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UAE Free Zone Cost Comparison Table 2026 — All Major Free Zones
Direct cost comparison of all major UAE free zones for 2026. Based on verified pricing from official free zone portals and direct enquiries.
In this guide:
UAE Free Zone Cost Comparison (Single Shareholder, 1 Visa, Flexi-Desk) 2026
- SPC Free Zone (Sharjah): AED 5,750 (no visa) / AED 11,500 (1 visa) — Cheapest overall
- SHAMS (Sharjah Media City): AED 8,500 (1 visa) — Best for media/creative
- Ajman Free Zone: AED 9,000-12,000 (1 visa) — Affordable trading
- IFZA (Dubai): AED 13,900-22,900 (1 visa) — Best Dubai value
- RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah): AED 12,000-20,000 (1 visa)
- Dubai South: AED 13,000-25,000 (1 visa)
- DAFZA: AED 20,000-40,000 (1 visa) — Airport zone premium
- DMCC (Dubai): AED 35,000-55,000 (1 visa) — Premium commodities zone
- DIFC (Dubai): AED 50,000-100,000+ (varies) — Financial centre premium
- ADGM (Abu Dhabi): USD 2,000+ registration + office — Financial centre
Cost Components Explained
- Licence fee: The annual trade licence fee paid to the free zone authority
- Registration fee: One-time company formation fee (paid in year 1 only)
- Flexi-desk / office: Annual fee for your office space (included in many packages)
- Visa fee: Entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, visa stamp — typically AED 3,000-6,000 per visa
- Government fees: Municipality fees, immigration fees, Emirates ID fees (passed through by free zone)
Annual Renewal Costs (Approximate)
- SPC: AED 5,750-11,500
- SHAMS: AED 7,500-10,000
- IFZA: AED 12,000-18,000
- RAKEZ: AED 10,000-18,000
- DMCC: AED 25,000-45,000
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- Activity amendment fees (when you change activities): AED 500-2,000 per change
- Name change fees: AED 1,000-5,000
- Apostille and attestation for documents: AED 500-2,000
- MOA amendment fees (when shareholders change): AED 1,000-5,000
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