Medical/Emirates ID fees: Per-person fees (approximately AED 2,500-4,000 per person)
UAE Free Zone Cost Comparison 2026 (Year 1 All-In Estimates)
| Free Zone | Emirate | Year 1 Cost | Includes | Cheapest Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAKIC (no visa) | RAK | AED 7,000-12,000 | Registration + address | N/A |
| Ajman FZ | Ajman | AED 10,000-15,000 | Licence + desk + 1 visa | +AED 3,000 |
| UAQ FTZ | UAQ | AED 10,000-14,000 | Licence + desk + 1 visa | +AED 3,000 |
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 13,165 | Licence + desk + 1 visa | Included |
| Meydan FZ | Dubai | AED 14,500-18,000 | Licence + desk + 1 visa | Included |
| RAKEZ | RAK | AED 15,000-22,000 | Licence + desk + 1-2 visas | Included |
| IFZA | Dubai | AED 18,900-25,000 | Licence + desk + 1-3 visas | Included |
| DMCC | Dubai | AED 20,000-30,000 | Licence + desk + 2 visas | Included |
| SAIF Zone | Sharjah | AED 18,000-28,000 | Licence + desk + 1-2 visas | Included |
| Dubai Science Park | Dubai | AED 22,000-35,000 | Licence + desk + 2 visas | Included |
| DIC | Dubai | AED 25,000-40,000 | Licence + office + 2-3 visas | Included |
| Dubai Media City | Dubai | AED 22,000-40,000 | Licence + desk + 2 visas | Included |
| JAFZA | Dubai | AED 35,000-60,000 | Licence + office + 2-3 visas | Included |
| DIFC | Dubai | USD 12,000-30,000 | Licence + desk + 1-2 visas | Included |
| ADGM | Abu Dhabi | USD 8,000-25,000 | Licence + desk + 1-2 visas | Included |
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- Medical fitness test per person: AED 300-600
- Emirates ID per person: AED 370-1,270
- Health insurance per person: AED 700-8,000
- Bank account opening: Free (most banks) but need minimum balance (AED 0-50,000)
- Annual renewal Year 2+: Usually 70-80% of Year 1 cost (no registration fee in Year 2)