Many investors wish to start a company in the UAE at a lower cost. So, they will search online for the “Cheapest Free Zone in Dubai” and look for cheaper options available to start a business in Dubai.
Dubai has an evolving business landscape with the Free Zones attracting investors. The Cheapest Free Zone in Dubai will help investors to start a company for the best value for their money.
The cost-effective packages, business-friendly regulations, and top-class infrastructure make the free Zones in Dubai an attractive choice for startups and small businesses.
Here are some of the cheapest Free Zones in Dubai and the whole of the UAE in 2025. The listing is made based on the cost, location, and visa quota.
Entrepreneurs can easily set up the cheapest free zone company without any hassle in Dubai. Also, the cheapest Free Zones in UAE attract global investors to set up their low-cost companies.
This article focuses on the cheapest free zones in the UAE and the several benefits of the UAE Free Zones. Also, the blog highlights various aspects that determine the selection of the cheapest Free Zone in UAE.
Table of contents – Cheapest freezone in UAE
Even though investors choose the cheapest Free Zone License in UAE, they look for business infrastructure and support services. So, a low-cost free Zone and cheap business license will help the investors to keep their overall business setup cost low.
Which is the Cheapest Free Zone in UAE?
Ajman NuVenture Free Zone is one of the cheapest Free Zones in UAE, offering a package for AED 4,888 for a zero-Visa quota trade license. Then, the most popular, cheapest Free zone is the Sharjah Media City (SHAMS). The company license package starts from AED 5,800.
Similar to Sharjah Media City, there is Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) and Sharjah Research Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). They have Zero-visa packages and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs to keep the total business setup cost low.
Also, the Free Zones in Sharjah offer the cheapest Trade License at a cost ranging between AED 5,500 to AED 6,900. The Cost of the cheapest trade license starts at AED 6,876 for a zero-visa quota at the Sharjah Publishing City.
Then, Free Zones in Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah also offer similar low-cost company licenses. The starting cost of the cheapest Free Zones in northern Emirates, such as Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain starts from AED 4,888 in Ajman NuVentures, AED 6000 in RAKEZ Free Zone, and AED 13,500 in UAQ.
List of Top Cheapest Free Zones in UAE – 2025
Several factors determine the cost of the Trade License. The cheapest Free Zones in the UAE for 2025 offer investors the lowest cost Trade License. The cost of the trade license depends on the Free Zone location, the number of visas available, the type of businesses allowed, and the support services.
The top cheapest Free Zones in UAE based on popularity among investors and offering low-cost business license packages in 2025 are the following:
- International Free Zone Authority – IFZA
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone – RAKEZ
- Meydan Free Zone, Dubai
- Ajman Free Zone
- Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park – SRTIP
- Sharjah Media City
- Sharjah Publishing City
- Ajman NuVenture
Due to the cheaper options available for company setup, these free zones are growing in popularity among both local and foreign entrepreneurs. Investors looking for a cheaper company setup can opt for the cheapest Free Zone License from any of these Free Zones.
List of Cheapest Free Zones in UAE based on the Trade license cost
The low-cost Free Zones in UAE have a zero-visa quota Company Package starting from AED 4,888. Depending on the visa quota and facilities, the cost will go up. Here is a list of the cheapest free zones in UAE and the cost of the cheap trade license packages available.
Here is a list of the cheapest free zones in UAE and the cost of the cheap trade license packages available.
| Sl No. | Free Zones | Emirates | Trade License Cost | Visa Quota & Facilities |
| 1 | IFZA | Dubai | AED 12,900 | Zero Visa Quota |
| 2 | SHAMS Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 5,800 | Zero Visa Quota, Coworking Space |
| 3 | SRTIP Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 5,500 | Zero Visa Quota, Services Business License |
| 4 | SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 6,876 | Zero Visa Quota, Coworking Space |
| 5 | RAKEZ | Ras Al-Khaimah | AED 11,440 | Zero Visa Quota, Flexi Desk type, Services Business license |
| 6 | Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | AED 12,500 | Zero Visa Quota, Shared Offices |
| 7 | Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | AED 5,555 | Zero Visa Quota with Smart Desk |
IFZA is one of the Cheapest Free Zone in Dubai. They have a Zero Visa Quota package starting at AED 12,900. The low taxation, easy issuance of trade licenses, availability of office space, and the Dubai Address make it a favourite choice for investors.
Foreign investors choose Dubai-based Free Zones for the ease of doing business and geographic location. Many prefer to shift their base to Dubai for lower taxation and other business benefits. IFZA Dubai is a preferred choice as it offers one of the cheapest business licenses in Dubai.
Cheapest Free Zones in Dubai
There are a few Free Zones in Dubai that offer the cheapest business license in Dubai. They are IFZA and Meydan Free Zone. The low initial business setup cost makes investors choose these free zones in Dubai.
The cheapest Business license in Dubai is starting from AED 12,900. Also, they have top-class business amenities for the investors to easily scale up their business venture.
The Cheapest Free Zone in Dubai is IFZA, and it offers a Zero Visa Company for AED 12,900. There are several advantages to having a company in Dubai. The Free Zones, such as the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), Meydan Free Zone, and Dubai South Free Zone, offer some of the cheapest trade license packages in Dubai.
An investor can get a Dubai business address without spending a lot of money on company setup. These low-cost business setup packages are ideal for startups and small businesses. Following low-cost Free Trade Zones in Dubai will provide all required business infrastructure for new investors.
1. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
The cheapest Free Zone in Dubai is IFZA (International Free Zone Authority). IFZA offers a low-cost company license in Dubai without visas at a cost of AED 12,900. This is the cheapest and best Dubai free zone license offer in 2024.
From trading to services license, the Free Zone provides the right company setup solution for the investors. Hence, this cheapest Free Zone in Dubai is the investor’s top choice for starting a small business.
General Trading License – (1 Visa Package) – 17,500 AED Yearly (The package amount might slightly vary in actuals)
To know more about the IFZA business setup packages, click here: IFZA
2. Dubai Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone is one of the prime locations and a perfect choice for low-cost office space in Dubai. The cheapest Trade License in Meydan Free Zone is for AED 12,500. The Free Zone also provides a No Objection Certificate to open an office space anywhere in Dubai.
The NOC benefits the company owners by keeping their office rent low by taking small office space in the mainland UAE. Also, the investors can have a Dubai Address for their office at an affordable rate.
3. Dubai South Free Trade Zone
Dubai South is one of the dynamic Free Zones in Dubai.The company license cost in Dubai South is slightly higher than in IFZA and Meydan. However, there are several advantages to starting a company in Dubai South.
Considering the growth opportunities and expansion plans by the Dubai Government in the Dubai South region, the Free Zone’s offering is one of the cheapest Trade Licenses in Dubai.
For instance, the Dubai South Company License starts at AED 12,890 for a single visa quota. However, the access to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport makes Dubai South a very popular trade destination.
Dubai South provides investors with a host of Value Added Services for smoothly operating their businesses. They offer Accounting, VAT Registration, Bank Account Opening, Business Center Access, Health Insurance, and more.
Cheapest Free Zones in Northern Emirates – Sharjah, RAK, Ajman
For investors looking for company setup packages outside of Dubai, the Free Zones in the Northern Emirates, such as Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, are the choices available.
These Free Zones offer cheaper trade license options as well as a host of support services for setting up and scaling a business. To keep the company setup cost low, the cheapest free zone licenses in the Northern Emirates, and the cheapest license in Abu Dhabi, can be availed by the investors.
Again, it will depend on the specific business requirements and nature of the business. However, these free Zones are well connected with the international airports and seaports for facilitating quick trade and commerce operations.
Cheapest Free Zone License in Sharjah
Some of the cheapest trade licenses in UAE are available from Sharjah’s Free Zones. The most popular Free Zones that offer cheaper business license packages are the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC), Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) and the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).
The cheapest Free Zone License in Sharjah starts from AED 5,500 for a Zero Visa quota package.The Free Zones in Sharjah are located at a strategic point between Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Also, all of the Free Zones are in proximity to Sharjah International Airport and Khalid Port.
Cheapest Trade Licenses from Sharjah based Free Zones
Sharjah Media City, SPC Free Zone, and Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP) are excellent for startups that are seeking to launch with minimal upfront investment, as they provide easy company setup and access to professional services.
Also, the cheapest Free Zones in Sharjah are ideal for media, creative and digital companies, and also trading companies due to their low-cost company license and affordable business support services.
Along with the issuance of the cheapest Free Zone License in the UAE by SRTIP, they also have startup incubator programs. These initiatives will help in the overall growth of the newly started company.
So, the Sharjah-based Free Zones offer one of the cheapest trade licenses, strong business support services and top-class infrastructure. Thus, they make it an ideal choice for investors looking to enter the UAE market without breaking their bank.
Cheapest Free Zones in Abu Dhabi
There are a few cheapest Free Zones in Abu Dhabi that offer a variety of low-cost trade license packages. There are only a limited number of Free Zones in Abu Dhabi; however, they provide the investors with ample business support services and cost-effective company setup packages.
Some of the most reasonably priced free zones in Abu Dhabi to consider are the KEZAD Free Zone, Masdar City, and Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone.
Kezad Free Zone (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) Free Zone consists of business centres, industrial zones, port access and more. It is an ideal Free Zone for trading companies, logistics and manufacturing units. The cheapest trade license is at AED 9,450 and has access to Flexi-Desk office space.
Masdar City Free Zone in Abu Dhabi focuses on green and sustainable energy. They offer a lot of support services for research projects, clean energy startups, etc. In Abu Dhabi, one of the cheapest licenses in Masdar City starts at AED 10,000 onwards.
Similarly, the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ) is another Free Zone in Abu Dhabi that offers the cheapest trade License. It is an ideal choice for aviation-related companies that handle aircraft maintenance, private jet chartering, airway logistics, etc.
Other Cheapest Free Zone License in UAE
In the Northern Emirates, the most affordable Free Zones are the Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone (RAKEZ), Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone ( UAQ FTZ), and Ajman Media City. Also, Ajman NuVenture Free Zone is the latest addition to the cheapest Free Zones in the UAE.
The RAKEZ Free Zone has a company license package starting from AED 6000. The Free Zone provides top-class facilities and business support to the investors. Similarly, the
Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) is an ideal choice for start-ups. Due to the proximity to Dubai and other trade centres of Sharjah, it is a preferred choice for trading companies.
Also, the Free Zone consists of warehouse facilities for trading companies. UAQ Free Zone’s low-cost business structure packages are expected to drive rapid adoption in recent years.
Ajman Free Zone is another popular Free Zone that offers the cheapest Free Zone License in the UAE, starting from AED 5,555. It is one of the most cost-effective free zones. This free zone also provides investors with a wide range of business activities and license types at the lowest possible cost.
When deciding on the cheapest option, keep in mind that the lowest initial cost is not always the best overall value. Think about your operational needs, plans for business expansion, and the total cost of ownership.
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