{ "name": "UAE Free Zone Comparison 2026", "publisher": "ZETUP PRO Corporate Services", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones", "description": "Side-by-side 2026 comparison of 14 major UAE free zones (IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, RAKEZ, Shams, DAFZA, JAFZA, DIFC, ADGM, Dubai South, SPC, UAQ FTZ, Innovation City, Ajman FZ): advertised licence 'from' prices in AED, emirate and location, visa-allocation notes, activity coverage, and who each zone is (and is not) suited to. Compiled by ZETUP PRO from each authority's published pricing; zones without published pricing (IFZA, Shams, DAFZA) carry licence_from_aed = null and are marked quote-based; per-zone source URLs included.", "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/", "citation": "ZETUP PRO Corporate Services. (2026). UAE Free Zone Comparison 2026. Retrieved from https://zetup.ae/en/freezones", "updated": "2026-08", "updatedIso": "2026-08-07", "spatialCoverage": "United Arab Emirates", "notes": "Licence prices are approximate advertised 'from' figures; real totals depend on visa count and office needs. Zones with licence_from_aed = null publish no rate card — their licences are quoted per application. Government fees are passed through at cost by ZETUP PRO.", "zones": [ { "slug": "ifza", "name": "IFZA — International Free Zone Authority", "short_name": "IFZA", "emirate": "Dubai", "location": "Dubai Silicon Oasis / Dubai Digital Park", "licence_from_aed": null, "licence_from_note": "quote-based — IFZA publishes no rate card; licences are proposed per application through its Professional Partner network, typically as multi-year packages with flexi-desk access included. Confirm every figure in a written quote", "best_for": "Consultants, freelancers, service firms, marketing/IT agencies, holding companies and traders who want an affordable Dubai free zone with flexible visa numbers and a wide activity list. Ideal for solo founders and small teams who do not need a physical mainland storefront.", "not_ideal_for": "Businesses that must sell directly to the UAE mainland (retail shops, restaurants, clinics), need a large physical office or warehouse, or require a prestige financial-district address (DIFC/ADGM). Companies needing many visas may find dedicated-office requirements push costs above the headline figure.", "visa_note": "IFZA uses a package-based visa quota. You select how many visas you need at setup — from 0 up to around 6 on a standard flexi-desk package. A zero-visa licence is the cheapest entry point. Higher visa counts (and dedicated office space) are available but increase cost. Each visa requires an establishment/immigration card, medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance.", "activities_note": "IFZA offers more than 2,000 business activities across professional, commercial, consulting, trading, media, IT and general-trading categories. You can typically bundle up to 7 compatible activities on one licence at no extra activity fee, which suits multi-service businesses.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/ifza", "sources": [ "https://ifza.com/en/business-setup-in-dubai/", "https://ifza.com/en/" ] }, { "slug": "meydan", "name": "Meydan Free Zone", "short_name": "Meydan", "emirate": "Dubai", "location": "Meydan / Nad Al Sheba, Business Bay catchment, Dubai", "licence_from_aed": 12500, "licence_from_note": "license only, 0 visa, up to 3 activities, includes flexi-desk, approx per year", "best_for": "E-commerce sellers, freelancers, consultants, agencies, small service businesses and holding companies that want a credible Dubai address, a low starting cost and a quick online setup, while keeping their visa needs modest (up to three on a flexi-desk).", "not_ideal_for": "Businesses that need a large team of more than three visas without renting a physical office, or that sell goods and services directly to the UAE mainland market. Those cases usually fit a private office, a different zone, or a Dubai mainland (DET) licence better.", "visa_note": "Visa allocation is tied to your workspace. A flexi-desk package typically allows up to three visas. To go beyond that you rent a private office, where the quota is driven by floor area (roughly one visa per 9 sqm). Each visa is applied for separately and is not bundled into the base licence price.", "activities_note": "Meydan offers a list of 2,500+ permitted activities. Up to three activities are usually included in the base licence, and more can be added (commonly up to around ten) for an extra fee, provided they sit within compatible activity groups. Categories cover commercial trading, professional services, consultancy, e-commerce, media and holding.