How to Use the Free Zone Comparison Tool
Compare 15 major UAE free zones across cost, visas, setup time, and activities. Find the right zone in under 5 minutes:
Filter by your needsNarrow by business type (freelancer, startup, trading, manufacturing, e-commerce), budget range, and emirate. Grid updates instantly.
Select 2-3 zones to compareClick zone cards to select. Each shows starting cost, visa quota, setup time, and best-for description.
Review the comparison table12-row feature table with cheapest (⭐) and fastest (⚡) highlighted. Advantages and limitations for each zone.
Choose your zoneUse the recommendation, then verify your specific activity is supported on the zone's official website.
Which UAE Free Zone Is Right for Your Business?
With over 40 free zones across the UAE, choosing the right one is one of the most consequential decisions when starting a business here. The wrong choice costs thousands in unnecessary fees, limits visa capacity, or restricts business activities. The right choice saves money, speeds up setup, and positions you for growth.
After helping dozens of entrepreneurs navigate this decision over the past decade, the most common mistake I see is choosing purely based on cheapest license price. A zone that costs AED 5,000 more but offers better banking relationships and a more credible address pays for itself many times over.
Top 15 Free Zones at a Glance
| Free Zone | Location | From (AED) | Setup | Best For |
|---|
| IFZA | Dubai (DSO) | 10,900 | 3-5 days | Startups, freelancers |
| DMCC | Dubai (JLT) | 40,000 | 10-15 days | Commodities, trading |
| Meydan | Dubai (Central) | 12,500 | 3-5 days | Consultants, agencies |
| JAFZA | Dubai (Jebel Ali) | 15,000 | 7-14 days | Manufacturing, logistics |
| DSO | Dubai (Silicon Oasis) | 11,900 | 5-7 days | Tech startups, IT |
| SHAMS | Sharjah | 5,750 | 3-5 days | Freelancers, media |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | 6,000 | 3-7 days | Manufacturing, budget |
| AFZ | Ajman | 5,555 | 3-5 days | Budget trading |
| DIFC | Dubai (Central) | 15,000 | 14-30 days | Finance, legal |
| CommerCity | Dubai (Airport) | 12,000 | 5-10 days | E-commerce, D2C |
Hidden cost alert: "Starting from" prices are zero-visa packages. Real cost includes visa processing (AED 3,500-5,000 per person), office space (AED 5,000-20,000+/year), health insurance, and establishment card. Advertised vs actual cost is frequently 40-60% higher.
Which Free Zone Is Best by Business Type?
Freelancers: SHAMS (AED 5,750), IFZA (AED 10,900 in Dubai), or Meydan (AED 12,500, best Dubai location). Tech Startups: DSO (tech ecosystem, dual license), IFZA, or ADGM (fintech sandbox). Trading: JAFZA (port access), DMCC (commodities), or RAKEZ (budget). E-Commerce: CommerCity (fulfillment infrastructure) or Dubai South. Finance: DIFC or ADGM. Use our Corporate Tax Calculator to model the QFZP tax advantage for your chosen zone.
Free Zone vs Mainland — Which Should I Choose?
If your primary customers are mainland UAE consumers, a mainland company may be necessary despite higher cost. If clients are international, in other free zones, or you operate online, a free zone is almost always cheaper and simpler. Some zones like DSO offer dual licenses for mainland access.
Since 2020: Mainland companies also allow 100% foreign ownership for most activities. The historical 51% local partner requirement is gone for most sectors, making mainland more accessible than ever.
Pro Tip: Before comparing costs, verify your specific business activity is listed in the zone's approved catalogue. A food trading company cannot set up in Dubai Media City. Activity match is the most important and most overlooked factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest free zone in Dubai?▼
In Dubai: IFZA AED 10,900, DSO AED 11,900, Dubai South AED 12,000. In UAE: AFZ AED 5,555, SHAMS AED 5,750, RAKEZ AED 6,000. Prices are zero-visa — add AED 3,500-5,000 per visa.
DMCC vs IFZA — which is better?▼
DMCC: premium, JLT location, AED 40K+, 10-15 days, strong banking, commodities focus. IFZA: budget, DSO, AED 10.9K, 3-5 days, 2,000+ activities. DMCC for prestige. IFZA for cost and speed.
Best free zone for startups?▼
IFZA (cheapest, fastest), Meydan (central, instant licensing), DSO (tech, dual license). E-commerce: CommerCity. Fintech: ADGM. Depends on industry, budget, visa needs.
Do all free zones offer 100% ownership?▼
Yes — fundamental benefit across all UAE free zones. No local partner needed. Full profit repatriation guaranteed.
Free zone vs mainland — what is the difference?▼
Free zone: lower cost, simpler setup, potential 0% QFZP tax, limited mainland access. Mainland: higher cost (AED 18.5K+), full market access. Free zone better for international businesses.
How long does setup take?▼
IFZA/Meydan/SHAMS: 3-5 days. DSO/Dubai South: 5-10 days. DMCC: 10-15 days. DIFC/ADGM: 14-30 days. Add 5-10 days per visa.
How many visas can I get?▼
Zero-visa packages available. Flexi-desk: 3-6. Meydan bundles 6. DMCC: 3-5. JAFZA/RAKEZ: up to 100+ for large offices. AED 3,500-5,000 per visa.
Do free zone companies pay corporate tax?▼
Subject to it but QFZPs pay 0% on qualifying income. Must maintain substance and keep non-qualifying income below 5%. Losing status = 9% for 5 years.
Can free zone companies sell to mainland?▼
Not directly. Options: appoint distributor, dual license (DSO), mainland branch, or e-commerce platforms. Free zone to free zone and international trade is unrestricted.
More Free Business Tools & Resources
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🎁 Free: Free Zone vs Mainland Comparison Sheet
Side-by-side breakdown of costs, ownership, tax, and market access. Delivered instantly.