UAE Free Zone License Cost Comparison 2026: Which Is Cheapest?
The UAE remains one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs, consultants, e-commerce businesses, traders and international investors looking to establish a company in the Middle East.
One of the biggest advantages is the variety of UAE free zones, each offering different business activities, licence packages, visa options, workspace solutions and setup costs.
But with so many options available, entrepreneurs often ask:
Which UAE free zone has the cheapest business license in 2026?
Current entry-level packages vary significantly. For example, RAKEZ advertises packages from AED 5,499, while selected Sharjah options start around AED 5,750. A Dubai free-zone licence can start considerably higher depending on the authority; Meydan Free Zone, for example, currently starts at AED 12,500.
However, the cheapest advertised licence is not always the cheapest complete business setup.
This UAE Free Zone License Cost Comparison 2026 explains the costs, visas, additional expenses and key factors you should compare before choosing a free zone.
UAE Free Zone License Cost Comparison 2026
Here is a quick comparison of selected current entry-level offers:
| Free Zone | Emirate | Advertised Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | From AED 5,499 |
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | From AED 5,750 |
| SHAMS | Sharjah | From AED 5,750 |
| Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | Based on selected package/activity |
| Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | From AED 12,500 |
Important: These are starting or headline prices. Package inclusions differ, and visas, immigration services, office upgrades and other services may cost extra.
Which Is the Cheapest Free Zone in UAE in 2026?
Based on the currently advertised starting prices among the examples compared above, RAKEZ has one of the lowest entry prices at AED 5,499.
Sharjah is extremely competitive:
SPC Free Zone – From AED 5,750
SHAMS – From AED 5,750
Dubai generally has higher entry pricing in the example used here:
Meydan Free Zone – From AED 12,500
Therefore, for entrepreneurs whose main objective is obtaining a low-cost licence, RAK and Sharjah deserve particular consideration.
However, a difference of AED 200–500 in licence price should not determine your entire company structure.
RAKEZ License Cost 2026
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, or RAKEZ, currently advertises business packages starting from:
AED 5,499
The authority also states that this package price can be guaranteed for three years and includes access to co-working space.
RAKEZ provides options across:
Commercial activities
Services
E-commerce
Trading
Industrial activities
Manufacturing
Warehousing
This makes RAK worth considering for both small service companies and businesses that may eventually require larger physical facilities.
SPC Free Zone License Cost 2026
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone currently advertises packages from:
AED 5,750
Its 2026 pricing includes:
E-commerce/Publishing License – From AED 5,750
Standard License – From AED 6,875
SPC promotes access to more than 2,000 business activities, with eligible packages allowing up to five compatible activity groups.
This can be particularly useful for entrepreneurs who need several related activities under one company.
SPC Free Zone Cost With One Investor Visa
A licence-only comparison does not show the full cost if you require UAE residency.
SPC currently publishes approximately:
License Only – AED 5,750
License + 1 Investor Visa – Around AED 13,165
The additional amount can include items relating to:
Visa allocation
Establishment card
E-channel registration
Investor visa
Emirates ID
Medical examination
This demonstrates why entrepreneurs should compare complete packages rather than licence fees alone.
SHAMS Free Zone License Cost 2026
Sharjah Media City, commonly known as SHAMS, currently advertises:
Media Package – From AED 5,750
Standard Package – From AED 6,875
A trading and e-commerce package has also been advertised at approximately:
AED 6,500
SHAMS can be particularly attractive for:
Media businesses
Consultants
Content creators
Freelancers
Marketing businesses
Digital businesses
E-commerce companies
Creative professionals
It also provides visa-inclusive package options depending on the selected setup.
Ajman Free Zone License Cost 2026
Ajman Free Zone is another popular option for entrepreneurs comparing affordable UAE company formation.
Rather than assuming one universal licence price, businesses should obtain a customised estimate based on:
Business activity
Number of shareholders
Number of visas
Office requirements
Licence duration
Business structure
Ajman can be particularly worth comparing for:
Trading
E-commerce
Professional services
Freelancing
Import/export
SMEs
For a meaningful comparison, obtain an Ajman quotation using exactly the same requirements you provide to Sharjah, RAK or Dubai.
Dubai Free Zone License Cost 2026
Dubai offers numerous free zones catering to different industries and business models.
As one current example, Meydan Free Zone advertises its standard business licence from:
AED 12,500
This includes:
Free Zone LLC licence
Company registration
Up to three business activity groups
Flexi-desk solution
Digital application
However, certain services are not included by default, such as:
UAE residency visa
Medical examination
Emirates ID
Visa processing
Immigration services
Office upgrades
Meydan also offers its faster Fawri licence from approximately:
AED 15,000
Dubai vs Sharjah Free Zone License Cost
If we compare Meydan with entry-level Sharjah options:
Meydan Free Zone: AED 12,500+
SPC Free Zone: AED 5,750+
SHAMS: AED 5,750+
Based purely on headline licence pricing, Sharjah can cost less than half the starting price of this particular Dubai example.