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/meydan", "sources": [ "https://www.meydanfz.ae/cost-calculator", "https://www.meydanfz.ae/blog/meydan-free-zone-company-setup-cost-breakdown", "https://providenceglobal.com/news/meydan-free-zone-license-cost/", "https://aedbs.com/blogs/news/ifza-vs-meydan-free-zone-in-2026-real-costs-visa-quotas-and-who-should-pick-which", "https://sijil.ae/en/guides/meydan-cost-breakdown", "https://diac.ae/blog/meydan-free-zone/", "https://www.meydanfz.ae/blog/meydan-free-zone-corporate-tax-requirements", "https://tax.gov.ae/en/media.centre/news/federal.tax.authority.issues.corporate.tax.guide.on.free.zone.persons.aspx" ] }, { "slug": "dmcc", "name": "DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre", "short_name": "DMCC", "emirate": "Dubai", "location": "Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) / Uptown Dubai", "licence_from_aed": 35484, "licence_from_note": "from / published — cheapest one-year package per DMCC's Schedule of Charges (registration, licence and establishment card); flexi-desk, visas and government fees added on top", "best_for": "Commodities and trading houses (gold, diamonds, metals, energy, agri), crypto/Web3 and blockchain founders, fintech, established SMEs and serious entrepreneurs who want a prestige Dubai address, a credible ecosystem and smoother banking. Ideal when reputation, sector clustering and a physical presence in central Dubai matter more than the lowest possible licence price.", "not_ideal_for": "Budget-conscious solo founders, freelancers and early-stage consultants who simply need the cheapest legal entity — cheaper zones like IFZA or RAKEZ start far lower. Also not the natural fit for businesses that must trade directly on the UAE mainland (retail, F&B, clinics) or that need a regulated financial-services address (DIFC/ADGM) for asset management or banking licences.", "visa_note": "DMCC visa allocation is tied to your office solution, not a fixed package number. A flexi-desk typically allows up to around 3 visas; a serviced or leased physical office scales the quota with floor area (roughly one visa per 9–15 sqm), so larger offices and warehouses can sponsor many more. You select your office and visa needs at setup. Each visa requires an establishment card, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance, with per-person government and processing costs of roughly AED 4,000–6,000.", "activities_note": "DMCC offers more than 900 business activities across 20 sectors, including commodities trading, gold and precious metals, diamonds and gemstones, energy, general trading, financial and professional services, technology, media, gaming, AI and crypto/Web3. Several activities are clustered into dedicated 'ecosystems' (Crypto Centre, Gaming Centre, AI Centre, Coffee, Tea, Gold and Diamond centres) with sector-specific infrastructure and community.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/dmcc", "sources": [ "https://dmcc.ae/members/support/schedule-charges", "https://dmcc.ae/blog/dubai-freezone-company-setup-cost", "https://dmcc.ae/blog/complete-guide-on-dmcc-licences", "https://dmcc.ae/ecosystems/crypto-and-blockchain", "https://henryclub.ae/business-setup/free-zones/dmcc/", "https://businessetup.com/dmcc-license-cost-in-dubai/", "https://setupdubai.business/how-to-get-a-crypto-license-in-dmcc/", "https://safeledger.ae/blog/dmcc-license-cost" ] }, { "slug": "rakez", "name": "RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone", "short_name": "RAKEZ", "emirate": "Ras Al Khaimah", "location": "Al Hamra Industrial Zone & Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah", "licence_from_aed": 6000, "licence_from_note": "from / published — rakez.com advertises company set-up for AED 6,000 (24-hour offer; zero-visa, flexi-desk) and all-inclusive packages from AED 14,000; visa packages cost more", "best_for": "Cost-conscious SMEs, traders, freelancers and consultants, e-commerce sellers, and especially industrial or manufacturing businesses needing warehouses or land. A common pick for Dubai-based founders who want a cheaper free zone licence and don't need a Dubai address on the trade licence.", "not_ideal_for": "Businesses that need to sell directly to the UAE mainland or take government contracts (a free zone licence alone doesn't allow that — you'd need a mainland licence or local distributor). Also not ideal for founders who want a prestigious Dubai address, or those needing many employee visas on a small flexi-desk.", "visa_note": "Visa allocation is tied to your workspace, not bought freely. A flexi-desk (shared workstation) typically supports up to 2 residence visas — enough for a founder and one team member. Larger private offices and warehouses increase the quota with floor area, commonly up to around 6–8 visas. Zero-visa licences exist for owners who don't need UAE residence (popular with remote operators and e-commerce).", "activities_note": "RAKEZ maintains a comprehensive activity list across manufacturing, trading, services, media, education, IT, logistics and more. You can hold up to 7 activities within the same category, or combine across categories — the all-inclusive licence allows roughly up to 10 mixed activities under one licence. Licence types include Commercial, Service/Professional, Industrial, Media, Educational, E-Commerce, General Trading, Individual/Professional and the Freelancer Permit.