Dubai Free Zones
Dubai hosts the UAE most diverse free zones, from trading and logistics to tech and media. This guide explains license types, realistic setup costs, visa options, timelines, and which free zone fits your activity. Use the zone cards below to compare starting fees and click into related activity guides for deeper requirements.
Already licensed here? See free zone licence renewal, or mainland trade licence renewal.
Why choose Dubai free zones
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
- Fast, digital company setup with e-sign and e-licensing
- Flexible office options: flexi-desk, co-working, or dedicated office
- Broad activity coverage across trading, services, media, and tech
- Strong banking ecosystem and global connectivity
Typical setup costs
Setup process & timeline
- Name reservation & initial approval (1–2 working days)
- License issuance & company documents (1–3 working days)
- Establishment card / immigration setup (1–2 working days)
- E-visa, medical test, Emirates ID (5–7 working days after entry)
Required documents
- Passport copy and recent photo
- UAE entry stamp or e-visa (if applicable)
- Proposed activities list and company name options
- CV/degree for regulated activities (if required by zone)
- Lease or desk agreement if higher visa quota is needed
Dubai free zone licence cost compared
Cheapest entry licence first, so you can see which zone fits before reading the detail.
| Free zone | Entry licence | Visas | Setup time | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA | AED 12,500 - 30,000 | 0 - 6 | 3 - 7 working days | services, consulting, ecommerce |
| Meydan | AED 12,500 - 28,000 | 0 - 6 | 1 - 7 working days | services, ecommerce, consulting |
| Dubai South | AED 12,500 - 40,000 | 0 - 6 | 5 - 15 working days | logistics, aviation, ecommerce |
| DSO | AED 13,500 - 35,000 | 0 - 6 | 5 - 15 working days | technology, software, electronics |
| DMCC | AED 20,000 - 45,000 | 2 - 3 | 3 - 7 working days | trading, commodities, services |
| CommerCity | AED 20,000 - 60,000 | 1 - 6 | 7 - 21 working days | ecommerce, fulfilment, logistics |
| DAFZA | AED 25,000 - 60,000 | 3 - 6 | 5 - 15 working days | trading, logistics, aviation |
| JAFZA | AED 25,000 - 70,000 | 3 - 8 | 10 - 30 working days | trading, logistics, manufacturing |
| DHCC | AED 25,000 - 80,000 | 1 - 8 | 6 - 12 months | healthcare, clinics, medical education |
| DIFC | AED 60,000 - 250,000 | 2 - 10 | 3 - 6 months | financial services, funds, family office |
Indicative ranges for planning, not quotes, and not confirmed with the authorities. The licence fee and the office fee are charged separately — ask for an itemised quote, and compare the two-year total, because renewal is typically 85 to 100% of the year-one fee.
See also: compare all UAE free zones · how many visas each option gives you · cheapest free zones in the UAE.
Zones in Dubai
DMCC (JLT)
Top pick for trading/commodities with strong reputation; flexible offices and banking familiarity.
Starting from: AED 12,500+
Popular: general trading license uae gold refinery license it consultancy license
IFZA
Value bundles and broad activity list; quick digital processing.
Starting from: AED 11,900+
Popular: it consultancy license digital marketing services license general trading license uae
Meydan Free Zone
Budget-friendly packages, central address, ideal for startups and service firms.
Starting from: AED 6,500+
Popular: auditing services business license uae general trading license uae
DAFZA
Premium logistics access near DXB; suited to high-compliance trading and warehousing.
Starting from: AED 15,000+
Popular: freight broker license dubai uae logistic services license uae general trading license uae
FAQs
Which Dubai free zone is best for trading?
DMCC and DAFZA are popular for import/export. Compare office rules, warehouse needs, and visa quotas before choosing.
Can I get a residence visa with my license?
Yes. Most Dubai zones include visa allocation; government fees are charged per visa.
Do I need a physical office?
For 1–3 visas, many zones allow flexi-desk. Higher visa counts or some activities may require a dedicated office.
How fast is setup?
Company setup is typically 3–5 working days after KYC approval. Visa stamping and Emirates ID add ~1–2 weeks.
Related guides
��� Last updated: October 2026