People are interested to discover the cheapest freezone in the UAE mostly in two scenarios. First, you are an entrepreneur who is planning to set up a business in the UAE first time with minimum risk. Second, you are an employee who wants to start business as a side hustle along with your job and you need low-cost option. In both scenarios, the UAE freezone landscape will facilitate your business through its free zones. Each zone has different license packages, so costs can vary a lot. The Momentum team will help you choose the cheapest free zone license in UAE with full ownership.
This blog will take you through the benefits of freezone business setup and what are affordable options across all UAE emirates for your license.
What is the Criteria for Considering a Freezone Cheapest?
It is very important to consider first what is your business idea because mostly free zones support specific niche businesses. You can go through our blog, 10 Profitable Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs in Dubai to learn which businesses are popular in Dubai in 2026.
A free zone feels budget-friendly and affordable when it offers at least one of these:
- A 0-visa option specially if you already have a UAE residence visa
- Flexi-desk or shared desk instead of a private office
- Enough activities for your business model without forcing upgrades
You may also count tax obligations while checking the affordability of a freezone. It is noteworthy that the UAE Corporate Tax applies to free zone companies too. A free zone company may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income only if it meets the conditions to be a Qualifying Free Zone Person. Otherwise, normal rules apply.
A license-only package can look very affordable. Then the total cost goes up when you add visas, medical, Emirates ID, insurance, and office upgrades.
Affordable Free Zones in the UAE by Emirate
The UAE free zones are spread across the seven emirates. Each free zone has its own unique features that are a temptation for businesses of all sizes. There are also special offerings for women entrepreneurs in some free zones like Masdar City Free Zone and Sharjah Research Technology Innovation Park (SRTIP).
| Emirate | Affordable free zone | Price starting from (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Ajman | Ajman Media City Free Zone | 4,999 |
| Sharjah | SRTIP Free Zone | 5,500 |
| Dubai | JAFZA | 5000 |
| Abu Dhabi | KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) | 11,150 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RAKEZ | 6,000 |
| Fujairah | Creative City Fujairah | 5,520 |
| Umm Al Quwain | UAQ Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ) | 5,500 |
Ajman Free Zone and Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMC)
Ajman is often shortlisted for affordable company setup in the UAE. Two options stand out here. Ajman Free Zone is one of the older, well-established free zones. Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMC) is newer and has become popular, specifically for media-related activities. AMC focuses mainly on media and entertainment activities but it also allows selected trading activities. It also provides flexi-desks and shared workspaces.
License Cost
Both offer package options for different business needs. In AMC, some low-cost options like the Business Club Package can start around AED 4,999 if you already have a UAE residence visa. AMC trade license packages can start from AED 8,500 for small and mid-sized businesses. In Ajman Free Zone, license packages can start from AED 5,555 (0 visa).
A Comparison of Ajman’s Cheapest Free Zones
| Point | Ajman Free Zone | Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMC) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is known for | Established free zone with broad business setup options | Media-focused free zone with fast setup and flexible workspaces |
| Price starting from | AED 5,555 (0 visa) | Around AED 4,999 (0 visa Business Club Package) / AED 8,500* (other packages) |
| License / activity focus | Trading, services, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer, offshore | Media, entertainment, publishing, consultancy, events + selected trading |
| Workspace options | Office spaces with modern amenities | Flexi-desks and shared workspaces |
| Good for | General businesses needing wider license types | Media and content businesses or founders starting without a company visa |
Sharjah’s Most Affordable Free Zone
Sharjah also has various free zones that cater to different industries with cost-effective license options. The most popular zones are SRTIP and Shams. Also, entrepreneurs set up business in Hamriyah Free Zone which offers Industrial, Commercial and General Trading as well as Services licenses.
Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP)
SRTI Park is one of the most affordable free zones in Sharjah that supports startups and growing companies with access to innovation and research facilities. SRTIP allows you to add more than one business activity under a single license, as long as the activities match and can be approved together. It also promotes a fast setup timeline. If your documents are ready, the license is often issued in around 5 working days.