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/rakez", "sources": [ "https://rakez.com/en", "https://emirabiz.com/rakez-company-setup/", "https://businesssetuphq.com/business-setup-in-ras-al-khaimah-economic-zone-rakez/", "https://rakez.com/en/start-a-business/licence-types/freelancer-permit", "https://arnifi.com/blog/rak-free-zone-flexi-desk-cost/", "https://arnifi.com/blog/rakez-freelance-permit-cost/", "https://safeledger.ae/blog/rak-free-zone-license-cost", "https://noblecoreventures.com/rakez-free-zone-setup-cost-2026/" ] }, { "slug": "shams", "name": "Sharjah Media City (Shams) Free Zone", "short_name": "Shams", "emirate": "Sharjah", "location": "Sharjah Media City, Sharjah (approx. 15 minutes from Dubai)", "licence_from_aed": null, "licence_from_note": "quote-based — Shams no longer publishes package prices; its packages page lists contents only (LLC licence, up to 5 activities, flexi-desk and lease included) and pricing comes via enquiry or its cost calculator. Confirm in a written quote", "best_for": "Budget-conscious founders, freelancers, media and creative professionals, consultants, and online or service businesses who want a cheap, credible UAE licence and don't need a Dubai address or to trade directly on the mainland.", "not_ideal_for": "Founders who need a Dubai address for prestige or clients, businesses that must sell goods or services directly to the UAE mainland without a distributor, or activities requiring heavy regulatory approval (financial services, healthcare). Banks can also be slightly more cautious with cheaper Sharjah zones.", "visa_note": "Shams uses a flexible visa system rather than a fixed low cap. The number of visas you can sponsor is tied to your office or desk solution: a flexi-desk/shared-desk package typically supports a handful of visas, and larger offices unlock more. Many packages are sold as 0, 1, 2 or 3-visa bundles, and you can add visas later by upgrading your facility. Each visa still requires the establishment card, e-channel, medical and Emirates ID steps.", "activities_note": "You can combine up to 5 business activities under a single Shams licence, and they can span different sectors — for example media, e-commerce, IT, consultancy and general services. Some regulated or higher-risk activities need extra approvals or are excluded.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/shams", "sources": [ "https://shamsfz.ae/business-setup/packages/", "https://shamsfz.ae/" ] }, { "slug": "dafza", "name": "Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)", "short_name": "DAFZA", "emirate": "Dubai", "location": "Dubai Airport Free Zone, next to Dubai International Airport (DXB), Deira", "licence_from_aed": null, "licence_from_note": "quote-based — DAFZ publishes no prices; set-up packages are bespoke and quoted on enquiry. A smart-desk or office is mandatory, so realistic complete setups (smallest package, 1 visa) are typically quoted around AED 40,000 (market-reported)", "best_for": "Aviation, freight forwarding, logistics, electronics, pharma, luxury goods and trading companies that need physical airport proximity, a prestige Dubai address, and an office or warehouse on-site. Suits funded businesses that value reputation over the lowest possible cost.", "not_ideal_for": "Solo founders, freelancers and early-stage startups chasing the cheapest licence. DAFZA's mandatory office and higher fees make it poor value if you do not need airport proximity or the prestige - cheaper Dubai zones like IFZA or Meydan are better-fit there.", "visa_note": "Visa allocation is tied to the office space you lease, not bought as a flat add-on. A smart-desk or business-address package typically allows 1-2 visas; a standard office of ~27 sq.m allows 3, ~54 sq.m allows 6, ~100 sq.m allows 12; larger warehouses (350+ sq.m) can reach 30 visas. Each visa is valid 2 years and includes medical and Emirates ID steps.", "activities_note": "DAFZA licences cover Trading, Service, Industrial and General Trading categories, with roughly 15 broad industry groups (aviation, electronics, pharma, logistics, consulting, insurance, chemicals, auto parts and more). You can usually combine up to three related activities under one licence within the same category structure.