Last updated: August 2026
Cheapest free zone in UAE: honest 2026 comparison
The licence fee is never the full cost. This guide ranks the 6 most affordable UAE free zones by total year-one outlay — and tells you what each one is actually hiding.
Cheap is not always cheaper. A free zone with a poor banking track record can delay your account opening by months — costing you far more than the price difference between zones. The rankings below reflect total year-one cost; they also flag banking risks so you can make the right tradeoff.
Meydan Free Zone
Dubai
Year-one total
AED 12,500 – 17,000
What is included
- ✓Licence fee
- ✓Trade name reservation
- ✓1 investor visa (in entry package)
What is extra
- +Establishment card (AED 1,500–2,500)
- +Medical test + Emirates ID (AED 700–1,000)
- +Typing / service fees
Banking
Accepted by most UAE banks with a well-prepared application
Best for
Solo founders, digital businesses, consultants wanting a Dubai address at entry-level cost
Key caveat
Activity list limitations mean it is not suitable for all business types. Check your specific activities before committing.
UAQ FTZ
Umm Al Quwain
Year-one total
AED 12,500 – 16,500
What is included
- ✓Licence fee
- ✓Name reservation
- ✓Flexi-desk (in some packages)
What is extra
- +Establishment card
- +Investor visa (add AED 4,000–5,000)
- +Emirates ID + medical
Banking
Mixed — some major UAE banks require additional documentation or decline applications
Best for
Cost-sensitive traders or founders who can verify banking compatibility first
Key caveat
Banking track record is the main risk. Confirm your intended bank accepts UAQ FTZ before committing.
Ajman Free Zone
Ajman
Year-one total
AED 13,000 – 18,500
What is included
- ✓Licence
- ✓Name reservation
- ✓Office / flexi-desk (most packages)
What is extra
- +Establishment card
- +Visa fees
- +Emirates ID + medical
Banking
Acceptable at most major banks; some reports of additional scrutiny
Best for
Traders and SMEs with physical goods, especially those near Ajman or northern emirates
Key caveat
Slightly higher renewal costs than UAQ FTZ. Physical presence requirement for some activities.
IFZA
Dubai
Year-one total
AED 14,500 – 22,000
What is included
- ✓Licence
- ✓Name reservation
- ✓1–3 visas depending on package
- ✓Flexi-desk
What is extra
- +Establishment card (AED 1,500–2,000)
- +Emirates ID + medical per applicant
Banking
Excellent — consistently strong track record with all major UAE banks
Best for
Founders who want low cost AND reliable banking, especially international founders
Key caveat
Slightly higher than UAQ or Meydan headline price, but total cost often comparable due to what is included.
SHAMS
Sharjah
Year-one total
AED 14,000 – 20,000
What is included
- ✓Licence
- ✓Name reservation
- ✓Visa quota (varies by package)
What is extra
- +Establishment card
- +Emirates ID + medical
- +Typing fees
Banking
Good for its target sector; most major banks process applications
Best for
Content creators, media professionals, marketing agencies, social media businesses
Key caveat
Not ideal for trading or industrial activities — activity list is deliberately sector-specific.
RAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah
Year-one total
AED 13,000 – 20,000
What is included
- ✓Licence
- ✓Name reservation
- ✓Office/flexi-desk
- ✓1–3 visas (package dependent)
What is extra
- +Establishment card
- +Emirates ID + medical per visa applicant
Banking
Good — strong banking relationships across most major UAE banks
Best for
SMEs, manufacturers, and consultants wanting low cost with strong banking credentials
Key caveat
Location in Ras Al Khaimah suits businesses without a specific Dubai address requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Find the most cost-effective setup for your business
Simobi matches your activity and budget to the right zone — including banking compatibility — so you do not pay more than you need to. The conversation is free.