About these figures: Costs and timelines on this page are indicative planning figures compiled from public free zone fee information. They have not been individually verified for this page, may be out of date, and must be confirmed with the free zone before you pay. How we source prices · How we compile data.
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)
Disclosure: UAE Free Zone Compare is an independent research platform. We may receive partner commissions if you request a quote through our forms — this is disclosed on every page where it applies. Our research and recommendations are independent.