Whether you are a business founder or a service provider, expanding in the UAE market has never been easier. Free zone business setup allows you to stay in the UAE and do global business without spending a lot or renting an office space.
However, with over 45 free zones in the UAE, choosing one can be overwhelming. You must also consider your budget when choosing the free zone. That’s why we have created a list of 8 free zones for the cheapest business setup in the UAE.
In this post, you’ll learn why you should choose free zones and discover the 8 cheapest options for free zone company setup. 365 Days PRO Services is here to help you find the best free zone based on your business needs and budget. We also help you set up the business with minimal time. Contact us to know more.
Why Choose A Free Zone Company Setup In The UAE?
Let’s understand what makes UAE free zones the most compelling choice for cost-conscious individuals and companies.
- Retain 100% foreign ownership of the company
- 0% corporate tax on income below AED 3,75,000
- Simplified setup process that attracts foreign companies
- Operate on the law of the free zone authority
- Easy access to industry-specific resources
- Strategic location for global business
- Flexi-desk available to start digital business
When you choose popular free zones like the DMCC free zone business setup, it could be expensive. That’s why we have created a list of affordable free zone setups that you can choose to kick-start your business in the UAE.
8 Cheapest Free Zone Business Setup In The UAE
The following are 8 free zones for the cheapest business setup in the UAE. This list is ranked in no particular order.
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) was established in 1988 and is now a major economic zone attracting global business. It is the cheapest free zone in the UAE, near Dubai, and a particularly attractive spot for trading companies, import/export businesses, e-commerce houses, and general services.
The Ajman Free Zone business setup cost starts at AED 5,000. It can take 3-5 days to set up your business in AFZ. Thus, you can start your trading company in the UAE free zone to access the global market.
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
Sharjah Media City was launched in 2017 and has rapidly become the go-to choice for freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, content creators, and consultants. With the flexi desk option, you can quickly set up your business without any hassle and expand globally.
The SHAMS free zone business setup cost starts from AED 5,750. You can start your business within 3 days. Its digital-first system attracts freelancers and service providers from across the world.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is the most diversified and cheapest free zone in the UAE, an hour away from Dubai. This economic zone attracts diverse businesses and freelancers. It is widely popular among the global heavy manufacturing industry as it offers world-class infrastructure and affordable prices.
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) business setup cost starts at AED 6,000 for a flexi-desk and AED 11,000 for a physical office. The setup can be completed within 2 to 4 weeks, based on your choice.
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
If you want to start your business in Dubai but at an affordable cost, the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is the best choice for you. It is located in the Dubai Silicon Oasis and offers world-class infrastructure to help businesses grow and thrive. It is an attractive spot for trading businesses, service companies, and startups.
If you don’t need visas, the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) business setup costs start at AED 13,000. However, if you choose packages with a visa, the cost will start from AED 15,000. The flexi-desk business setup can take up to 5-10 days.
Meydan Free Zone (MFZ)
Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) is one of the cheapest and most reliable economic zones. Based in Dubai, it is ideal for any business that wants to establish a credible operation on a budget. It is perfect for digital businesses, E-commerce companies, consultants and many more as it offers excellent infrastructure for in-office and flexi-desk environments.
The Meydan Free Zone (MFZ) business setup costs start from AED 12,520 and can vary based on the packages. It takes about 3-7 days to get a licence to start your business.
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is one of the UAE’s oldest, largest, and most globally recognized free zones, established in 1985 and located near the Jebel Ali Port, making it ideal for trading, logistics, freight, E-commerce, and manufacturing companies.
The Jebel Ali Free Zone licence cost starts from AED 15,000. You can rent a space in JAFZA at AED 400 per sqm. The business setup takes about 7 to 14 days.
Umm Al Quwain Free Zone (UAQ FTZ)
The Umm Al Quwain Free Zone (UAQ FTZ) was established in early 2014 in the UAE. It is the cheapest free zone in the UAE, offering all the necessary infrastructure for startups and businesses, especially those that need industrial setups and warehouses.
The Umm Al Quwain Free Zone (UAQ FTZ) company setup cost starts from AED 8000. It takes about 5 – 10 days to get the licence to start your business.
Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP)
The Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) free zone was established in 2016. It is one of the best and most affordable tech-focused free zones in the UAE. It is ideal for businesses focused on R&D, engineering, and sustainability startups.
SRTIP Sharjah free zone licence starts from AED 5,500. Pricing will depend on the package you choose for your business.
Contact us for assistance to find the right free zone for you. Our team will walk you through the research and registration process.
Conclusion
Whether you are a freelancer, a startup or a multinational company, you can grow your business globally with the UAE free zones. These free zones give you the opportunity to tap into international markets, industry-specific resources and world-class infrastructure without the need of local sponsorship. We have put together a list of 8 low cost free zone business setup options in various parts of UAE. Find a free zone that works for you and your budget. If you have any questions, please contact us for expert PRO Services.
FAQs
Which freezone is the cheapest in the UAE?
How to choose the right free zone for business?
Sharjah Media City (Shams) is considered the cheapest free zone in the UAE with licence packages starting at about AED 5,750 per year. Other close runners-up are Ajman Free Zone and Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone, both offering packages around AED 6,000-6,500 per year. The cheapest free zone for you will depend on your business activity, your visa requirements and whether you need a physical office or not. 365 Days PRO Services can help you compare all the options and find the one that best fits your budget.
When choosing a free zone you should focus on your business activity, budget, regulations of the free zone, visa requirements, location, available market, and your business growth plans.
Consider the following factors when choosing a free zone for your business:
How long does it take to open a company in the Dubai free zone?
The time to start your company in a Dubai free zone varies based on the free zone authority, registration process, visa requirements, and your licence type. Ideally, it takes 7-14 days to obtain a licence to start your free zone business. Contact 365 Day PRO Services to fast-track the company establishment process.
What is the cost of a free zone company setup in the UAE?
The costs involved in setting up a free zone company depends on the licence fees, registrations cost, visas, medical tests, flexi-desk/office space rent and other miscellaneous expenses. For price estimates, contact us for your desired free zone.