Cheapest Free Zone in the UAE (2026)
Low-cost free zone options include Ajman, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. SPC Free Zone advertises a one-year zero-visa licence from AED 5,750. The cheapest total for your business depends on its activity, visa needs, workspace, renewals and current package terms.
Low-cost UAE free zones to compare
| Free zone | Emirate | Licence from* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | Request quote | General trading & services on a budget |
| SHAMS | Sharjah | Request quote | Media, e-commerce, freelance |
| UAQ Free Trade Zone | Umm Al Quwain | Request quote | Warehouse and land options |
| Fujairah Creative City | Fujairah | Request quote | Media & consultancy, remote-friendly |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | Request quote | Industrial & SME, wide activity list |
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | From AED 5,750 | Fast dual-licence & e-commerce |
*SPC Free Zone advertises a one-year, zero-visa licence from AED 5,750 on its official package page (checked 28 October 2026). Prices and eligibility for other zones must be confirmed with their authorities. Check the terms, included items, renewal fees and final price directly with each authority.
Options for e-commerce
SHAMS and SPC offer e-commerce options. Ask each zone for a current quote, including visa, workspace and renewal costs.
Options for freelancers
Compare eligible media and freelance activities, workspace and visa options directly with SHAMS and Fujairah Creative City.
Options for general trading
Ask Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ whether your specific trading activity and required facilities are available.
The hidden costs that make "cheap" expensive
A low licence price is only the headline. Check the all-in first-year total:
- Establishment or immigration card and related charges, where required
- Residence visa and associated medical and Emirates ID charges, where applicable
- Office or flexi-desk charges, including any upgrades
- Extra activities added to the licence
- Annual licence, workspace and other applicable renewal charges
Cheapest free zone — FAQs
What is the cheapest free zone in the UAE?
There is no single cheapest option for every business. Compare current licence and renewal fees, visas, activity approvals and office costs. SPC Free Zone advertises a one-year zero-visa licence from AED 5,750; check the authority for current terms and the total for your needs.
What is the cheapest free zone in Dubai?
Meydan Free Zone advertises a professional licence from AED 12,500 with zero visa allocation. Compare current written quotes for the same activities, visas and workspace; no single zone is cheapest for every business.
What is the cheapest free zone for e-commerce?
SPC and SHAMS list e-commerce activities. Confirm the exact activity, visa allocation, workspace and renewal fees with each authority before comparing quotes.
Can I get a UAE free zone licence without a visa?
Some zones offer a zero-visa licence. SPC Free Zone advertises a one-year zero-visa package from AED 5,750; ask the authority which items are included and what you would pay to add visas later.
What hidden costs should I watch for?
Beyond the headline licence: the establishment/immigration card, per-visa costs, medical and Emirates ID, office upgrades beyond a flexi-desk, extra activities, and renewal fees each year. Always confirm the all-in first-year total, not just the licence price.
Related
Official sources
Last updated: October 2026 · Maintained by the My Business Setup editorial team
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