UAE Free Zone Comparison — Locations & Pricing
Side-by-side comparison of UAE free zones — cost, visa quotas, activities, and best fit by sector.
About UAE Free Zone Comparison — Locations & Pricing
There are 45+ UAE free zones, each with its own regulator, pricing, and activity list. We've benchmarked the leading zones across cost, visa allocation, activity flexibility, and infrastructure to help you choose with confidence.
We handle the entire process across all 45+ UAE free zones — recommending the right jurisdiction for your activity, budget, and visa needs.
Why this is the right option
Cost-by-zone benchmarks
Cost-by-zone benchmarks
Visa quota comparison
Visa quota comparison
Activity availability matrix
Activity availability matrix
Sector recommendations
Sector recommendations
Banking acceptance notes
Banking acceptance notes
Renewal cost overview
Renewal cost overview
Documents required
- Intended business activity
- Number of visas required
- Office requirement (flexi / dedicated)
- Budget range
How it works, step by step
- 01
Initial consultation
Tell us your activity, goals, and budget. We recommend the right jurisdiction.
- 02
Document collection
We share a clear document checklist and collect everything via secure upload.
- 03
Application & approvals
Our team files the trade name reservation, initial approval, and licence application.
- 04
Licence issuance
Trade licence + MOA are issued. We hand over originals digitally and by courier.
- 05
Banking & visas
Bank account introduction and visa processing handled in parallel where possible.
Starting from AED 12,500
Frequently asked questions
Can't find what you need? Our consultants are happy to answer any specific questions.
Ask a ConsultantHow long does the whole process take?+
Typical timelines are 3–10 working days from receipt of complete documents, depending on the jurisdiction and activity.
Do I need to be in the UAE during setup?+
For most setups, no. Many steps can be done remotely. Emirates ID biometrics and bank visits require a short visit.
Can I have 100% foreign ownership?+
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities and is standard across all UAE free zones.
What ongoing costs should I budget for?+
Annual trade licence renewal, office/flexi-desk fee, immigration card renewal, and visa renewals (every 2–3 years).
Do you help with bank account opening?+
Yes — we introduce you to UAE banks and EMI providers and assist with KYC documentation. Final approval rests with the bank.
Ready to start your UAE journey?
Speak with a consultant. No obligation. We respond within 1 business day.