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/dafza", "sources": [ "https://www.dafz.ae/en/business-setup", "https://www.dafz.ae/en/" ] }, { "slug": "jafza", "name": "JAFZA — Jebel Ali Free Zone", "short_name": "JAFZA", "emirate": "Dubai", "location": "Jebel Ali, beside Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport", "licence_from_aed": 5000, "licence_from_note": "from / published — Jafza states business licences start at AED 5,000 (licence fee only). Logistics and general-trading licences run higher (market-reported ~AED 15,000–20,000), and a physical office, warehouse or plot is mandatory and quote-based, so real first-year setups run far higher (AED 90,000–150,000+). Industrial and warehousing projects are priced on a bespoke quote", "best_for": "Import-export and trading houses, distribution and re-export businesses, logistics and freight-forwarding firms, manufacturers and light-industrial operations, and regional headquarters serving Asia, Africa and Europe. Ideal for companies that physically move, store or process goods and want to sit on top of Jebel Ali Port with bonded warehousing and on-site customs.", "not_ideal_for": "Solo consultants, freelancers, online-only service firms and early-stage startups testing an idea — JAFZA's mandatory office/warehouse and higher fees make it overkill and expensive for them. Anyone wanting a true zero-visa, flexi-desk-only setup should look at a cheaper zone like IFZA. Businesses selling directly to the UAE mainland still face the usual free-zone restrictions.", "visa_note": "JAFZA does not use a fixed package quota — your visa allocation is tied to the physical space you lease. As a rough guide, a flexi-desk or small smart office supports around 1–3 visas, a private office 5–10+, a 500 sqm warehouse 15–20+, and large industrial plots 50 or more. Each visa needs an establishment card, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance. Because allocation is space-based, scaling your team usually means leasing more space.", "activities_note": "JAFZA licences are grouped by activity. A trading or industrial licence typically covers up to 7 activities from one group, and you can expand to two groups (around 12 activities) for a higher fee. A general trading licence allows unlimited trading activities across groups. Extra activities beyond a package usually cost roughly AED 500 each. Logistics, freight, warehousing and supply-chain activities sit under dedicated logistics licensing — the zone's core strength.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/jafza", "sources": [ "https://www.jafza.ae/business-setup/business-license/", "https://www.jafza.ae/cost-calculator/", "https://www.jafza.ae/business-setup/company-formation/", "https://henryclub.ae/business-setup/free-zones/jafza/", "https://emirabiz.com/jebel-ali-free-zone-company-setup/", "https://freezonecompare.com/blog/jafza-warehouse-setup-cost-2026/" ] }, { "slug": "difc", "name": "DIFC — Dubai International Financial Centre", "short_name": "DIFC", "emirate": "Dubai", "location": "Dubai International Financial Centre / Gate District, Downtown Dubai", "licence_from_aed": 5500, "licence_from_note": "from / approx — DIFC Innovation Licence for non-regulated tech/fintech startups (~USD 1,500/yr, subsidised). DFSA-regulated financial firms are quote-based and far higher (typically AED 250,000+ in year one); standard non-regulated commercial licences also cost far more once registration and a dedicated office are added.", "best_for": "Financial-services firms, fintech and Web3 startups, investment managers, funds, family offices, holding companies, and international law, advisory and insurance firms that need a credible common-law jurisdiction, DFSA standing and access to capital. The DIFC Innovation Hub specifically suits early-stage, non-regulated tech and fintech founders who want the DIFC address and ecosystem at a subsidised price.", "not_ideal_for": "General trading, retail, e-commerce logistics, F&B, manufacturing, or any founder simply wanting the cheapest possible Dubai licence — DIFC is a premium, finance-focused centre and will be far more expensive than zones like IFZA or DMCC for non-financial activity. It is also not a shortcut into regulated finance: a DFSA licence requires a full authorisation process, qualified staff, capital and an in-zone office, and cannot be set up trivially or quickly.", "visa_note": "DIFC visa allocation is tied to your office or coworking arrangement rather than a fixed package. Under the Innovation Hub, a flexi-desk typically allows up to around 4 visas per desk; dedicated offices scale visas by workstation count. Each visa requires an establishment card, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance. Regulated firms must also satisfy DFSA staffing requirements (e.g. a UAE-resident Senior Executive Officer, Compliance Officer and MLRO), which effectively sets a minimum headcount.", "activities_note": "DIFC activities split into two worlds. Non-regulated activities — holding companies, innovation/tech licences, professional and corporate services — are licensed by the DIFC Registrar of Companies. Regulated financial activities — banking, asset and fund management, advising and arranging investments, custody, insurance, crypto/virtual-asset services — additionally require authorisation by the DFSA before you can operate. The DIFC Innovation Licence covers non-regulated sectors such as AI/ML, fintech, insurtech, proptech, regtech, healthtech, edtech, climatetech and e-commerce.