How we verify pricing: Prices are checked against official free zone authority sources within 90 days. INDICATIVE prices are based on single source or data >90 days old. Always request a verified quote before payment.
UAE Free Zone Cost Calculator 2026 — True Total Cost of Ownership
Many entrepreneurs focus only on the advertised licence fee, missing hidden costs. This resource shows the true total cost of a UAE free zone company in year 1 and ongoing.
In this guide:
Year 1 Total Cost Breakdown (by Free Zone)
SPC Free Zone (Most Affordable)
- Trade licence (1 activity, 1 visa): AED 13,165
- UAE investor visa: AED 3,500
- Medical test: AED 300
- Emirates ID: AED 370
- Health insurance (basic): AED 700
- Health insurance card: AED 50
- Year 1 Grand Total: ~AED 18,085
IFZA (Most Popular Mid-Range)
- Trade licence (3 activities, 1 visa): AED 18,900
- UAE investor visa: AED 3,500
- Medical test: AED 300
- Emirates ID: AED 370
- Health insurance: AED 700
- Year 1 Grand Total: ~AED 23,770
SHAMS Sharjah (Budget Media/Creative)
- Trade licence (3 activities, 3 visas): AED 14,760
- UAE investor visa (self): AED 3,500
- Medical test: AED 300
- Emirates ID: AED 370
- Health insurance: AED 700
- Year 1 Grand Total: ~AED 19,630
DMCC (Premium)
- Trade licence: AED 30,000-45,000
- DMCC registration fee: Included
- UAE investor visa: AED 3,500
- Medical + Emirates ID: AED 670
- Health insurance: AED 700
- Year 1 Grand Total: ~AED 34,870-49,870
Year 2+ Annual Renewal Costs
- SPC Free Zone: ~AED 9,500-11,000 (licence renewal)
- IFZA: ~AED 13,900-15,900 (licence renewal)
- SHAMS: ~AED 11,500-13,000 (licence renewal)
- DMCC: ~AED 25,000-38,000 (licence renewal)
- UAE residence visa renewal (every 2-3 years): AED 3,500
- Health insurance annual: AED 700-2,000
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Bank account minimum balance: AED 0 (Wio) to AED 50,000 (ENBD premium accounts)
- Accounting and bookkeeping: AED 0-18,000/year
- UAE VAT registration and compliance: AED 2,000-8,000/year if VAT registered
- UAE CT registration and compliance: AED 2,000-5,000/year
- Health insurance for employees: AED 600-2,000 per employee per year
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.