Key takeaways
- The UAE has 40+ free zones; the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC lists 46.
- Start from your activity: each zone has its own activity list.
- Published starting prices on 7 November 2026 ran from AED 5,750 (SPC) to AED 12,500 a year (Meydan).
- Check the visa allocation and the renewal price, not just the first-year offer.
- Trading on the Dubai mainland needs DET authorisation under Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025.
The five-point test
- Activity. Is your exact activity on the zone's list? Sector-focused zones may suit you better, or not at all.
- Visas. How many visas does the package allow, and what does each extra one cost?
- Premises. Is a flexi-desk enough, or will the visas you need require a dedicated office?
- Location and customers. Where are your clients and staff? Mainland customers need a DET branch license or permit.
- Total cost over three years. Compare renewal prices and multi-year discounts, not just the launch offer.
Published starting prices
| Free zone | Emirate | Published starting price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 5,750 | Instant business license |
| Shams | Sharjah | AED 6,875 a year | Standard license with flexi-desk, up to five activities |
| Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | From AED 12,500 a year | Trade license with flexi-desk; up to 15% off multi-year |
Prices change often and promotions end. Read our Dubai trade license cost guide for what packages include and leave out.
Which zone suits which startup
| Startup type | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Online or e-commerce | Zones with e-commerce activities, such as Dubai CommerCity, SPC or Meydan | Activity lists built for online sellers |
| Tech and software | Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis | Sector communities and tech activity lists |
| Trading | DMCC, JAFZA, Ajman Free Zone, RAKEZ | Trading activities and logistics links |
| Media and creative | Shams | Media-focused zone in Sharjah |
| Lowest entry cost | Sharjah, Ajman and northern-emirate zones | Lower starter packages |
See our zone guides for Meydan, SPC, Shams, DMCC and Dubai Internet City.
Benefits of a free zone for international startups
- Full foreign ownership of the company.
- Packages that bundle a license and a flexi-desk, which keeps entry cost low.
- Simple setup for businesses serving clients abroad or online.
- Corporate tax incentives for qualifying free zone persons who meet the conditions and don't trade on the mainland, according to the UAE government portal.
When the mainland is the better choice
If most of your customers are on the Dubai mainland, a DET mainland license is often simpler: free zone companies need a DET branch license (one year, renewable) or a temporary permit (up to six months) to trade there. Dubai also introduced a Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit in October 2025 for free zone companies holding a Dubai Unified License. Read benefits of a Dubai mainland company.
How we help you choose
We start from your activity, customers and visa needs, shortlist the zones that genuinely fit and compare three-year costs side by side. See free zone company formation.
Sources
- UAE Embassy in Washington, DC: UAE free zones
- Dubai Legislation Portal: Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025
- Dubai Media Office: Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit
- UAE government portal: corporate tax
- SPC Free Zone: instant business license
- Shams: company setup packages
- Meydan Free Zone: trade license from AED 12,500
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.