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/difc", "sources": [ "https://arnifi.com/blog/difc-license-cost-breakdown-2026/", "https://arnifi.com/blog/difc-innovation-license/", "https://setupdubai.business/how-much-does-it-cost-to-set-up-a-business-in-difc/", "https://www.difc.com/business/establish-a-business/innovation-licence", "https://www.difc.com/business/establish-a-business/ai-fintech-and-innovation-firms", "https://www.dfsa.ae/what-we-do/authorisation-services/overview", "https://www.cryptoverselawyers.io/dfsa-crypto-difc-fees-capital-roles/", "https://www.kayrouzandassociates.com/insights/fund-manager-licence-uae-difc-adgm-cma", "https://www.startupu.ae/compare/dmcc-vs-difc", "https://www.kayrouzandassociates.com/insights/difc-business-setup" ] }, { "slug": "adgm", "name": "ADGM — Abu Dhabi Global Market", "short_name": "ADGM", "emirate": "Abu Dhabi", "location": "Al Maryah Island / Al Reem Island", "licence_from_aed": 5509, "licence_from_note": "from / approx — incentivised Tech Start-up licence (USD 1,500 ≈ AED 5,509 at the official USD/AED 3.6725 rate) covering registration plus two renewals over 3 years; requires a Hub71 eligibility approval letter. A standard non-financial licence totals ~USD 5,800 (≈ AED 21,300) in year one. Office lease and visas are separate", "best_for": "Financial-services firms, asset and fund managers, VCs and fintechs regulated by the FSRA; holding companies, SPVs, family offices and foundations; and Hub71-eligible tech start-ups. The right pick when a common-law jurisdiction, a credible financial-centre address and Abu Dhabi's capital ecosystem matter more than the lowest possible licence price.", "not_ideal_for": "Businesses selling directly to UAE mainland consumers (shops, restaurants, clinics), general trading, logistics or warehousing operations (JAFZA or RAKEZ fit better), and cost-sensitive solo founders — a standard non-financial licence runs ~USD 5,800 in year one plus a mandatory office lease, unless you qualify for the tech start-up incentive or an SPV.", "visa_note": "Visas are sponsored by the ADGM entity and processed through the ACCESSADGM government-services portal. A fixed per-licence visa quota is not part of the published fee schedule — capacity depends on your facility and is confirmed during setup, so budget per person for entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping as in any UAE jurisdiction.", "activities_note": "Activities are grouped into Financial (Category A), Non-Financial (Category B) and Retail (Category C), with a published permitted-activities list. A commercial licence can cover several complementary activities where they form one logical business proposition.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/adgm", "sources": [ "https://www.adgm.com/setting-up", "https://www.adgm.com/registration-authority/registration-and-incorporation", "https://assets.adgm.com/download/assets/Schedule+of+Fees+2025.pdf/6f25a452823d11ef808c3e0446867bce", "https://www.adgm.com/about/jurisdiction" ] }, { "slug": "dubai-south", "name": "Dubai South — DWC Free Zone", "short_name": "Dubai South", "emirate": "Dubai", "location": "Dubai World Central / Al Maktoum Airport", "licence_from_aed": 12500, "licence_from_note": "from / published — Business Hub free-zone package (AED 12,500 list; a promotional AED 11,375 was displayed when checked, 2026-08) with flexi-desk access, same-day issuance and the option to add visas. DWC LLC / branch and freelancer routes are quoted via the Dubai South portal; visas and government fees are separate", "best_for": "Logistics, freight and e-commerce fulfilment operations, aviation and aerospace businesses, and traders who want airport-side operations in the corridor Dubai is building around Al Maktoum International. Also a practical government-run package option (Business Hub) for SMEs and startups that want a published-price Dubai licence with same-day issuance.", "not_ideal_for": "Regulated financial-services firms (DIFC or ADGM fit better), businesses that need a prime central-Dubai address or walk-in mainland retail, and founders