Dubai
01
DMCC
Commodities, precious metals, crypto and international trade, with a strong global reputation
Pricing
UAE Free Zones & Pricing
Free zone pricing is quoted in packages, and packages are where the confusion starts. Here is what actually drives your final cost.
- Twelve major zones compared
- No hidden add-ons
- Itemised written quote
Pricing
UAE Free Zones and What They Cost
Two zones can advertise a similar licence fee while differing substantially once establishment cards, visa allocation, insurance and mandatory services are included.
Below is an overview of the main free zones we work with and the factors that drive your final cost. For an exact figure based on your activity and visa requirement, ask us for an itemised quotation.
Read the Small Print
What a Headline Price Leaves Out
A low figure usually means fewer lines, not a cheaper company. Here is the full shape of a quote.
Typical quote structure
Illustrative
- Licence fee the advertised headline figure In headline
- Establishment card commonly omitted from headline pricing Added later
- Visa costs per visa, on top of the allocation Added later
- Medical insurance mandatory, frequently excluded Added later
- Authority mandatory add-ons varies by zone and package Added later
Then every year after
Recurring costs you must plan for.
- Annual Licence renewal
- Annual Office or flexi-desk renewal
- Every 2 years Visa renewals
- Annual Mandatory medical insurance
- Where required Accounting or audit
Illustrative structure only, not a price list. Which lines apply depends on your zone, activity and visa count. We list government fees, our fees and third-party costs separately so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
The Options
Major UAE Free Zones at a Glance
The zones we most commonly recommend, and what each is known for.
- Dubai 6
- Sharjah 2
- Abu Dhabi 2
- Ras Al Khaimah 1
- Ajman 1
Dubai
02
Dubai Multi Commodities and DAFZA
Aviation-linked trade, high-value goods and re-export operations
Dubai
03
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DIEZ)
Technology, software and innovation-led businesses
Dubai
04
IFZA
Cost-effective packages across a broad activity list, popular with consultants and small trading firms
Dubai
05
JAFZA
Large-scale logistics, manufacturing and warehousing beside Jebel Ali Port
Dubai
06
Meydan Free Zone
Central Dubai address, e-commerce and professional services, streamlined digital onboarding
Sharjah
07
SHAMS
Media, creative and freelance activities at a low entry price
Sharjah
08
SPC Free Zone
Publishing, media and general trading with flexible visa options
Abu Dhabi
09
ADGM
Financial services, funds and holding structures under common law
Abu Dhabi
10
KIZAD and Masdar City
Industrial operations, logistics and sustainability-focused ventures
Ras Al Khaimah
11
RAKEZ
Industrial, manufacturing and SME packages at competitive rates
Ajman
12
Ajman Free Zone
Budget-conscious startups and small trading companies
Zone positioning and package contents change regularly. Trilliant Business Services is not affiliated with any single authority, so our recommendation is based on fit rather than commission.
Cost Drivers
What Drives Your Final Cost
Six variables account for almost all the difference between quotes.
Number of Activities
Most packages include a set number of activities from one group. Adding activities, or mixing groups, increases the licence fee.
Visa Allocation
The single biggest cost driver. Each visa carries establishment card, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping fees on top of the allocation itself.
Biggest driverOffice Type
A flexi-desk is the cheapest option. A dedicated desk, private office or warehouse increases both the cost and your visa quota.
Shareholder Structure
Corporate shareholders require attested documents and sometimes additional authority fees compared with individual shareholders.
External Approvals
Regulated activities such as healthcare, education, financial services and food handling require regulator approval, which carries its own fees and timelines.
Licence Duration
Some zones discount two or three year licences paid upfront. This can reduce the annual average if your cash flow allows it.
Pricing Questions
Pricing Questions
Usually because of what is excluded. A low headline figure may omit the establishment card, visa costs, medical insurance or the authority's mandatory add-ons. Always compare the all-in total for the same visa count.
There should not be, but there are recurring ones you must plan for: annual licence renewal, office or flexi-desk renewal, visa renewals every two years, mandatory medical insurance, and accounting or audit where your zone requires it.
Several free zones offer instalment plans on licence packages. Availability and terms change frequently, so ask us to check what is currently offered for your chosen zone.
Late renewal attracts fines that accrue over time, and a prolonged lapse can lead to licence cancellation and immigration file blocking. We track renewal dates for our clients and remind you well in advance.
No. The consultation, the jurisdiction comparison and the itemised quotation are provided free of charge with no obligation to proceed.
Next Step
Get an Itemised Quote
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We will send a full breakdown with government fees listed separately.