UAE is a land of opportunities and a popular choice for investors, travellers, families, and more. The country is a family-friendly destination and business hub. Hence, the top search query of global investors is “Which freezone is cheapest in Dubai?”. There are a few cheapest Free zones in UAE that offer low-cost company packages for investors. Entrepreneurs can easily establish their cheapest freezone company in Dubai, one of the safest cities in the world. Also, they can settle with their family anywhere in the UAE.
The Free Trade Zones in UAE are popular among foreign investors. There are 45 plus Freezones in UAE that offer various company packages. The Cheapest free zones in UAE attract global investors to set up their low-cost companies.
This Article highlights the various cheapest Free Zones in UAE and the business license, activities, and benefits these Free Zones offer to the foreign investor. The Free Zones in UAE are most in-demand due to the cheap trade license and the facilities they offer the entrepreneurs for setting up a company.
Which is the Cheapest Free Zone in UAE?
The Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and Sharjah Media city (SHAMS) are the cheapest Free Zones in UAE. The cost of a trade license with SRTIP is AED 5,500, while the cost of a trade license with SHAMS is AED 5,800.
The investors benefit from the top-class infrastructure, ease of operations, and fast documentation, of the Free Trade Zone. They can set up a company and start business operations actively in less than a Week’s time.
The cheapest Free zones in UAE offer a wide variety of business licenses, activities, and support services. There are various factors when it comes to choosing the right business package for your company. It mainly includes the location of the Free Zone, Office facilities, visa quota, and more.
The top cheapest Free Zones in UAE offering low-cost business license packages to investors in 2023 are the following:
- International Free Zone Authority – IFZA
- Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park – SRTIP
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone – RAKEZ
- Meydan Free Zone, Dubai
- DUQE, Dubai
The Free Zones in UAE are very competitive when it comes to Business License Packages and support services. Also, the investors are always looking for ways to keep the company setup cost low.
To add value to the investors and at the same time keep their overall business setup cost low, the Free Zones offer a host of Business facilities. Let’s have a look at the relatively cheap free zones in UAE that offer low-cost free zone licenses:
List of Cheapest Free Zones in UAE based on the Trade license cost
The trade license costs of the cheapest free zone packages are ranging from AED 5,500 to AED 12,500 based on visa quota and facilities. The below table consists of package details of some of the cheapest free zones from various emirates in the UAE.
| Sl No. | Free Zones | Emirates | Trade License Cost | Visa Quota & Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IFZA | Dubai | AED 12,900 | Zero Visa Quota |
| 2 | SRTIP Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 5,500 | Zero Visa Quota, Services Business License |
| 3 | RAKEZ | Ras Al-Khaimah | AED 11,440 | Zero Visa Quota, Flexi Desk type, Services Business license |
| 4 | Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | AED 12,500 | Zero Visa Quota, Shared Offices |
| 5 | DUQE | Dubai | AED 12,500 | Zero Visa Quota with Smart Desk |
The Cheapest Free Zone in Dubai is DSO-IFZA with a business license cost starting from AED 12,900. The IFZA Free Zone, Dubai offers investors ample facilities to easily scale up their business in UAE. The Free Zone being in Dubai has multiple advantages for the investors in terms of business operations.
Cheapest Free Zones in Northern Emirates – Sharjah, RAK, Ajman
The Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park offers the cheapest Trade License. Also, the Sharjah Media City and Sharjah Publishing City are the most cost-effective Free Zones in UAE. Additionally, Free Zones in Sharjah offers the right infrastructure for star entrepreneurs to set up their companies with ease and minimal documentation.
Presently in 2023, SRTI Free Zone offers one of the cheapest business licenses for various activities such as consulting, media, and e-commerce. The Free zone also offers the cheapest general trading license in UAE for selling multiple items.
The Free Trade Zones in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman & Umm Al Quwain are cost-effective Free Zones considering company setup costs and other various reasons. The total cost of setting up a business includes the trade license cost, office rent expenses, administrative expenses, and visa costs.
The Free Zones in the Northern Emirates such as the SRTIP, SPC, SHAMS, RAKEZ, etc., offer the cheapest trade licenses to investors in UAE. The SPC Free Zone offers cheap business licenses for various activities such as consulting, media, e-commerce, etc. SPC Free Zone also offers the cheapest general trading license in UAE for selling multiple items.
Additionally, the cost of a business license will be relatively lower than Free Trade Zones in Dubai. However, there are free zones such as IFZA and Meydan that offer the cheapest Free Zone license in Dubai.
Cheapest Free Zones in Dubai
Free Trade Zones in Dubai offer a wide range of business setup packages for global investors. The cheapest Business license in Dubai is starting from AED 12,900. So, it is a perfect choice to start a business venture in Dubai at lower initial setup costs.
