free zone license cost
Here’s the lowdown on UAE free‑zone fees.
Free‑zone licenses are the gateway to 100 % ownership, zero corporate tax, and instant market access.
Think of it as the price tag on a passport to zero corporate tax and instant market access.
Curious how the numbers stack up? Let’s break it down.
| Free Zone | Setup Fee (incl. Visa, Registration) | Annual License Fee | Minimum Office Space | Hidden Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) | AED 12,000 – 18,000 | AED 10,000 – 15,000 | Virtual Office | AED 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) | AED 15,000 – 20,000 | AED 12,000 – 18,000 | 10 m² flexi‑desk | AED 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Dubai Internet City (DIC) | AED 13,000 – 17,000 | AED 11,000 – 16,000 | 15 m² flexi‑desk | AED 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) | AED 18,000 – 25,000 | AED 15,000 – 22,000 | 20 m² flexi‑desk | AED 3,500 – 6,000 |
| Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) | AED 10,000 – 14,000 | AED 8,000 – 12,000 | 12 m² flexi‑desk | AED 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) | AED 8,000 – 12,000 | AED 6,000 – 9,000 | 10 m² flexi‑desk | AED 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Ajman Knowledge Village (AKV) | AED 9,000 – 13,000 | AED 7,000 – 10,000 | 12 m² flexi‑desk | AED 1,200 – 1,800 |
Key takeaways
- The cheapest free zone UAE for a flexi‑desk setup is Ajman Free Zone, with a first‑year total around AED 14,000.
- DMCC offers the lowest annual license fee in Dubai but a higher setup cost.
- KIZAD and ADGM suit industrial and financial services, respectively, with moderate costs but higher compliance overhead.
Step‑by‑Step Company Setup Guide
- Choose the right free zone – Match your industry, market, and budget.
- Reserve a company name – Pay AED 300–500 for 3–5 options.
- Submit the application form – Online, with shareholder details.
- Provide required documents – Passports, proof of residence, bank reference, MOA.
- Pay the setup fee – Via the portal’s secure gateway.
- Receive an approval letter – Provisional license issued.
- Arrange office space – Virtual or physical desk, sign lease if needed.
- Apply for visas – 3–5 resident visas per free zone.
- Collect the final license – Physical or PDF.
- Activate banking services – Open a corporate account.
Decision‑Making Tips
- Industry – DMCC for commodities, DIC for tech, ADGM for finance.
- Target Market – JAFZA for regional trade, DMCC for global commodity.
- Budget Constraints – AFZ or KIZAD for lowest fees.
- Office Space Needs – >20 m² → ADGM or DMCC.
- Compliance Requirements – Low‑risk → KIZAD or AFZ.
Document Checklist for Registration
- Passport copies (original & copy) – all shareholders.
- Proof of residence (utility bill) – valid within 90 days.
- Bank reference letter – minimum AED 5,000 balance.
- Memorandum of Association – signed by all shareholders.
- Initial business plan – activities, revenue forecast.
- Office lease agreement – if physical.
- Visa application forms – shareholders & employees.
- Health insurance proof – each employee.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the total cost for a single‑shareholder company in DMCC? | Setup AED 15,000 + annual license AED 12,000 = AED 27,000 first year. |
| Do I need a physical office in Dubai to obtain a license? | No; virtual office packages are available. |
| Are there hidden fees for visa processing? | Yes; AED 3,000–5,000 per person, depending on the free zone. |
| Can I renew my license online? | Yes, most portals offer an online renewal portal. |
| What is the cheapest free zone in the UAE? | Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) offers the lowest combined costs. |
| Do I need a UAE bank account to pay fees? | Not always; many portals accept credit cards or wire transfers. |
| Is there a minimum capital requirement? | Varies; most allow a nominal paid‑up capital of AED 5,000–10,000. |
Actionable takeaway – Grab the free zone license cost data, pick the hub that fits your budget and industry, and start the paperwork today. Your next big move awaits.
