The cheapest free zones in the UAE, ranked
Headline prices rarely tell the whole story. Below are the free zones we set up, ranked by licence-only price and by price with a residence visa — using real Biznexa package prices, not "from" teasers.
| # | Free zone | Emirate | Licence from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANCFZ) | Ajman | AED 4,888 |
| 2 | SHAMS — Media licence | Sharjah | AED 5,760 |
| 3 | RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000 |
| 4 | SHAMS — Standard licence | Sharjah | AED 6,885 |
| 5 | Masdar City Free Zone | Abu Dhabi | AED 7,000 |
| 6 | Dubai South Business Hub | Dubai | AED 12,500 |
| 7 | Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | AED 12,500 |
| 8 | Expo City Dubai Free Zone | Dubai | AED 12,520 |
| # | Free zone | Emirate | With visa from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANCFZ) | Ajman | AED 10,800 |
| 2 | RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 12,000 |
| 3 | SHAMS — Media licence | Sharjah | AED 13,175 |
| 4 | SHAMS — Standard licence | Sharjah | AED 14,300 |
| 5 | Masdar City Free Zone | Abu Dhabi | AED 16,200 |
| 6 | Expo City Dubai Free Zone | Dubai | AED 17,570 |
| 7 | Dubai South Business Hub | Dubai | AED 20,350 |
| 8 | Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | AED 20,350 |
Biznexa package prices in AED, including standard government fees. The final cost depends on your activity and the zone's current offers — we confirm one fixed number in writing before you pay.
Why the cheapest licence is not always the cheapest company
- Visas cost extra. A licence-only package does not include a residence visa. If you need to live in the UAE or open a personal bank account, compare the "with a residence visa" table.
- Renewal matters. You pay the licence again every year, so a low first-year promotion is only part of the cost.
- Activity fit. Some zones do not offer every activity, and some charge more for trading or regulated activities.
- Banking. Banks look at your activity and business model, not the zone's price. We match you to a zone and a bank that work together.
Our honest shortlist
- Lowest entry cost: Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANCFZ) — from AED 4,888
- Cheapest with a visa: Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANCFZ) — from AED 10,800
- Want a Dubai licence? Compare Meydan, Dubai South and Expo City.
Prices change with zone promotions — we confirm the current price in writing before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest free zone licence in the UAE?
Of the zones we set up, Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANCFZ) starts lowest at AED 4,888 for a licence without a visa.
What is the cheapest free zone with a visa?
Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANCFZ) — from AED 10,800 including one residence visa.
Are there hidden costs?
Our packages include standard government fees. Things that vary — such as extra visas, special approvals for some activities, or attestation of corporate documents — are listed in your written quote before you pay.
Do I need to renew every year?
Yes. Free zone licences are renewed annually, and some zones offer multi-year packages.