The Free Zone Index
Every UAE free zone, weighed and compared.
One honest, structured directory of the free zones that matter — with indicative costs, supported activities, visa notes and who each is genuinely best for. Filter by emirate and focus, then open any zone for the full breakdown.
17 zones — indicative starting prices, confirm current rates before deciding.
- 01
IFZAView →
Dubai's high-volume, low-cost gateway for service and trading companies.
Dubai·Startup & SMEAED 12,900/yr*ConsultantsE-commerce - 02
MeydanView →
A prestigious central-Dubai address with fully digital, remote-first setup.
Dubai·Startup & SMEAED 12,500/yr*AgenciesConsultants - 03
DMCCView →
The world's most-awarded free zone and a global hub for commodities trade.
Dubai·Trade & CommoditiesAED 20,000/yr*CommoditiesGeneral trading - 04
RAKEZView →
One of the UAE's largest, most cost-competitive economic zones.
Ras Al Khaimah·Startup & SMEAED 6,000/yr*Low budgetIndustrial - 05
SHAMSView →
Among the UAE's cheapest, fastest and most startup-friendly zones.
Sharjah·Startup & SMEAED 5,750/yr*CheapestFreelancers - 06
SPCView →
1,500+ activities, dual-licensing and aggressive entry pricing.
Sharjah·Startup & SMEAED 5,000/yr*CheapestDual license - 07
DIFCView →
The Middle East's leading financial centre, under English common law.
Dubai·Financial & ProfessionalAED 25,000/yr*FinanceFunds - 08
DAFZAView →
Premium free zone beside DXB, built for high-value trade and re-export.
Dubai·Industrial & LogisticsAED 15,000/yr*Import/exportLogistics - 09
JAFZAView →
Dubai's flagship industrial and logistics zone, wired to Jebel Ali Port.
Dubai·Industrial & LogisticsAED 15,000/yr*ManufacturingWarehousing - 10
DSOView →
A technology 'city within a city' for IT, electronics and R&D.
Dubai·TechnologyAED 11,900/yr*IT & softwareElectronics - 11
DIC / DMCView →
MENA's flagship clusters for technology (DIC) and media (DMC).
Dubai·Media & CreativeAED 13,000/yr*MediaAdvertising - 12
Ajman FZView →
A low-cost, SME-friendly hub minutes from Dubai and Sharjah.
Ajman·Startup & SMEAED 5,000/yr*Low budgetSMEs - 13
SAIF ZoneView →
An established, trade-oriented zone beside Sharjah International Airport.
Sharjah·Industrial & LogisticsAED 10,800/yr*TradingLogistics - 14
HFZAView →
A heavy-industry and maritime powerhouse with its own deep-water port.
Sharjah·Industrial & LogisticsAED 11,000/yr*ManufacturingOil & gas - 15
UAQ FTZView →
An investor-friendly zone built for micro-businesses and lean budgets.
Umm Al Quwain·Startup & SMEAED 8,000/yr*CheapestMicro-business - 16
ADGMView →
Abu Dhabi's common-law financial centre for institutions and family offices.
Abu Dhabi·Financial & ProfessionalAED 40,000/yr*FinanceFamily office - 17
twofour54View →
Abu Dhabi's creative-industries ecosystem with studios and incentives.
Abu Dhabi·Media & CreativeAED 3,500/yr*MediaFilm & gaming
* Prices are indicative annual, license-only starting points for budgeting and move with promotions, visa count and workspace. They are not quotes — Incorporate Dubai will confirm current, all-in figures for your specific setup.
Common questions
Choosing a UAE free zone
The questions founders ask us most before picking a zone.
01How many free zones are there in the UAE?＋
The UAE has more than 40 free zones across all seven emirates, each run by its own authority. Dubai alone has over 20. This directory covers the zones most relevant to founders and SMEs setting up today.
02Which is the cheapest free zone in the UAE?＋
The lowest advertised entry points come from Sharjah and the northern emirates — SHAMS, SPC Free Zone, Ajman Free Zone and UAQ FTZ — with license-only packages indicatively from around AED 5,000–8,000. Always confirm current pricing and check visa and office add-ons.
03Which free zone is best for a consultancy or agency in Dubai?＋
For service and consulting businesses, IFZA and Meydan Free Zone are popular for low cost and fast, remote setup, while DMCC adds banking credibility and prestige at a higher price. The right pick depends on budget, address and how important banking approval is.
04Can a free zone company do business on the UAE mainland?＋
Not directly. A free zone company can export, serve other free zone companies, and invoice mainland clients for many services, but to sell goods or operate a physical location on the mainland it usually needs a local distributor, an agent, or a mainland branch.
05Do all UAE free zones allow 100% foreign ownership?＋
Yes. Every UAE free zone allows 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor, plus full repatriation of capital and profits. Since 2021, most mainland activities also allow 100% foreign ownership.
See the data behind these prices in our UAE Free Zone Cost Index →
Still deciding between free zone and mainland? Read the full comparison guide →
Start here
Not sure which zone fits?
Tell us your activity, customers and budget. We'll recommend the right zone (or mainland) with a written, all-in quote — no obligation.