hunting the absolute cheapest paper licence — Shams and RAKEZ start lower. The district is still building out, so day-to-day city amenities are thinner than central Dubai.", "visa_note": "The Business Hub package is sold with the option to add visas, and the zone's own Free Zone Management issues visas and work permits on site. A fixed visas-per-licence quota is not published — your allocation depends on the package and facility and is confirmed at quote stage.", "activities_note": "Three registration routes: the Business Hub free-zone package, DWC LLC companies and branches, and freelancer professional permits. The Business Hub publishes its business-activity list online; activity fit is confirmed before licence issuance.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/dubai-south", "sources": [ "https://www.dubaisouth.ae/en", "https://www.dubaisouth.ae/en/work/freezone", "https://www.dubaisouth.ae/en/business-setup", "https://dubaisouthbh.com/" ] }, { "slug": "spc-free-zone", "name": "SPC Free Zone — Sharjah Publishing City", "short_name": "SPC", "emirate": "Sharjah", "location": "Sharjah Publishing City, Sharjah", "licence_from_aed": 5750, "licence_from_note": "from / published — SPC states business setup packages start from AED 5,750; the final price is built in its online cost calculator from your activities, visas and facility, and government and visa fees are added on top", "best_for": "Startups, solo founders and consultants who want one of the cheapest published entry prices in the UAE with fast, fully online licensing; e-commerce and trading businesses choosing from the 2,000+ activity list; and publishers and media businesses, given the zone's publishing heritage and Publishers Hub.", "not_ideal_for": "Regulated financial-services firms (DIFC or ADGM fit better), businesses that specifically need a Dubai-emirate address for clients or staff, and heavy industrial or port-side operations — JAFZA, RAKEZ or UAQ FTZ industrial facilities fit those better.", "visa_note": "Visa packages are configured in SPC's cost calculator rather than published as a fixed quota per licence — your allocation depends on the package and facility. Immigration services are on site, and SPC advertises UAE residency processed in as fast as 5 working days, plus spouse and dependant visa processing.", "activities_note": "2,000+ business activities are available, and SPC publishes its activity list online with a name-check tool. Certain activities need additional approvals, which SPC flags during application.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/spc-free-zone", "sources": [ "https://www.spcfz.ae/", "https://www.spcfz.ae/business-setup-in-sharjah/" ] }, { "slug": "uaq-free-trade-zone", "name": "UAQ FTZ — Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone", "short_name": "UAQ FTZ", "emirate": "Umm Al Quwain", "location": "Umm Al Quwain, on the E311 (~30 min from Dubai)", "licence_from_aed": 5500, "licence_from_note": "from / published — UAQ LYTE package (zero-visa e-commerce licence, up to 3 activities, flexi-desk) at AED 5,500; the all-inclusive one-visa UAQ START package is a published AED 12,500; other licence types and facilities are quoted, and government and visa fees are added where applicable", "best_for": "Online sellers, dropshippers and solo founders who want the cheapest credible published package in the UAE (UAQ LYTE at AED 5,500); founders who need licence-plus-visa in one transparent bundle (UAQ START at AED 12,500); and light-industrial, trading and logistics businesses using its warehouses, land and UAQ Port.", "not_ideal_for": "Businesses that need a Dubai or Abu Dhabi prestige address, regulated financial-services firms (DIFC or ADGM fit better), and B2C sellers who want to deliver directly to UAE mainland consumers — mainland deliveries from a UAQ FTZ licence are B2B only or run through licensed logistics partners.", "visa_note": "Packages define the visa count: UAQ LYTE is a zero-visa package, and UAQ START includes one UAE residence visa with medical, Emirates ID and insurance covered. Larger allocations follow your facility and are confirmed at quote stage — the zone's residency service handles UAE and foreign hires.", "activities_note": "1,500+ business options across five licence families: commercial, general trading, service/consultancy, freelance permits (technology, media and film roles) and industrial (physical facility mandatory). E-commerce licences can combine up to three activities on one licence.