UAE Free Zone Minimum Share Capital Requirements 2026
Share capital requirements vary significantly between UAE free zones. Here is the complete 2026 reference guide.
In this guide:
Share Capital Requirements by Free Zone
| Free Zone | Minimum Share Capital | Paid-Up Required? |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA | AED 1,000 (nominal) | No — on paper only |
| RAKEZ | AED 1,000 | No |
| SHAMS | AED 1,000 | No |
| SPC Free Zone | AED 1,000 | No |
| Ajman Free Zone | AED 1,000 | No |
| DMCC | AED 50,000 (standard FZE) | Varies by activity |
| JAFZA (FZE) | AED 100,000 | Varies |
| DIFC (LLC) | USD 1,000 | No paid-up requirement |
| ADGM (LLC) | USD 1 | No |
| Dubai South | AED 50,000 | Varies |
What Share Capital Actually Means
- Most free zones: AED 1,000 is just a nominal figure on your MOA (Memorandum of Association); no cash deposit required
- No minimum bank balance requirement: Share capital and bank account balance are separate things
- Trading companies: Some activities or free zones require higher declared capital; confirm with specific authority
When Share Capital Matters
- Government tenders: Some UAE government tenders require a minimum paid-up capital (AED 1 million+)
- Investor visa eligibility: AED 750,000+ company ownership is needed for certain investor visas; capital on record may be checked
- Banking KYC: UAE banks may ask about share capital and expected turnover