The Cheapest Free Zones in Dubai for 2023 are DUQE and DSO- IFZA. Both of these Free Zones offer competitive packages for investors to set up their companies in Dubai.
The Freezones in Dubai offers a host of benefits for its investors. When it comes to the business setup cost, Free Zones in Dubai are surely at a premium. However, Cost-effective Free zones in Dubai offer unmatched business setup solutions and cheap trade licenses to set up your dream company.
Following low-cost Free Trade Zones in Dubai will provide all required business infrastructure for new investors.
1. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
The cheapest Free Zone in Dubai is IFZA (International Free Zone Authority). IFZA offers a low-cost company license in Dubai without visas at a cost of AED 12,900. This is the cheap and best Dubai free zone license offer in 2023.
The IFZA Free Zone is located at a convenient location in Dubai and offers a fast and easy business setup. IFZA offers the cheapest Free Zone license in Dubai for entrepreneurs. It also provides a wide range of business activities for investors in the field of services, trading, and manufacturing.
There are special business license categories for companies and individuals to register a Holding Company at IFZA. The Free Zone also offers cheap startup packages for investors to easily establish their startups in Dubai.
Hence, in a nutshell, IFZA is a perfect business hub for startups and individuals who wants to start a company in Dubai at the lowest cost. The cheapest General Trading License is another attraction for investors to consider IFZA for setting up their business in UAE.
General Trading License – (1 Visa Package) – 17,500 AED Yearly (The package amount might slightly vary in actuals)
To know more about the IFZA business setup packages, click here: IFZA
2. Dubai Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone is one of the prime locations and a perfect choice for low-cost office space in Dubai. The Free Zone also provides a No Objection Certificate to open an office space anywhere in Dubai.
It is highly beneficial for the investor as there are numerous low-cost office spaces in the UAE mainland. Depending on the business requirement and budget, the investor can choose their office space.
The Free Zone is adjacent to Meydan Racecourse and inside the Meydan Hotel making it a perfect hub for international investors. Above all, Meydan Free Zone offers a wide range of business activities and license types for foreign investors at a low cost. Also, this free zone enables business leaders to socialize and network while collaborating for work.
3. DUQE Free Trade Zone
DUQE Free Trade Zone is the latest in Dubai that is situated in the Quarter Deck of Queen Elizabeth 2. It offers one of the cheapest Free Trade Zone Licenses in Dubai starting at AED 12,500 with a zero visa quota.
The DUQE Free Zone offers attractive startup company packages with all-inclusive benefits at AED 19,500 +VAT. It includes the license fee, lease agreement, flexi-desk space for 6 months, 1 visa quota, up to 3 business activities, and more.
Also, the DUQE Free Trade Zone in Dubai provides a long list of Value Added Services to the investors such as Accounting, VAT Registration, Bank Account Opening, Business Center Access, Health Insurance, and more.
Cheapest Free Zone License in Sharjah
The Free Zones in Sharjah offer investors a range of business license packages. The cheapest Free Zone License in Sharjah starts from AED 5,500 for a Zero Visa quota package. Sharjah Free Zones offer best-in-class infrastructure to investors at a relatively lower cost compared to free zones in Dubai.
1. Sharjah Publishing City
Sharjah Publishing City is a dynamic Free Trade Zone in the Emirates of Sharjah. It offers a host of low-cost office packages and low-cost visas for investors. This Free Zone is also a perfect choice for start-ups and entrepreneurs to set up a company at the lowest cost. SPC Free Zone is the best option for starting a new general trading company at the cheapest trade license cost in UAE.
The Co-working facilities and office desk facilities are perfect for investors to launch their businesses seamlessly. Also, the Free Zone is a hub for networking activities and business meetups. The Free Zone supports investors by providing the right platform to kick-start their business ventures without any hassle.
2. Sharjah Media City
The cheapest free zone in UAE is the Sharjah Media City Free Zone, known as SHAMS which is located at the Emirates of Sharjah. SHAMS Free Zone offers media license for AED 5,800 and a standard trade license for AED 8,050. The investors can choose up to 3 related business activities and use the Flexi-Desk facility for a nominal fee on a monthly basis.
Sharjah Media City is one of the fastest-growing Free Trade Zone in Sharjah. Low-cost company licenses and visas are the highlights of this Free Zone. As a result, Sharjah Media City is the cheapest freezone in UAE.
This Free Zone offers Cheapest Business Licenses in UAE across diverse categories. It is a perfect Free Zone for media, freelance, startups, consultancies, etc. The low-cost license package is an add-on for new investors to easily start their company in the Free Zone. It also provides the cheapest general trading license in UAE.
3. Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park
The Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) is one of the latest Free Trade Zones in Sharjah. It offers Low-Cost Trade licenses to entrepreneurs. SRTIP aims at providing a perfect solution for young business enthusiasts to easily scale up their business initiatives.
