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Cheapest free zones in the UAE compared (2026)
| Free zone | Emirate | License from (0 visas) | With 1 visa | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | about AED 5,555 | about AED 13,131 (package) | Trading, light industry |
| Shams | Sharjah | about AED 5,750 | about AED 13,185 (package) | Media, creative, up to 5 activities |
| SPC | Sharjah | about AED 5,750 | about AED 13,000 to 13,200 | Services, Sharjah mainland access |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | about AED 6,000 | about AED 14,000 (package) | Services on a budget, industrial land |
| Meydan | Dubai | AED 12,500 | about AED 14,370 + visa processing | A Dubai address |
| IFZA | Dubai | AED 12,900 | about AED 20,000 to 22,000 all-in | A Dubai address, wide activity list |
Entityz is a direct authorized partner of all six zones, so we can quote each one side by side.
Costs on top of the license
- Establishment card (immigration card), needed before any visa
- Visa costs per person: entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping
- Health insurance
- Extra activities beyond what the package includes
- Office upgrade if you need more visas than a flexi desk allows
- Renewal every year, often at the full license price
Two zones with the same license price can differ by thousands of dirhams once visas are added. Always compare the total for your number of visas. See our investor visa guide for visa costs.
Cheapest free zone in Dubai
In Dubai, the cheapest free zone licenses are Meydan from AED 12,500 and IFZA from AED 12,900, both with no visa and up to 3 activities. That is about twice the Sharjah and Ajman price, and what you pay for is the Dubai address.
How to choose the right low-cost free zone
| If you need | Look at |
|---|---|
| The lowest cost, and no visa | Ajman Free Zone, Shams or SPC |
| Several activities on one license | Shams (up to 5) |
| Trading with port access | Ajman Free Zone |
| Industrial land or a warehouse | RAKEZ |
| A Dubai address | Meydan or IFZA |
| To sell on the local UAE market | A mainland license may fit better |
Find your cheapest free zone
Tell us your activities and how many visas you need. We will compare the total cost across all six zones for you.
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General information, not legal or tax advice. Entityz is an independent business setup consultancy and is not any of the free zones named. Prices are market starting figures gathered in September 2026 and change from time to time. We confirm the current price for your activities and visas before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest free zone in the UAE?
Among the zones we compare, Ajman Free Zone starts from about AED 5,555 a year with no visa, and Shams and SPC in Sharjah from about AED 5,750.
What is the cheapest free zone in Dubai?
Meydan from AED 12,500 and IFZA from AED 12,900, both with no visa.
What is the cheapest free zone with a visa?
With one visa, Ajman Free Zone is about AED 13,131 and Shams about AED 13,185 as a package. Always compare the total for your number of visas.
Is the cheapest free zone the best choice?
Not always. Visa costs, extra activities, office needs and renewals can change the total, and some businesses need a Dubai address or mainland access.
Can I live in Dubai with a Sharjah or Ajman free zone visa?
Yes. A UAE residence visa lets you live anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai.
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