Cheapest free zone in UAE: Most affordable Free zones
Here’s a list of the top affordable free zones offering the cheapest free zone license in UAE: -
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS):
Situated in Sharjah, this free zone offers a strong and supportive ecosystem for creative entrepreneurs, SMEs, startups, and freelancers, allowing them to choose from a broad array of industries, including creative, services, wholesale, consulting, media, and more.
Key Features of SHAMS:
- Quick and easy incorporation
- Situated near Sharjah International Airport and Dubai International Airport
- Doesn’t require shareholders’ presence for company incorporation in the UAE
- Permits multiple business activities under one license
- Supports Media production, Advertising, Events and Marketing, Arts and Entertainment, Wholesale and retail trade, Accommodation and food service, Transport and storage, Education, Real estate, Finance and insurance, and Repair and maintenance.
Ajman Free zone:
One of the oldest and most modern free zones in the UAE, offering a cost-effective business setup and the cheapest free zone license in UAE to investors and entrepreneurs worldwide. It provides premium office spaces with modern amenities and telecom services that make the business operations seamless and enjoyable.
Benefits of Ajman Free Zone:
- No currency restrictions for international trade
- A selection of business packages for both small and large businesses
- Quicker business setup through digitized means
- Add-on services for businesses such as banking, medical, and more
- Offers different types of licenses, including Trading, Service, Industrial, E-commerce, Freelancer, and Offshore licenses.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ):
A powerful free zone located in Ras Al Khaimah, offering business opportunities for freelancers, startups, SMEs, and industrialists in more than 50 industries. The free zone offers top-tier infrastructure, affordable business setup options, and customized solutions.
Key features of RAKEZ:
- Instant business license
- Wide range of office options, including flexi-desks, warehouses, executives, and standard offices.
- Accommodates over 30,000 companies from diverse sectors
- Offers different licenses, including Media, Freelance permit, General trading, E-commerce, Professional, Educational, Commercial, and Industrial licenses.
Jebel Ali Freezone Authority (JAFZA):
The largest free zone in Dubai, located near Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Dubai International Airport, supporting over 11,000+ businesses.
Benefits of JAFZA company setup:
- 100% foreign ownership and repatriation of capital and profits
- 0% corporate tax for 50 years with renewable allowance
- 0% custom duties
- Supports diverse industries, including Logistics, Food, FMCG, Retail and e-commerce, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Electronics and Machinery.
Dubai Silicon Oasis:
DSO is recognized as a center of innovation, strong with a community of 90,000 and home to global brands like W Motors, Mitsubishi Electric, Henkel, and Porsche. With advanced insight and a vibrant business community, this free zone offers a thriving ecosystem for businesses.
Benefits of Dubai Silicon Oasis business setup:
- Access to major ports and highways
- Tech-focused environment with modern facilities
- Dedicated office spaces and co-working spaces
- Tax exemption
- 100% repatriation of profits
- Available licenses include the Service license, Trade license, and Industrial license.
International Freezone Authority (IFZA):
One of the most popular zones, renowned for its ease of business setup, liberal policies, cost-effective solutions, and modern infrastructure. It supports diverse business activities across various sectors such as consultancy, media, and technology.
Benefits of IFZA business setup:
- Multi-year business licenses
- Customized office spaces
- Doesn’t require shareholders’ presence for company incorporation
- Covers multiple activities under a single license
- Offers Professional license, Commercial license, and foreign branch license
Meydan Freezone:
A beneficial investment location and great option for startups, offering a prime location, streamlined setup processes, and modern facilities.
Key features of Meydan Freezone:
- Zero corporate tax
- Full foreign ownership
- Thriving business community
- Recognized by the MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Unlimited visa distribution
- Supports Healthcare, Education, Maintenance, Manufacturing, Professional, Real Estate, Finance, Art, Agriculture, Administrative, Food and Beverages, and Rental activities.
Dubai South Freezone:
An emerging and modern economic hub located near Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, supporting a wide range of business activities and providing smooth access to international markets, major events, exhibitions, and shows.
Key features of Dubai South Freezone:
- Proximity to the airport and seaport
- 100% exemption on corporate and personal income tax
- Networking opportunities through events and shows for networking
- Offers various types of licenses, including Industrial license, Logistics license, Commercial license, Services license, and Freelance license.
Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC):
A leading global financial hub in the Middle East, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, diverse office facilities, easy business setup procedures, and the cheapest free zone license in UAE.
Benefits of DIFC business setup:
- 0% corporate tax on qualifying income
- 100% foreign ownership
- Strong legal and regulatory framework
- Supportive ecosystem
- Mainly caters to financial institutions, such as banks, capital markets, wealth and asset management firms, and insurance companies.
- Supports non-financial firms as well, including professional service providers, Cafes and restaurants, Retail businesses, and AI, fintech, and innovation firms.
Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP):
Cheapest free zone in UAE, offering a world-class location for business setup and an opportunity to conduct multiple compatible activities under a single license.
Key features of STRIP:
- Dual licensing options for mainland and freezone
- Option to choose from over 1500 business activities
- Flexible office solution
- 0% corporate and personal tax
- Access to R&D labs, top-tier office facilities, and a thriving community
- Offers Commercial license, Services license, Industrial license, Consultancy license, R&D and innovation-focused permit.
Dubai Media City (DMC):
Another cheapest free zone in UAE offering a unique blend of business and leisure to creative ventures and media brands.
Key features of DMC:
- Future-oriented working spaces
- Supports innovation and creativity
- Full ownership
- Tax exemptions
Steps to start a company in the cheapest free zone in UAE
The Freezone company formation process involves the following steps: -
Step 1: Choose business operations – Determine the type of business activities your company will engage in
Step 2: Select a Free zone – Select an appropriate and affordable free zone that fits your budget and offers the right facilities for your business.
Step 3: Determine the legal structure – Choose a legal structure from the available options, such as LLC, branch office, or sole proprietorship.
Step 4: Select a trade name - Reserve a unique trade name that reflects your business identity and aligns with the UAE naming guidelines.
Step 5: Obtain initial approvals - Secure preliminary approval from the selected free zone authority to proceed with the setup process.
Step 6: Get additional government approvals - Depending on the business activity, secure special approvals from other government departments.
Step 7: Secure a workspace - Find an office space within the chosen free zone that conforms to the scale and nature of your business operations.
Step 8: Submit the license application - Provide all necessary documents and pay the applicable fees for the license.
Step 9: License approval and issuance – Upon approval, receive an official business license to legally operate in the free zone.
Step 10: Apply for a bank account and visas – Set up a corporate bank account and apply for relevant visas for yourself as well as your employees.
Set up your business in the cheapest free zone in UAE
If you are planning to start a company and are looking for the cheapest free zone in UAE, you will require prior knowledge of different free zones, the local landscape and regulations, and application procedures and requirements. Our team is equipped with the best business consultants who will help you choose the right free zone for your startup and also guide you through the entire setup process.
Schedule a free consultation with our consultants today.
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