The Free Zone provides Startup Accelerator and Business Incubator programs for funding startups in their initial stages of operations. The incentives at SRTIP enable entrepreneurs to easily test and launch their startups.
There are various business activities and license categories that innovators can obtain. Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy Management, Waste Treatment, Water Treatment, New Digital Technologies, Services Consultancy, etc., are the most in-demand and innovative business activities for the startups operating in the SRTIP Park.
For startups, the SRTIP Free Zone is an ideal choice as it offers one of the cheapest Free Zone Licenses in UAE starting at AED 5,500. The investor gets a Zero Visa company for business activities such as consulting, accounting, media, etc.
Cheapest Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
There are a few Cheapest Free Zones in Abu Dhabi that will help investors to set up their companies at a lower cost. Abu Dhabi is a growing business and economic hub of the UAE with immense potential for companies to invest and operate their business.
Following are a few Free Zones that offer the cheapest business license in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
1. Kezad Free Trade Zone
The Kezad Free Zone in Abu Dhabi offers the cheapest trade license at AED 9,450 to investors. The Free Zone offers entrepreneurs a host of business incentives and benefits in setting up their company in Kezad.
Choose from a wide range of business activities and attractive company formation packages. Kezad follows a simple process of setting up the company and issuing the trade license to the investors without any hassle.
2. Masdar City Free Zone
Masdar City Free Zone is one the most energy-friendly and sustainable Free Zones in the region. The Free Zone has associated with many energy management companies to create a perfect ecosystem for startup and research projects.
The Masdar City Free Zone has launched a host of company formation packages for entrepreneurs that are planning to set up their base in the Free Zone. Investors can opt for an all-inclusive startup package with up to 5 business activities, a trade license fee, and shared desk space for AED 19,000.
3. Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone offers a host of business benefits for investors aiming to set up their company in the Middle East. They offer a one-stop shop environment for entrepreneurs and offer one of the cheapest business licenses in the UAE.
The ADAFZ has a wide range of business infrastructure ranging from office spaces, warehousing units, commercial offices, fully furnished offices, and more. The proximity to the Abu Dhabi International Airport makes the Free Zone one of the best choices for foreign investors to set up their companies.
Other Cheapest Free Zone License in UAE
Free zones in other emirates such as Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman are also offering some cheapest license packages. Some of such free zones are:
1. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Freezone (RAKEZ)
RAKEZ is a cost-effective business hub with customized solutions for business establishments to set up your dream company. RAKEZ offers affordable business set-up packages, modern facilities, and first-class services. It has the state of the art infrastructure and hi-tech facilities for industrial growth and development.
RAKEZ offers an easy, fast business setup and a customer-friendly environment for investors. There are more than 14000 companies from 100+ countries registered in RAKEZ. It has 5 Freezone parks that are tailor-made for investor requirements. RAKEZ consists of a business park, industrial parks, and an academic zone.
RAKEZ has provisions for Freezone and Non-Freezone company formation. It also offers a wide range of cheapest trade licenses and industrial facilities. Additionally, the easy access to global markets through the seaports & airports is making RAKEZ a preferred destination for investors.
Commercial Licence – Allowed to conduct 5 similar activities from the chosen category – 14,800 AED Yearly. (The package amount might slightly vary in actual).
Check out the Company Registration cost for RAKEZ here.
2. Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)
The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone is the best free zone in UAE for start-ups and SMEs. Its proximity to Dubai, access to international ports, and top-class infrastructure are making it an investor’s favourite.
The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone has been operating as an autonomous Freezone since its inception in 2014. Due to its low-cost business setup packages, UAQ Free Zone is expected to have rapid adoption in the coming years.
Commercial License (2 Visa Packages) – 20,500 AED Yearly [The package amount will vary in actual]
Read more on the Umm Al Quwain Free Zone here.
3. Ajman Media City Free Zone
Ajman Media City is one of the most affordable free zones in the UAE. This free zone also offers investors a range of business activities and business license types at the lowest cost.
The Ajman Media City has various office types such as shared, customized, Flexi-desk, etc., with world-class infrastructure. Ranging from trading licenses to special license categories such as media and creative activities, it has all for the entrepreneurs.
It is considered a top-notch hub for media and entertainment companies to set up the office. Also, Ajman Media City offers the cheapest trade license in UAE to media agencies and creative people who are looking for a profitable business establishment.
Commercial License (1 Visa Package) – 11,952 AED Yearly [The package amount will vary in actuals]
Click here to know more about Ajman Media City Freezone.
The most important components in the business setup are deciding your business activity, business license types, and the perfect location. Hence, UAE is the perfect place to establish your business and gain global access easily.
For all your queries on low-cost business setup in UAE & cheapest trade license in UAE contact us right away!
Contact: Aurion Business Consultants
