Cheapest free zones in Dubai 2026
Free zone pricing varies more than people expect, and the cheapest option in the UAE overall isn't always the cheapest if you specifically want a Dubai address.
| Free zone | Location | License from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meydan | Dubai | AED 12,500 | Solo founders, freelancers |
| IFZA | Dubai | AED 12,900 | Startups, consultants |
| Dubai South | Dubai | AED 12,000 | Logistics, e-commerce |
| SHAMS | Sharjah | AED 5,750 | Media, digital, remote |
| Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | AED 5,000 | Lowest cost entry |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000 | Trading, industrial |
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Get my match →Dubai free zones — if you want a Dubai address
Meydan Free Zone and IFZA are consistently the most affordable Dubai-based options, with license packages starting around AED 12,500 and AED 12,900 respectively for a zero-visa setup. Dubai South sits close behind at around AED 12,000. These all give you a recognizable Dubai address, which matters for some banking relationships and client perception.
Outside Dubai — significantly cheaper
If location flexibility doesn't matter to you, zones in Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah are meaningfully cheaper. SHAMS in Sharjah starts from around AED 5,750, and Ajman Free Zone from around AED 5,000 for a zero-visa package. Both still give you full UAE free zone benefits — 100% ownership, profit repatriation — just without a Dubai address.
What it actually costs once a visa is included
The license fee alone understates the real number. Once you add a residence visa, Emirates ID, medical test, and a flexi-desk, a realistic first-year total for a one-visa setup in a Dubai free zone lands between AED 18,000 and AED 25,000. Budget similarly for renewal each year — free zone costs don't disappear after year one.
The cheapest option isn't always the best decision
Factor in whether your bank, clients, or visa needs are better served by a Dubai address before optimising purely on license price. Some banks are more comfortable opening accounts for companies registered in established Dubai free zones like IFZA or DMCC than for lesser-known zones in other emirates.
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