Quick answer
Compare the cheapest free zone license in UAE for 2026, from AED 4,888. See real costs, visa traps, and the 0% vs 9% tax reality before you commit.
As of 2026, the cheapest free zone license in UAE is the Ajman NuVentures Centre zero-visa package, which starts at AED 4,888 and covers up to 10 mix-and-match activities. However, the lowest headline price rarely tells the full story, because visa allocation, add-on fees, and corporate tax eligibility all change the real cost of running your company. This guide breaks down the genuine numbers so you can choose with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- The cheapest free zone license in UAE starts at AED 4,888 (Ajman NuVentures, zero-visa package), followed by RAKEZ at AED 6,000 and SPC Free Zone at AED 6,875.
- For Dubai specifically, Meydan Free Zone is among the most affordable, with a standard digital trade license from AED 12,500.
- Zero-visa packages do not include a residency visa; adding even one visa raises the total cost substantially.
- A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access a 0% corporate tax rate on Qualifying Income, while non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%.
- Most free zone licenses are approved within 14 working days, and some zones offer 24-hour setup.
What Is the Cheapest Free Zone License in UAE Right Now?
The race to the bottom on price is largely won by the northern emirates. Notably, three zones dominate the budget tier, and each targets a slightly different founder.
Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANCFZ): AED 4,888
Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone offers a zero-visa license from AED 4,888. Importantly, that package covers up to 10 mix-and-match activities, unlimited shareholders, and the core incorporation documents you actually need: a business license, commercial registry entry, share certificate, and certificate of incorporation.
For founders who plan to operate remotely or who already hold UAE residency, this is the leanest entry point available. You can review the full breakdown on the ANCFZ packages and offers page.
RAKEZ Biz Starter: AED 6,000
The RAKEZ Biz Starter Package starts at AED 6,000. Moreover, it includes up to 10 mix-and-match business activities, up to 50 shareholders, bank-account-opening eligibility, and 24-hour setup. Because Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is a large, well-established authority, it appeals to founders who want scale options later. See the details on the RAKEZ Biz Starter page.
SPC Free Zone (Sharjah): AED 6,875
SPC Free Zone in Sharjah offers a zero-visa license from AED 6,875, with a single-visa license from AED 8,475. Consequently, SPC sits in a useful middle ground: low entry price, plus a clear path to one residency visa without jumping zones. The figures are published on the SPC Free Zone cost page.
Cheapest Free Zone License in UAE for Dubai Specifically
If your brand needs a Dubai address, the math changes. While northern-emirate zones win on raw price, a Dubai license carries a premium that buys prestige and proximity.
Meydan Free Zone: AED 12,500
Meydan Free Zone is one of the most affordable Dubai free zones. Specifically, its standard digital trade license starts at AED 12,500, covering 100% foreign ownership, up to 3 activity groups, a flexi-desk, and a 0-6 visa allocation. For founders who want instant issuance, the Fawri license is AED 15,000. You can compare both on the Meydan low-cost setup guide.
When the Dubai premium is worth it
A Dubai license can matter for client perception, banking relationships, and certain regulated activities. However, if your work is digital and your clients are global, the savings from an Ajman or RAK license often outweigh the address. Therefore, decide based on who you invoice, not on which emirate sounds best.
Free Zone License Cost Comparison (2026)
The table below summarizes the headline numbers so you can scan them quickly. Remember that “starting cost” reflects the base license, not the all-in figure after visas and add-ons.
| Free Zone | Emirate | Starting License Cost | Visas in Starter Package | Activities Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANCFZ) | Ajman | AED 4,888 | Zero visa | Up to 10 |
| RAKEZ Biz Starter | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000 | Zero visa | Up to 10 |
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 6,875 | Zero visa (1-visa from AED 8,475) | Multiple |
| Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | AED 12,500 | 0-6 (pay per visa) | Up to 3 groups |
The Zero-Visa Trap and Hidden Add-On Costs
This is where many founders overspend. The advertised price almost always assumes zero visas, so the headline figure can be misleading once you need residency for yourself or your team.
