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 They have not been individually verified for this page, may be out of date, and must be confirmed with the free zone before you pay.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 Free Zone Cost Calculator Guide 2026 — Estimate Your Total Setup Cost
Use this guide to calculate the total first-year cost of setting up a UAE free zone company. Covers all components: licence, visa, bank, and admin fees.
In this guide:
UAE Free Zone Cost Components
- Registration/formation fee: One-time fee paid in year 1 only; AED 3,000-15,000 depending on free zone
- Trade licence fee: Annual; AED 5,750-50,000 depending on free zone and activities
- Office/desk fee: Annual; AED 0 (some zones) to AED 20,000+ for flexi-desk
- Visa fees (per visa): AED 3,000-6,000 per investor visa (entry permit + medical + Emirates ID + stamp)
- Government fee pass-through: AED 500-2,000 (municipality fees, immigration fees)
- Bank account setup: Usually free; some banks charge AED 500-1,000
Year 1 Cost Estimate by Free Zone (1 Shareholder, 1 Visa)
- SPC Free Zone: AED 5,750 (licence) + AED 5,500 (visa) = AED 11,250 total year 1
- SHAMS: AED 8,500 (package includes 1 visa) = AED 8,500 total
- Ajman Free Zone: AED 9,000-12,000 (package includes 1 visa) = AED 9,000-12,000 total
- RAKEZ: AED 12,000-16,000 (package includes 1 visa) = AED 12,000-16,000 total
- IFZA: AED 13,900-22,900 (package varies) = AED 13,900-22,900 total
- DMCC: AED 20,000 (registration) + AED 15,000 (licence) + AED 5,000 (visa) = AED 40,000+ total
Annual Renewal Cost (Year 2+)
- Year 2+ costs: Similar to year 1 minus the one-time registration fee
- Savings year 2: AED 3,000-15,000 less than year 1 (no registration fee)
- Visa renewal: Every 2 years; AED 2,000-4,000 per visa renewal
Additional Costs to Budget For
- Accounting/bookkeeping: AED 3,000-12,000/year for professional accountant
- UAE CT filing: AED 1,500-5,000/year with a tax consultant
- Health insurance (mandatory): AED 1,500-5,000/year per person
- Registered agent (some free zones): AED 1,000-3,000/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.