Free Zone comparison
Compare UAE Free Zones, find your best fit.
There are 45+ Free Zones across 7 emirates, and the right one depends on your activity, budget and visa needs. See how the popular zones stack up, then let an advisor shortlist the best two or three for you.
- Cost level
- Best-fit activity per zone
- 100% ownership everywhere
- A shortlist matched to your requirements
- Cost
- Value
- Ownership
- 100%
- Remote
- Yes
- Cost
- Budget
- Ownership
- 100%
- Remote
- Yes
Popular zones
The most-asked-about zones, compared.
A snapshot of where each popular zone shines. Cost is shown as a level, not a fixed figure, because your activity and visas decide the final price.
| Free Zone | Emirate | Known for | Cost level | Ownership | Remote setup | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZAPopular | Dubai | Flexible activities, fast | Value | 100% | Yes | View |
| MeydanPopular | Dubai | Prestige Dubai address | Value | 100% | Yes | View |
| Ajman Free ZonePopular | Ajman | Low-cost and freelance | Budget | 100% | Yes | View |
| SHAMS | Sharjah | Media and creative | Budget | 100% | Yes | View |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | Industrial and trade | Value | 100% | Yes | View |
| DMCC | Dubai | Trade and commodities | Premium | 100% | Yes | View |
| DIFC | Dubai | Finance and legal | Premium | 100% | In person | View |
| ADGM | Abu Dhabi | Finance and holding | Premium | 100% | In person | View |
| Fujairah Creative City | Fujairah | Media and freelance | Budget | 100% | Yes | View |
| UAQ Free Zone | Umm Al Quwain | Budget trade and SMEs | Budget | 100% | Yes | View |
Cost levels are a guide only. Tell us your activity and visa needs for an exact, written quote.
Choose by priority
What matters most to you?
Start from your priority and we point you to the zones that deliver it. Most clients balance two or three of these.
Lowest cost
The cheapest way to get a license and trade legally.
Ajman, UAQ, Fujairah, SHAMS
Prestige Dubai address
A recognised Dubai location that looks the part to clients and banks.
Meydan, DMCC, DIFC
Trade and logistics
Warehousing, ports and easy import or export of goods.
JAFZA, RAKEZ, DAFZA
Finance and holding
A regulated common-law home for funds, advisory and holdings.
DIFC, ADGM
Media and freelance
Affordable creative, content and consultancy permits.
SHAMS, Fujairah CC, TECOM
Fast and flexible
Many activities on one license and a quick remote setup.
IFZA, Meydan
What drives the price
Why two quotes can look so different.
The headline license fee is only part of the cost. These six factors move the total, which is why a quote based on your exact needs is more accurate than any single advertised price.
Number of visas
More visa allocations raise the license and immigration cost.
Office type
A flexi-desk is cheaper than a dedicated office or warehouse.
Activity and license
Some regulated activities cost more or need extra approvals.
Emirate and zone
Dubai prestige zones price higher than the northern emirates.
Share capital
A few zones and activities ask for a minimum paid-up capital.
Add-ons
Attestation, e-channel and bank support add to the total.
By emirate
Explore Free Zones emirate by emirate.
Prefer to browse by location? Each emirate has its own mix of zones, costs and strengths.
Head to head
Popular comparisons.
Weighing two specific options? Jump straight to a side-by-side breakdown.
How we help
From 45+ zones to the right one.
- 01
Receive a Consultation
Share your activity, how many visas you need and your budget.
- 02
We shortlist zones
We narrow 45+ zones to the two or three that fit you best.
- 03
Side-by-side quote
You get a clear comparison of cost, visas and what is included.
- 04
We set it up
Chooseone and we handle the license, paperwork and bank intro.
Why FZM
We work with every Free Zone.
We are not tied to one authority, so our shortlist is built around your business, not a commission. After 15 years and 1,500+ companies formed, we know where each zone genuinely fits.
- 45+
- Free Zones covered
- 1,500+
- Companies formed
- 15+
- Years in the UAE
- Free
- Comparison and quote
Keep exploring
More on setting up in the UAE.
Good to know
Free Zone questions, answered.
- Which is the cheapest Free Zone in the UAE?
- The lowest-cost licenses are usually in the northern emirates, with Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Sharjah's SHAMS among the most affordable. The exact figure depends on your activity and how many visas you need, so we confirm a fixed quote before you commit.
- What is the best Free Zone in the UAE?
- There is no single best Free Zone. The right one depends on your activity, budget, visa needs and whether you want a prestige Dubai address or the lowest possible cost. We shortlist the two or three zones that fit your plan and compare them side by side.
- Do all Free Zones give 100% ownership?
- Yes. Every UAE Free Zone lets you own your company 100% with no local partner. That is one of the main reasons businesses choose a Free Zone over a Mainland setup for certain activities.
- Can I set up a Free Zone company remotely?
- In most zones, yes. Many Free Zones let you form the company and get your license without flying in, then you complete your visa medical and Emirates ID once you arrive. A few regulated zones prefer an in-person step.
- How many visas can I get with a Free Zone license?
- It depends on the zone and the office package you choose. A flexi-desk usually allows a small number of visas, while a larger office or warehouse allows more. We map your visa needs to the right package up front.
- Free Zone or Mainland, which should I choose?
- A Free Zone is ideal for 100% ownership, international trade and lower cost. The Mainland suits businesses that need to trade directly in the local UAE market or win government contracts. We help you compare both before you decide.
- Can I trade in the UAE market from a Free Zone?
- Free Zone companies trade freely internationally and within their zone. To sell directly to the local UAE market you usually work through a distributor or set up a Mainland branch. We explain the cleanest route for your activity.
- How long does Free Zone setup take?
- Many Free Zone licenses are issued within a few working days once your documents are ready, with visas following over the next couple of weeks. Regulated activities and finance zones can take longer because of extra approvals.
Maha BadrHighly recommended. A professional team, prompt on every detailed query and seamless on every requirement, trade license, corporate tax, bank account, residence ID, medical.
Largo HomeSimply impeccable. They didn't just meet deadlines, they anticipated them, with quick and effective solutions even in complex situations.
Maciej KolodziejczykVery efficient. Company formation, employment contract, residency visa, and all the prerequisites handled. Friendly and professional throughout.
Ready to incorporate
One advisor.From company formation to corporate banking.
A 30-minute consultation is all it takes to receive a tailored proposal, a transparent quotation, and a written roadmap delivered the same day. You will deal directly with an experienced advisor throughout the process.
- Response instantly
- Five languages spoken
- Independent. Not a license reseller.