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 They have not been individually verified for this page, may be out of date, and must be confirmed with the free zone before you pay.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.
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.