Cheapest Free Zone in the UAE (2026): Starting Prices Compared
The cheapest free zone in the UAE, on EZONE’s starting packages, is Fujairah Creative City at AED 5,530, followed by Ajman Free Zone at AED 5,555 and SPC at AED 5,750. The lowest price is only part of the picture, because activities, visas and the way you can trade differ from zone to zone.
Key takeaways
- Starting prices run from AED 5,530 to AED 35,000 across the zones we work with.
- Dubai zones start higher than zones in Fujairah, Ajman, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
- A starting price covers a basic package. Your activity, workspace and visas set the final cost.
- Check what the licence lets you do before you compare prices.
Free Zone Starting Prices, Lowest First
| Free zone | Starting package |
|---|---|
| Fujairah Creative City | AED 5,530 |
| Ajman Free Zone | AED 5,555 |
| SPC (Sharjah Publishing City) | AED 5,750 |
| RAKEZ | AED 6,010 |
| SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) | AED 6,885 |
| Umm Al Quwain Free Zone | AED 8,000 |
| KEZAD | AED 9,450 |
| Dubai CommerCity | AED 12,000 |
| DWTC | AED 12,300 |
| Meydan Free Zone | AED 12,500 |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | AED 15,500 |
| JAFZA | AED 15,500 |
| Dubai Internet City | AED 15,540 |
| Dubai Media City | AED 15,540 |
| DAFZ | AED 25,030 |
| DMCC | AED 32,360 |
| DIAC | AED 35,000 |
Two zones quote in US dollars: ADGM from USD 5,700 and DIFC from USD 12,500. The prices are the starting packages on each zone page and are marked with conditions. For comparison, an Abu Dhabi mainland licence starts at AED 14,910 and a Dubai mainland licence at AED 14,626.
Our Pick for a Dubai Licence
If you want a Dubai licence, Meydan Free Zone from AED 12,500 is our usual recommendation for start-ups. It gives you a Dubai address at a low starting price, and its Fawri option can issue a licence quickly. Dubai CommerCity (from AED 12,000) is built for e-commerce and DWTC (from AED 12,300) serves trade and events, so check that your activity fits before you compare prices. Read more on our Meydan Free Zone page.
Why the Cheapest Zone Is Not Always the Cheapest Option
- Activity. A cheap licence helps only if your activity is on the zone’s list. Some zones focus on media, publishing, e-commerce or industry.
- Visas. The number of visas depends on your workspace. A flexi-desk usually allows one visa, as at RAKEZ.
- Where you sell. A free zone company cannot trade freely on the mainland. See operating a free zone company on the mainland.
- Banking. Banks look at the whole business, not the zone. See corporate bank account opening.
- Renewal. Compare the renewal price and what the first-year package covers.
How to Choose
- List the activity on your licence and check it is allowed in the zone.
- Decide how many visas you need and what workspace that requires.
- Ask whether you will sell to customers on the mainland.
- Add the visa, establishment card and renewal to the starting price.
- Use the cost calculator or compare more zones in our UAE free zone comparison.
Our sister site covers flexi-desk vs dedicated office in a UAE free zone, and companyformationinuae.com has more on formation. For help choosing, see our company formation services.
Frequently Asked Questions
On EZONE's starting packages it is Fujairah Creative City at AED 5,530, then Ajman Free Zone at AED 5,555 and SPC at AED 5,750.
EZONE's lowest Dubai starting packages are Dubai CommerCity (e-commerce) from AED 12,000, DWTC from AED 12,300 and Meydan Free Zone from AED 12,500. For most start-ups across general activities, Meydan is our usual recommendation.
Starting packages are a base. Visas, the establishment card and your activity change the final cost, so use the cost calculator for your case.
Not necessarily. It matters whether the zone's activities, visa quota and trading rules fit your business.
Yes, but it means cancelling and applying again, so choose with your next two years in mind.
