In the UAE, the government has specifically designed low-cost free zones for entrepreneurs to start their businesses. As the name suggests, free zones business setups are specific trade areas that have business-friendly policies and favorable tax rates. Whether you are starting a new company or want to extend your Business in Dubai, UAE’s free zones are one of the best options.
There are more than 30 free zones in Dubai that are budget-friendly and a huge attraction for foreign investors. Each zone has its specific jurisdiction and authority. However, the main aim of the free zones is to encourage business growth by providing various benefits such as full ownership of business and tax-free policies.
Here, we have compiled a list of the cheapest free zones in the UAE. Select one according to your type of business and license.
List of Cheapest Free Zone in UAE
Many free trade zones are budget-friendly and economical. Some of them are discussed below.
- International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
- Dubai Media City (DMC)
- Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
- Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)
Now we will discuss each of these free zones according to their relevant emirates and trade licenses.
List of Cheapest Freezone in UAE Based on License
Here, we have compiled a list of affordable free zones in Dubai, along with their costs and benefits.
| Cheapest Free Zones | Emirates | Trade License Fees | Visa Limit & Benefits |
| Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) | JAFZA | AED 12,000 | Exclusive industrial market |
| Dubai Media City (DMC) | Dubai | AED 15,010 | 100% foreign ownership |
| Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) | Sharjah | AED 9000 | Mecca of the innovative business sector |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | IFZA | AED 12,500 | Advanced IT infrastructure |
Cheapest Free Zone in the UAE
(SHAMS) Sharjah Media City
Sharjah Media City is considered one of the most economical free zones in the United Arab Emirates, and it provides a Company Setup budget as low as 5,750. It is one of the cheapest free trade zones in the UAE, making it the most attractive option for foreign investors.
SHAMS provides a free zone license and 13 different options for you to choose from. If you want to select extra activities, you’ll have to pay an extra fee of AED 1,000 per activity selected.
List of Media Activities
- Digital Marketing
- Media production
- Advertising
- Programming & consultancy
- Web portal
- Photography
- Translation services
- Market research
- Printing
- Graphic design
- Interior design
- Fashion design
- Publishing
This free zone does not have a visa quota; therefore, this free zone license is appropriate for citizens and investors of the UAE and owners of existing companies. Hence, SHAMS is one of the cheapest free trade zones in the UAE for small and large businesses.
Other Options for the Cheapest Free Zone in UAE
The main objective of entrepreneurs is to minimize their capital investment and earn more revenue. Hence, the free zones in the UAE are continuously competing with each other to provide economical license packages and business-friendly services.
In the following table, we have compiled a list of free zones in different emirates of the UAE that offer a budget-friendly free zone license.
| Free Zones | Emirates | Trade License Fee | Visa & other facilities |
| Ras AL Khaimah | Ras AL Khaimah | AED 11,440 | No visa requirement, Services Business license, Flexi desk type |
| SRTIP Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 5,500 | No Visa Requirement, Services Business License |
Cheapest Freezone in Dubai City
Dubai’s free trade zones are a global attraction for investors and new entrepreneurs due to their low-cost company formation setup. The cheapest free zone license fee can be as low as AED 12,900, which is an ideal option for new investors.
The cheapest free zones are IFZA in recent years. Each has its own business services and trade licenses according to the needs of the entrepreneurs.
We have compiled a list of low-cost free zones in Dubai that are the best options for new entrepreneurs.
| Free Zone | Emirates | License Fee | Visa & Facilities |
| International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) | Dubai | AED 12,900 | No requirement for a visa |
| Umm AL Quwain (UAQ) | Dubai | AED 12,500 | No requirement for a visa, Smart desk type |
| Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | AED 12,500 | No visa requirement, Shared office |
Top 5 Cheapest Free Trade Zone in UAE
In 2024, the cheapest free zone in UAE are IFZA and Meydan. Each free zone has its own services package for entrepreneurs to start their Low-cost Business in Dubai. Here are the top 5 cheapest free trade zone in UAE.
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
IFZA is one of the most popular and cheapest free trade zone in the UAE for business setups. Their trade license also has one of the cheapest free zone trade licenses in the UAE. IFZA is a prime free zone community that has a multinational team that provides advice on business-related activities.
Advantages of company formation in IFZA
- Full ownership of businesses
- Fast company formation process
- Presents different kinds of business packages to choose from
- Option of office spaces
- No need to be present during the company formation process
- Flexibility to select multiple business activities under one IFZA free zone license
Meydan Free Zone Dubai
Meydan’s free trade zone is also one of the most affordable zones for business setup in the Emirates. They offer more than 2500 business activities, and there is also the option of selecting multiple activities under one trade license.
The Meydan Free Zone presents a number of benefits for new investors and entrepreneurs.
- MoFA-certified trade License
- Option of flexi desk with trade license
- Guaranteed bank account opening
- Offers a number of supporting facilities for business growth
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
JAFZA is one of the oldest and biggest free zones in Dubai, and it offers affordable business setup services. It supports a large number of industries, including e-commerce, logistics, petrochemicals, and shipping companies.
Following are the benefits of starting a business in Jebel Ali Free Zone UAE.
- Offers low-cost pre-developed office spaces
- Trade license with the validity of one year
- Zero tax policies
- Offers four types of business licenses, including trading, service, industrial, and logistics
JAFZA’s free zone is located near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, which has made it a global hub for trade and low-cost business setup providers. With the help of all necessary services and resources, it has made it the cheapest free zone in Dubai.
Dubai Media City
If you want to start your business venture in the media industry, then Dubai Media City (DMC) is the best choice for you. Dubai Media City is a regional hub of the media industry that accommodates startup companies, freelancers, SMEs, and big corporations. Below are the benefits provided by the Dubai Media City jurisdiction.
- Provides the cheapest trade license to the media and other creative businesses.
- Full foreign ownership
- Tax Relaxation
- Offers commercial offices and warehouses to businesses.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
The Dubai Healthcare City free zone was founded in 2002 for healthcare services. It is a business network that is the home to best-class healthcare services and other retail companies. This free zone is under the authority of the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), which provides free zone licenses for new companies. Here are some key benefits of setting up a company in DHCC.
- Inclusive Business setup approach
- 100% ownership
- Business-friendly investment strategies and regulations
- Strong infrastructure to assist with personal services, healthcare, and retail.
How to Start a Company in the Cheapest Freezone in Dubai?
- Select a business structure.
- Select a free trade zone in UAE
- Pick out a unique name for your company
- Submit the necessary documents along with a complete application form
- Get your free zone license
- Select an office or warehouse
- Open your corporate bank account
Summary
Ultimately, the most important thing for your business is selecting the cheapest free zone in UAE with careful planning and getting a free zone license. There are a lot of free zones that offer low-cost business setups with zero corporate tax and give 100% full company ownership. Select one according to your business structure, activities chosen, and budget.
We at Al-Riyady are here to assist you with selecting the cheapest free trade zone in UAE and obtaining a trade license. Contact our expert team today to avoid any business-related mistakes while setting up your business. Our main services include Accounting Services, Auditing Services, Tax Consultation, Business Plans & Feasibility Studies.
