UAE Free Zone Share Capital Requirements Comparison 2026
Different UAE free zones have different share capital requirements. Here is the comprehensive 2026 comparison of minimum share capital across UAE free zones.
In this guide:
Low / Zero Share Capital Free Zones
| Free Zone | Minimum Share Capital | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA | AED 1 (symbolic) | No paid-up requirement; registered in MOA |
| SHAMS | AED 1,000 | Low; accessible for all budgets |
| Ajman Free Zone | AED 1 (symbolic) | Flexible; start with minimal capital |
| RAKEZ | AED 1,000 | Low; good for SMEs |
| UAQ FTZ | AED 1 | Minimal; accessible |
Medium Share Capital Free Zones
| Free Zone | Minimum Share Capital | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DMCC | AED 50,000 for FZE/FZCO | Higher prestige free zone; some activities require more |
| JAFZA | AED 100,000 for FZE | Higher minimums reflect JAFZA’s focus on larger companies |
| DAFZA | AED 100,000 | Premium free zone; higher capital requirement |
Special Activity Share Capital
- Financial services (DFSA-regulated in DIFC): USD 50,000 – USD 10,000,000+ depending on licence category
- Insurance: Higher share capital; AED 5 million+
- Banking: Very high share capital; AED 150 million+
Paid-Up vs Authorised Capital
- Authorised capital: Maximum capital the company is authorized to issue
- Paid-up capital: Capital actually contributed and paid into the company
- UAE practice: Most free zones require paid-up capital equal to minimum; some accept symbolic