Zero visa vs one visa
A zero-visa license does not include a UAE residency visa. Although that keeps the price low, you cannot sponsor yourself, your family, or staff on a zero-visa setup. For example, ANCFZ’s 1-to-10-visa all-inclusive package starts at AED 10,800, which adds Emirates ID, security approval, e-channel registration, establishment card, visa medical, and residency visa processing on top of the zero-visa benefits.
In other words, moving from zero visas to one or more visas can more than double your first-year outlay. Therefore, budget for the visa tier you actually need, not the one that prices best in an ad.
Common hidden costs to plan for
- Establishment card and e-channel registration once you add visas.
- Visa medical and Emirates ID fees per person.
- Office or flexi-desk upgrades if you need more visa quota.
- Activity add-ons if your business spans more categories than the package allows.
- Annual renewal, which can differ from the first-year promotional rate.
Because these line items vary by zone, ask for an all-in quote before you commit. Our team can help you map a structure to your real activities through company formation support and corporate structuring advice.
The 0% vs 9% Corporate Tax Reality
A cheap license does not automatically mean a tax-free company. Importantly, the 0% rate is conditional, not guaranteed.
What a Qualifying Free Zone Person actually gets
According to the Federal Tax Authority, a Qualifying Free Zone Person can benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on Qualifying Income, provided it maintains adequate substance in the UAE and meets the qualifying-income conditions. Meanwhile, income attributable to a mainland or foreign permanent establishment, and other non-qualifying income, is taxed at the standard 9% rate. You can read the official position in the FTA Corporate Tax Guide on Free Zone Persons.
What this means in practice
First, the 0% rate applies only to qualifying activities and qualifying income, subject to eligibility. Next, you must keep genuine substance in the UAE, not just a paper presence. Finally, if you trade with the mainland or run a foreign establishment, expect the 9% rate to apply to that income. Consequently, a tax review at setup is far cheaper than a correction later, and our legal consultation team can clarify where your income falls.
How to Choose and How Fast You Can Launch
Free zone authorities require minimal paperwork, which is part of the appeal. As a result, setup is fast when your documents are in order.
The standard process
- Select the free zone and legal entity type (FZE, FZ Co., or branch).
- Reserve a trade name.
- Apply online for the business license.
- Receive approval, typically within 14 working days.
For the official overview, see the UAE Government portal on starting a business in a free zone. Although some zones advertise 24-hour setup, your timeline still depends on activity approvals and document readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest free zone license in the UAE?
The cheapest free zone license in the UAE is the Ajman NuVentures Centre zero-visa package, starting at AED 4,888. It covers up to 10 mix-and-match activities, unlimited shareholders, and core incorporation documents. RAKEZ follows at AED 6,000 and SPC Free Zone at AED 6,875.
Does the cheapest free zone license include a residency visa?
No, the cheapest packages are zero-visa licenses and do not include a residency visa. To gain residency, you move to a visa-inclusive tier; for example, ANCFZ’s 1-to-10-visa all-inclusive package starts at AED 10,800 and adds Emirates ID, medical, e-channel, and visa processing.
What is the cheapest free zone in Dubai specifically?
Meydan Free Zone is among the most affordable Dubai free zones, with a standard digital trade license from AED 12,500. That covers 100% foreign ownership, up to 3 activity groups, a flexi-desk, and a 0-6 visa allocation, while the instant Fawri license is AED 15,000.
Is a UAE free zone company tax-free under the 9% corporate tax?
Not automatically; a Qualifying Free Zone Person can benefit from 0% Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income, subject to maintaining adequate substance and meeting the qualifying-income conditions. Income from a mainland or foreign permanent establishment, and other non-qualifying income, is taxed at the standard 9% rate.
What is included in a low-cost free zone license package?
A low-cost free zone license package typically includes the business license, commercial registry entry, share certificate, and certificate of incorporation. Budget zones also allow up to 10 mix-and-match activities and multiple shareholders, though visas, establishment cards, and medicals are usually added separately.
How long does it take to get a free zone license in the UAE?
Most free zone licenses are approved within 14 working days, and some zones offer 24-hour setup. The process involves selecting the zone and legal entity, reserving a trade name, and applying online, with timelines depending on activity approvals and document readiness.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Rules and fees in the UAE change frequently. Before acting on anything you read here, speak to a qualified advisor — we are happy to help.