UAE Free Zone Company Minimum Share Capital Requirements 2026
Most UAE free zones have either no minimum share capital requirement or a relatively low one. Here is the complete 2026 guide to share capital requirements across UAE free zones.
In this guide:
What is Share Capital?
Share capital (also called paid-up capital) is the money shareholders put into a company when it is formed. It represents the initial funding of the company and the extent of shareholder financial commitment. Share capital is deposited into the company bank account and becomes the company operating funds.
UAE Free Zone Share Capital Requirements 2026
| Free Zone | FZE (1 shareholder) | FZ-LLC (2+ shareholders) |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA | AED 0 (nominal) | AED 0 (nominal) |
| SPC Free Zone | AED 0 (nominal) | AED 0 (nominal) |
| Meydan | AED 0 (nominal) | AED 0 (nominal) |
| DMCC | AED 50,000 (minimum) | AED 50,000 (minimum) |
| RAKEZ | AED 0 (nominal) | AED 0 (nominal) |
| JAFZA | AED 500,000 (varies by activity) | AED 500,000 (varies) |
| DIFC | USD 50,000-500,000+ (varies by licence type) | Varies by activity |
| ADGM | USD 50,000+ (varies by FSRA licence) | Varies by activity |
Key Takeaways
- Most affordable free zones (IFZA, SPC, Meydan, RAKEZ) have no minimum share capital requirement
- DMCC requires a minimum AED 50,000 share capital for all companies
- JAFZA requirements vary significantly by activity — trading companies may need higher capital
- Regulated zones (DIFC, ADGM) have high share capital requirements for financial services licences
What Happens to My Share Capital?
- Share capital is deposited into the company bank account (it becomes company funds)
- It can be used for business operations — it is not “locked away”
- In some free zones (JAFZA, DIFC, ADGM), proof of paid-up capital (bank certificate or auditor certificate) must be submitted to the free zone authority
- In free zones with no minimum, there is often no formal requirement to deposit any capital before incorporation