But Dubai may still make sense if:
A Dubai business address matters
Your customers are primarily in Dubai
Your sector benefits from a Dubai ecosystem
Location influences client perception
Your future operational strategy is Dubai-focused
The lowest licence price and the best commercial decision are not always the same.
Sharjah vs RAK Free Zone License Cost
This is a much closer comparison.
RAKEZ – From AED 5,499
SPC – From AED 5,750
SHAMS – From AED 5,750
The difference between the lowest advertised RAKEZ and SPC/SHAMS starting prices is only AED 251.
For such a small difference, focus instead on:
Activities
Visas
Workspace
Renewal fees
Location
Banking requirements
Expansion plans
License Only vs License With Visa
This is one of the most important points when comparing free zones.
A licence advertised at AED 5,750 does not necessarily mean you can establish a company, obtain UAE residency and complete every required process for AED 5,750.
There are two different scenarios:
Zero-Visa Company
This may suit entrepreneurs who:
Already have UAE residency
Hold a spouse/dependent visa
Live outside the UAE
Do not require residency
Want to establish the company first
Company With Investor Visa
Additional expenses can include:
Visa allocation
Immigration services
Establishment card
Entry permit where applicable
Status change where applicable
Medical examination
Emirates ID
Residence processing
Always specify the number of visas required when requesting a quotation.
Cheapest Zero-Visa Free Zone License UAE
For entrepreneurs who do not require UAE residency through their business, entry-level RAK and Sharjah packages can be particularly competitive.
Current examples include:
RAKEZ – AED 5,499+
SPC – AED 5,750+
SHAMS – AED 5,750+
These can be attractive for:
Consultants
Online businesses
International entrepreneurs
Digital agencies
E-commerce businesses
Remote service providers
But verify the activity eligibility and package inclusions before making a decision.
Cheapest UAE Free Zone With Investor Visa
The ranking can change once a visa is added.
For example, SPC currently publishes a licence-plus-one-investor-visa total of approximately AED 13,165 on its entry-level tier.
Other authorities structure visa packages differently.
Therefore, ask each provider for:
License + 1 Investor Visa + Establishment + Immigration + Medical + Emirates ID
Only then can you make a genuine visa-inclusive price comparison.
What Is Included in a Free Zone License Cost?
Package inclusions vary significantly.
A licence package may include some combination of:
Business licence
Company registration
Memorandum of Association
Flexi-desk
Lease agreement
Business activities
Shareholder registration
But other services may be charged separately.
Always request an itemised quotation.
Additional UAE Free Zone Setup Costs
Potential additional expenses include:
Establishment card
E-channel registration
Visa allocation
Investor visa
Employee visa
Medical test
Emirates ID
Status change
Office upgrade
Additional activities
Additional shareholders
Company amendments
Customs registration
Special external approvals
These costs can change the ranking of the cheapest free zones significantly.
Cheapest Free Zone for E-Commerce in UAE
E-commerce entrepreneurs should compare more than just licence price.
SPC currently advertises its e-commerce/publishing licence from AED 5,750.
SHAMS also advertises a trading/e-commerce package around AED 6,500.
Before choosing, consider:
Products being sold
Import requirements
Customs
Warehousing
Marketplace requirements
Delivery/logistics
Payment gateways
Visa needs
If you sell physical products, operational requirements may be more important than saving AED 500 on the licence.
Cheapest Free Zone for Consultants
Consultants often have relatively simple requirements.
They may need:
Professional activity
Zero or one visa
Flexi-desk
Bank account
Multiple related activities
Low renewal costs
For this reason, RAK and Sharjah can be attractive starting points for consultants comparing costs.
Potential activities include:
Management consultancy
Marketing consultancy
IT consultancy
Business consultancy
HR consultancy
Digital marketing
Professional services
Cheapest Free Zone for Freelancers
Freelancers should compare:
Freelance Permit vs Free Zone Company
A freelance package may suit:
Designers
Developers
Content creators
Photographers
Marketing professionals
Consultants
However, if you intend to hire employees, add shareholders or expand into several business activities, forming a company may provide greater flexibility.
Do not optimise only for today’s cheapest price if you expect the business to grow quickly.
Cheapest Free Zone for Trading Companies
For a trading company, licence cost is only one consideration.
Check:
Permitted trading activities
General trading options
Customs registration
Warehousing
Import/export requirements
Logistics
Product approvals
Mainland distribution
Employee visas
RAKEZ may be worth comparing for businesses requiring warehouses, industrial facilities or logistics support.
Sharjah can also be attractive for trading and e-commerce businesses depending on the selected licence.
Why Dubai Free Zones Can Cost More
A higher Dubai licence cost can potentially provide commercial value through:
Dubai address
International recognition
Business ecosystem
Networking
Proximity to clients
Transport connectivity
Sector-specific communities
For a remote consultant, these factors may not justify paying significantly more.
For another business, they may be commercially important.
How to Compare UAE Free Zone Costs Correctly
Never compare:
AED 5,500 licence-only package
against
AED 15,000 licence + visa + immigration package
That comparison is misleading.
Instead, request identical scenarios.
