The UAE is known for its luxury lifestyle and impressive skyline. But that doesn’t mean starting a business here always requires a huge investment. In fact, some free zone company setup packages in the UAE begin at around AED 4,888. This makes the company accessible to even small businesses.
However, there’s a catch. The cheapest free zone license in UAE you see in an advertisement may cover only the basic company setup. Factors like resident visa, immigration file, medical test, and office requirements can significantly increase your total budget.
The good news is that you can choose a setup that matches your business instead of paying for facilities you will not use. For instance, a consultant serving clients overseas may be comfortable with a zero-visa package.
In this blog, we will compare some of the cheapest free zone in UAE options. You will also get an idea about the cost and understand how to choose a free zone that fits your business needs.
Cheapest Free Zones in the UAE
The UAE has several free zones in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and other emirates. Each of these free zones operates under its own authority and offers different licensing options and services.
The table below gives you a starting point for comparing affordable options. These prices are indicative costs and not a guarantee that every business can register at that price.
| Free zone | Emirate | Indicative Starting Price | Best suited for |
| Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone (ANCFZ) | Ajman | AED 4,888 | Entrepreneurs looking for a low-cost entry package |
| Ajman Media City Free Zone | Ajman | AED 4,999 (for zero-visa package) | Freelancers, service providers and digital businesses |
| Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC) | Sharjah | AED 4,999 for e-Publishing | Publishing, consulting, and other permitted activities |
| UAQ Free Trade Zone | Umm Al Quwain | AED 5,500 | Startups and small businesses seeking affordable registration |
| Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | AED 5,000 | Trading, services, and other approved activities |
| SHAMS | Sharjah | AED 5,750 | Media, creative, and service-based businesses |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000 (for basic package) | Startups, consultants and small businesses |
| IFZA | Dubai Silicon Oasis | AED 12,900 (for basic package) | Consultants and international service businesses that prefer a Dubai base |
These prices are not directly interchangeable. Some packages include workspace while others charge for it separately. Also note that the cheapest free zone license in UAE may come without a residence visa.
1) Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone (ANCFZ)
ANCFZ is an option for entrepreneurs who want to keep their initial company registration costs low. Generally, the entry price to start a company in this free zone is around AED 4,888.
Its low starting price makes it worth considering for founders who want to register a company without immediately paying for every additional service. However, some services may need to be purchased separately.
2) Ajman Media City Free Zone
Ajman Media City Free Zone was established in 2018 and offers company formation options for entrepreneurs in media and other approved sectors. It is known for its low-cost packages and options for businesses that do not need a large physical office.
Ajman Media City Free Zone offers two useful options for entrepreneurs with different budgets. Its official Business Club package costs AED 4,999 annually, which makes it one of the cheapest free zone in UAE, and includes zero visas. It supports up to 10 business activities and 10 shareholders, along with coworking access. The authority also states that the package can be upgraded.
For founders who need a residence visa, the Visionary package costs AED 12,999 annually and includes one UAE residence visa.
3) Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone was established in 2017. It was created with a focus on the publishing industry and has since offered a broader range of permitted business activities.
SPC is known for its publishing-focused environment and flexible company formation options. Its licensing choices can appeal to entrepreneurs who want to set up a trading or creative business without immediately committing to a large office.
The cost of a SPC company setup can start at around AED 4,999. Visa costs and other services may be separate.
4) UAQ Free Trade Zone
UAQ Free Trade Zone is based in Umm Al Quwain and has roots in the Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and Free Zone, which began in 1987. Its location connects the emirate with other parts of the UAE through major road links.
UAQ offers one of the cheapest company registration in UAE and is associated with logistics and commercial activity. Although its available licensing options extend to other permitted businesses. Its location and cost structure can make it worth considering for startups that do not need a Dubai address.
The UAQ free trade zone company setup cost can start around AED 5,500. The exact inclusions must be check in the offered package.
5) Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone is one of the UAE’s long-established free zones. It was established in 1988 and is located close to Ajman port. The free zone authority here offers licensing options for a range of businesses.
Its established commercial environment can be useful for businesses that need access to port-related services or commercial facilities.
The company setup packages at Ajman free zone can start at around AED 5,000 and can go up to AED 25,000 for full setup packages. Ajman Free Zone is worth comparing if you want an established authority with options for commercial and industrial activity.
6) SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)
Sharjah Media City, known as SHAMS, was established in 2017 by an Emiri Decree. It was created to support the media and creative sectors and has expanded its offering to include a wider range of approved activities.
SHAMS is known for its digital-first approach and cost-conscious licensing options. Selected SHAMS packages are listed at around AED 5,750. This is an indicative starting price and should not be taken as the total cost of setup with a residence visa.
7) RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)
RAKEZ was established in 2017 by bringing together the services and facilities of Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone and Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority.
RAKEZ supports a broad business community, from service providers and traders to manufacturers. The basic package at RAKEZ can start from AED 6,000. Get in touch with our Shuraa Business Setup experts for an accurate cost estimate.
8) IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)
IFZA is a Dubai free zone that offers company formation services for entrepreneurs and international investors. Its headquarters are in Dubai Silicon Oasis, an established technology and business district.
IFZA is known as one of the cheapest free zone in Dubai for its flexible licensing options and support for companies across a broad range of business activities. Basic IFZA company setup packages can cost around AED 12,900.
Before registering, ask for a written cost breakdown that covers the license, registration, visa allocation, immigration services, workspace, and renewal charges.