License Cost in SRTIP
Business setup packages can start from AED 5,500. Final cost depends on the activity, facility option, and visa requirement.
SRTIP Features and License Types
| Key features | Types of licenses available |
|---|---|
| Dual licensing option (free zone and mainland support) | Commercial License |
| Over 1,500 business activities to choose from | Services License |
| Office options for different business needs | Industrial License |
| Corporate tax benefits may apply on qualifying income | Consultancy License |
| Access to R&D labs, office facilities, and a business community | R&D and innovation-focused permit |
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a well-known free zone in Ras Al Khaimah. It supports businesses across more than 50 industries. Many types of business owners set up here, including freelancers, startups, SMEs, and industrial companies.
RAKEZ is also known for offering different setup choices based on how a business operates. Some companies start with a flexi-desk. Others need a proper office, a warehouse, or an industrial space. This range makes it easier to choose a setup that matches your budget and business needs.
License Cost in RAKEZ
License packages can start from AED 6,000 for a no-visa option. Final cost depends on the activity, facility type, and visa requirement.
Key Features of RAKEZ Business Setup
- Instant business license option
- Many workspace choices, from flexi-desks to executive and standard offices, plus warehouses
- Home to more than 30,000 companies across different sectors
Types of Licenses and Permits Available in RAKEZ
- Media
- Freelance permit
- General trading license
- E-commerce license
- Professional license
- Services license
- Educational services
- Commercial license
- Industrial license
Free Zones in Dubai: Cost-Effective Options
There are some free zones in Dubai that offer the low-cost free zone license in UAE. To name a few; Jebel Ali Freezone Authority (JAFZA), International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), Meydan Free Zone, Dubai South Free Trade Zone and more.
| JAFZA | IFZA | Meydan Free Zone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price starting from (AED) | 5,000 | 12,900 (0 visa) | 12,500 (Trade License) |
| Multiple activities on one license | Depends on the license structure and activity group | Yes, multiple activities under one license (as allowed) | Large activity list; combining activities depends on license rules |
| Visa allocation | Depends on package and facility option | 0-visa packages available; visa quota depends on package | Promotes “unlimited visa allocation” (package rules apply) |
| Setup flexibility | Good for trading/logistics due to location near major port and airports | Shareholders’ presence not required in Dubai for incorporation | Fawri platform promotes license issuance in about 60 minutes |
Momentum team can assist you in deciding on the cheapest freezone in Dubai according to your activity type and visa needs.
Jebel Ali Freezone Authority (JAFZA)
Facilitating trade, logistics, and large operational businesses, JAFZA offers licences starting from AED 5,000. It also supports:
- Logistics
- Food and agriculture
- FMCG
- Retail and e-commerce
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Electronics and machinery
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
IFZA supports 800+ business activities, including sectors such as consultancy, media, and technology. The price for zero visa packages starts from AED 12,900.
Business license types:
- Professional license
- Commercial license
- Foreign branch license
Meydan Free Zone
Meydan promotes 2,500+ business activities and a fast licensing option through its Fawri platform and the trade license costs AED 12,500.
Activity areas include:
- Healthcare
- Education
- ICT
- Maintenance
- Manufacturing
- Professional
- Real Estate
- Finance
- Art
- Agriculture
- Administrative
- Food and beverages
- Rentals
How Momentum Can Help You Set Up in the UAE
Choosing the best free zone is not only about the lowest advertised price. It depends on your business activity, visa requirement, and the workspace option you select. Momentum supports you at every step, so you don’t end up paying extra later due to the wrong package or missing approvals.
As trusted business setup consultants in Dubai, Momentum helps you compare affordable free zones, shortlist the right option, and complete the full setup process. Share your activity and visa requirement, and we will guide you with the documents, application, and next steps until your license is issued.
Start Strong, Grow Fast with Momentum!