Scenario A – Zero Visa
Ask every free zone for:
License + Registration + Mandatory Workspace + Mandatory Government/Authority Fees
Scenario B – One Visa
Ask for:
Everything in Scenario A + Establishment + Immigration + Visa + Medical + Emirates ID
Scenario C – Growing Company
Ask for:
License + 3 Visas + Office + Activities + Establishment + All Mandatory Fees
This creates a genuine like-for-like comparison.
Don’t Ignore Free Zone Renewal Cost
The cheapest first-year licence may not be the cheapest long-term option.
Ask for:
Year 1 total
Year 2 renewal
Year 3 renewal
Visa renewal
Establishment renewal
Workspace renewal
Then calculate:
3-Year Total Cost ÷ 3 = Average Annual Business Setup Cost
This gives a much better picture of long-term affordability.
UAE Free Zone License Cost for Indian Entrepreneurs
Indian entrepreneurs frequently use UAE free zones for:
Consulting
IT
Digital marketing
E-commerce
Trading
Professional services
International business
A cost-conscious entrepreneur who does not specifically need a Dubai address may find Sharjah or RAK particularly attractive.
Someone whose customers, brand positioning or operations are strongly Dubai-focused may prefer paying more for a Dubai free zone.
The correct choice depends on the business model rather than nationality.
UAE Free Zone Cost Comparison: Which Is Best?
RAKEZ May Be Suitable If:
You prioritise a low headline starting price or require future options for trading, warehousing, manufacturing or industrial facilities.
SPC Free Zone May Be Suitable If:
You want low entry pricing combined with a broad selection of activities and the ability to combine several compatible activity groups.
SHAMS May Be Suitable If:
You operate in media, creative industries, digital services, freelancing, consulting or e-commerce.
Ajman Free Zone May Be Suitable If:
You want another Northern Emirates option and receive a competitive customised package for your activity, visas and workspace.
Meydan Free Zone May Be Suitable If:
You specifically value a Dubai company setup, digital formation and a Dubai free-zone address and are comfortable with the higher entry price.
Which UAE Free Zone Is Cheapest in 2026?
Based on the selected currently advertised entry-level prices used in this comparison:
1. RAKEZ – From AED 5,499
2. SPC Free Zone – From AED 5,750
3. SHAMS – From AED 5,750
4. Ajman Free Zone – Request package-specific quotation
5. Meydan Free Zone – From AED 12,500
This ranking compares headline starting prices, not total setup costs.
Your personal ranking can change once visas, activities, workspace and other services are included.
How to Find the Cheapest Free Zone for Your Business
Before requesting quotations, define:
Exact business activity
Number of shareholders
Number of visas
Office requirement
Products or services offered
Target customers
Import/export requirements
Expected employees
Future expansion plans
Maximum startup budget
Then compare at least three free zones using identical requirements.
This is far more reliable than searching only for the phrase “cheapest UAE free zone licence.”
FAQs – UAE Free Zone License Cost 2026
How much does a UAE free zone license cost in 2026?
Entry-level packages can start at approximately AED 5,499 in the examples compared here. The actual total depends on the authority, activity, visas, workspace and additional requirements.
What is the cheapest UAE free zone license in 2026?
Among the specific publicly advertised options compared here, RAKEZ currently advertises packages from AED 5,499.
How much does a Sharjah free zone license cost?
SPC and SHAMS currently advertise selected packages starting from approximately AED 5,750.
How much does a Dubai free zone license cost?
Costs vary considerably by free zone. Meydan Free Zone currently advertises its regular licence from AED 12,500.
Does a free zone license include a UAE visa?
Not always. Many entry-level prices are licence-only or zero-visa packages. Always check whether immigration, medical, Emirates ID and residency processing are included.
Can I start a UAE company without a residence visa?
Many free zones provide zero-visa structures suitable for entrepreneurs who do not require UAE residency through their company.
Which is cheaper: Dubai or Sharjah Free Zone?
Using the examples in this comparison, Sharjah has substantially lower headline entry pricing than Meydan Free Zone in Dubai.
Which is cheaper: Sharjah or RAK?
Current entry pricing is very close. RAKEZ starts at AED 5,499, while SPC and SHAMS advertise selected packages from AED 5,750.
Is the cheapest free zone always the best?
No. Activities, visa costs, banking requirements, office requirements, renewal fees and where you actually conduct business can matter more than a small difference in licence price.
Compare UAE Free Zone License Costs Before You Invest
The UAE Free Zone License Cost Comparison 2026 shows that there can be a significant difference between the cheapest Northern Emirates packages and some Dubai free-zone options.
For entrepreneurs focused primarily on reducing initial costs, RAK and Sharjah currently provide some particularly competitive entry-level offers.
But the smartest decision should be based on your total first-year cost and long-term operating requirements, not the headline licence fee alone.
Before choosing a free zone, compare your exact business activity, visa requirements, shareholders, workspace, renewal cost and expansion plans.
A personalised free-zone cost comparison can help determine which UAE business setup gives you the best balance between price, flexibility and long-term value.