Comparison table
| Free zone | Emirate | Licence, no visa | Setup time | Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPC | Sharjah | ≈ AED 6,900 (≈ 14,300 with 1 visa) | ≈ 5 working days | Flexi desk is enough |
| Shams | Sharjah | ≈ AED 6,900 (≈ 14,300 with 1 visa) | ≈ 1 week | Flexi desk is enough |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | ≈ AED 6,000 – 14,000 | Depends on package | Flexi desk to warehouse |
| Meydan | Dubai | ≈ AED 12,500 | ≈ 1 week | Flexi desk, office optional |
| IFZA | Dubai | ≈ AED 12,900 (≈ 17,000 – 20,000 with 1 visa) | ≈ 5 – 10 working days | Flexi desk, office optional |
| DMCC | Dubai | ≈ AED 20,000 + | ≈ 1 – 3 weeks | Office options, pricier |
Prices are starting levels compiled from packages published in 2026; activity, visa count and promotions change the price.
Which one suits whom?
- Lowest cost and many visas: SPC. A higher visa quota than other budget zones; popular for publishing, trading and e-commerce.
- Media, creative work, freelancers: Shams.
- Manufacturing, industry and warehousing: RAKEZ.
- A Dubai address on a budget: Meydan. Over 2,500 activities on one licence, close to Downtown.
- Small consulting, service and trading firms: IFZA. Flexible packages and mixed activities on one licence.
- Commodities, crypto/Web3 and prestige: DMCC. More than 26,000 member companies and one of the zones banks know best.
What to watch when comparing prices
- Visa quota: The cheapest package may allow only one visa. Ask about the quota up front if you'll hire staff.
- Renewal fee: Licences renew every year, and some promotional packages cost more to renew than in year one.
- Activity: Not every activity is available in every zone; some need extra approval.
- Extras: Establishment card, medical test and Emirates ID per visa, health insurance.
- Banking: Banks open accounts more easily for companies in some zones. Ask your setup provider which banks they work with.
Free zone or mainland?
You need a mainland licence to sell goods directly to customers inside the UAE, open a shop or bid for government contracts. For exporting services, consulting, software and international trade, a free zone is usually cheaper and faster. See our company setup guide for details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest free zone in Dubai?
The cheapest options in the UAE are SPC and Shams in Sharjah, with government fees from about AED 6,900. Within Dubai, Meydan and IFZA are the most affordable (≈ AED 12,500 – 12,900).
Can I live in Dubai with a company in Sharjah?
Yes. A residence visa is valid across the UAE whichever emirate issues it.
How long does it take to set up a free zone company?
About 5 working days to 3 weeks depending on the zone. Opening a bank account can take several more weeks.
Why is DMCC more expensive?
DMCC offers a prestigious address, a strong business network and good banking relationships; it's built for commodity and larger trading companies. A small consultancy usually doesn't need it.