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/uaq-free-trade-zone", "sources": [ "https://uaqftz.gov.ae/", "https://uaqftz.gov.ae/promotions/business-license-with-one-visa-package-for-just-aed-13900", "https://uaqftz.gov.ae/blogs/the-biggest-mistake-online-sellers-make-before-launching-in-the-uae", "https://uaqftz.gov.ae/licensing-services" ] }, { "slug": "innovation-city", "name": "Innovation City (formerly RAK DAO) — RAK Tech Free Zone", "short_name": "Innovation City", "emirate": "Ras Al Khaimah", "location": "Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311)", "licence_from_aed": 6600, "licence_from_note": "from / published — Idea package at AED 6,600/year (zero visa, 10 standard or custom activities, multiple shareholders). Visa-included packages start at AED 13,200/year (Seed); premium activities, additional visas and premium office space are upgradeable extras, and government and visa fees apply where relevant", "best_for": "AI, Web3/blockchain, gaming, robotics and healthtech founders who want a specialist tech free zone with published package pricing; DAOs and token projects needing the UAE's dedicated DAO Association Regulations; and digital-asset businesses that value an ecosystem with crypto-experienced banking and infrastructure partners.", "not_ideal_for": "General trading, industrial or logistics businesses (RAKEZ next door, JAFZA or UAQ FTZ fit far better), firms needing a Dubai or Abu Dhabi address, and regulated financial-services or exchange businesses that need a full financial regulator — DIFC/DFSA or ADGM/FSRA are the purpose-built routes, and CMA-mandate activities here need separate CMA approval anyway.", "visa_note": "Package-defined: the Idea package includes no visas, while Seed, Startup and Growth each include 1 visa — and visa allocation is capped at 4 per licence, with additional visas as upgradeable extras within that cap.", "activities_note": "Idea, Startup and Growth include 10 standard or custom activities; Seed includes 1 custom or premium activity chosen from 200+ technology and innovation options. Premium activities are paid upgrades, and anything under the Capital Market Authority's mandate needs CMA approval first.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/innovation-city", "sources": [ "https://innovationcity.com/", "https://innovationcity.com/packages", "https://innovationcity.com/company-formation/legal-entity" ] }, { "slug": "ajman-free-zone", "name": "Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)", "short_name": "Ajman FZ", "emirate": "Ajman", "location": "Ajman Port / Al Jurf, Ajman", "licence_from_aed": 5555, "licence_from_note": "from / published — the E-Commerce Licence package, the only price Ajman Free Zone publishes openly (stated in its own 2025 article, not in a fee schedule). Every other AFZ package is quoted individually; visas, government fees and facilities are added on top", "best_for": "Online sellers and e-commerce founders who want the one AFZ package with a published price, freelancers using the 40-category Sole Professional licence, and cost-sensitive traders and light-industrial businesses already looking at the northern emirates who are willing to request a written quote rather than compare a published rate card.", "not_ideal_for": "Anyone who needs to compare a published, itemised price before engaging — outside the E-Commerce Licence, AFZ's cost calculator emails an estimate rather than displaying one, so you cannot self-serve a budget. Also a poor fit if you need a Dubai address, a regulated financial licence, or certainty today about mainland selling rights, which AFZ does not spell out publicly.", "visa_note": "Package-defined. AFZ's published package matrix scales one-to-one with visa count: Starter (1), Dual (2), Trinity (3), Quad (4), Penta (5), Hexa (6), Hepta (7), Octa (8), Nova (9) and Deca (10), with Al Jurf all-inclusive packages covering the same 1–10 range. The Kickstarter package is a virtual-office licence with no visa, and Freedom is a sole-professional licence noted as eligible for one investor visa. AFZ does not publish the price of any of these tiers, so confirm your allocation and its cost in a written quote.", "activities_note": "AFZ's mid-tier packages advertise up to five mix-and-match activities across commercial, service and e-commerce categories, rising to up to ten activities on the Hexa-and-above tiers. The Freedom package covers a single profession. AFZ does not publish a full activity list on its public pages, so confirm your specific activity is available before committing.", "url": "https://zetup.ae/en/freezones/ajman-free-zone", "sources": [ "https://afz.gov.ae/en/resources/blogs/2025/the-future-of-e-commerce-in-the-uae-why-entrepreneurs-choose-ajman-free-zone.html", "https://afz.gov.ae/en/about-us/profile.html", "https://afz.gov.ae/en/start-your-business/business-license-types.html", "https://afz.gov.ae/en/help-and-support/faqs.html", "https://eportal.afz.gov.ae/fzaoneclick/s/packages", "https://afz.gov.ae/en/cost-calculator/", "https://fza.ae/rules-regulations/", "https://ancfz.ae/" ] } ] }