How Much Does Cheapest UAE Free Zone Company Setup Really Cost?
The cost of setting up a business in a UAE Free Zone can range between AED 4,888 to AED 25,000 for the first year. The first-year cost is usually made up of several parts. The exact total depends on the package you choose and the services your company needs.
Also, note that not every company will need every item. A founder who already has UAE residency may not need a company-sponsored residence visa. A business that requires a physical office may have higher costs than one that can use a permitted flexi-desk arrangement.
The best way to compare offers is to request the first-year total and the renewal total separately. This makes it easier to see whether an attractive promotional price will remain affordable.
How Long It Takes to Setup a Business in a Free Zone?
A straightforward free zone company registration can often be completed within 1–5 working days. The condition is that the application is complete and the selected activity does not require additional approvals.
Some authorities publish shorter license-processing timelines, while others may take longer depending on the company structure and application. You can help avoid delays by preparing the required documents early and confirming your business activity before submitting the application.
Shuraa Business Setup consultants can guide you through the steps and provide a more accurate timeline for your chosen free zone.
How to Choose the Cheapest Free Zone for Your Business?
A low price is useful only when the license supports the work you plan to do. Use the following checks before deciding to go with the cheapest free zone license in UAE.
Step 1. Match the license to your business activity
Describe what your company will actually do. That is because different activities like consulting, software development, e-commerce business, etc. Require different approvals. So, make sure the authority confirms the exact activity in writing before you pay.
Step 2.Decide your residence visa requirements
If you already have a valid UAE residence visa through another route, you may not need to buy a visa-inclusive package immediately.
If you are moving to the UAE and need residency through your company, compare the complete visa-inclusive cost. Also check the number of visas allowed under the package.
Step 3. Check whether you need a Dubai address
A free zone in Ajman or Ras Al Khaimah may offer a lower starting price than one in Dubai. However, if your business needs regular access to Dubai for practical reasons, the extra cost may be worthwhile.
Step 4. Compare renewal fees
The initial offer is only one part of your budget. Ask details such as how much the license will cost to renew and whether the price includes the same services in the following year. Also check the renewal cost of your visa and immigration file.
Step 5. Check banking requirements
Banks conduct their own checks and may ask for company documents and evidence of expected transactions. Prepare these documents early and check the bank’s requirements before registering.
Step 6. Understand your tax obligations
A company does not automatically receive a 0% Corporate Tax rate simply because it is registered in a free zone. The Federal Tax Authority states that a Qualifying Free Zone Person can receive a 0% rate on qualifying income if it meets the applicable conditions.
How to Set Up a Company in a UAE Free Zone?
Once you have selected a suitable free zone, the registration process generally follows these steps. However, the exact procedure can vary by authority and business activity.
- Choose your business activity: Confirm that the free zone permits the work your company will carry out.
- Select the company structure: Decide who will own the company and choose the legal form offered by the authority.
- Choose your license package: Compare visa allocation, workspace and other included services.
- Prepare your documents: These commonly include passport copies and application details. The authority may request additional documents.
- Submit the application: The free zone reviews the details and may ask for clarification or further information.
- Receive your license and company documents: Pay the required fees and complete any remaining registration steps.
- Apply for visa and bank account: Apply for a residence visa (if needed) and begin the corporate bank account application.
- Meet your ongoing obligations: Keep the license renewed and complete the tax, accounting, and other filings that apply to your company.
How Shuraa Helps With Affordable UAE Company Setup?
Choosing a free zone becomes easier when you know what your company needs from the start. Shuraa Business Setup has more than 26 years of experience in the UAE market and has helped over 100,000 businesses with their setup requirements.
Our team can help you compare free zone options based on your business activity, visa needs and budget. We can also guide you through the registration process and explain the services included in your chosen package.
Book a free consultation with Shuraa Business Setup to discuss your business plans and get a setup estimate based on your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest free zone in the UAE?
ANCFZ is listed at AED 4,888 in published 2026 pricing comparisons. Ajman Media City and SPC also offer selected packages at around AED 4,999. These are indicative starting prices and may not include a residence visa or every service required for your business.
Which is the cheapest free zone license in the Dubai?
IFZA is one option to consider for a Dubai free zone company. Selected published packages begin at around AED 12,900, although the final price depends on the package, activities, visa requirements and additional services.
Can I register a UAE free zone company without a residence visa?
Yes. The cheapest freezone in UAE offers business setup package with zero visa allocation. For example, Ajman Media City’s Business Club package is priced at AED 4,999 annually. You should check whether you can add a visa later and what the additional charges will be.
Can I add visa after registering my company?
Some free zones allow companies to add visa allocation or apply for residency later. The process and charges depend on the authority, your package and your eligibility. Confirm the rules before choosing a zero-visa package.
How much it costs to renew a UAE free zone license?
Renewal costs vary by free zone and package. Ajman Media City publishes an annual renewal fee of AED 4,999 for its Business Club package and AED 8,999 for its Visionary package. Other authorities may use different prices and renewal conditions.
How long does it take to set up a free zone company in the UAE?
Some straightforward applications can be completed within a few working days. The timeline may be longer if the authority requires additional documents, external approvals or other checks. Visa processing and bank account opening follow separate procedures.
Does a cheap free zone license include a business bank account?
The cheapest free zone license in UAE does not guarantee a corporate bank account. Banks conduct their own checks and may ask for company documents, a business plan, and information about expected transactions. Approval depends on the bank’s assessment.
