Dubai Free Zone License Cost – All Setup Cost
If you are planning to set up a company in the Dubai Free Zone, the first thing that comes into your mind is, “How much does it cost to start a business in the Dubai Free Zone?” or “What is the best free zone to set up a business in Dubai?” or “Which free zone makes company formation affordable and fast?”
What is a Free Zone in Dubai?
A free zone in Dubai is a designated area where investors/entrepreneurs can set up a company with 100% ownership, enjoy tax benefits, and have a smooth business incorporation process.
Dubai is a house of more than 30 Free Zones apart from other free zones that are located in Northern emirates such as Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah, Um Am Quwain, and Abu Dhabi. So, each free zone differs from the other in terms of the Incorporation process, Business Setup Cost, requirements, and business activities.
To understand the process and benefits of setting up your company in a UAE Free Zone, explore our Free Zone Business Setup Services in Dubai page for complete details on documentation, packages, and approvals.
How much does a Free Zone License cost?
The cost of business setup in Dubai Free Zone depends on specific factors such as
- Business Activity: whether Commercial Trade License, Consulting, Servicing, Industrial, or E-commerce.
- Number of Visas: Each free zone has its own rules for having residence visa quota approval. This depends on the company type, the space, and the free zone regulations. As some free zones allow you to have from 1 to 20 visas without an office. Contrary to other free zones, which allow only 3 visas without an office, if you would like to obtain more, you will be required to rent an office.
- Physical Location: A company can be incorporated virtually without a physical office, flexy desk, or private office if you want to have a physical location.
- The Free Zone Type: There are 2 types of free zones, which include Designated Zones and Non-Designated Zones. The major difference between them is Corporate Tax exemption on specific qualified activities.
Generally the license cost range is as below:
License Type | Estimated Cost | License Details |
Commercial License | Between 10000 AED and 25000 AED | Includes trading activities that involve buying, selling, importing, and exporting. |
Service/Consulting License | Between 9000 AED and 20000 AED | Includes activities such as: Information Technology Consultants, Marketing Agency, Project Development etc. |
E-Commerce License in Dubai | Between 5500 AED and 18000 AED | Includes selling goods and products via the internet or any other digital platforms. |
Industrial License | 15000 AED – 30000 AED | Includes Manufacturing activities such as stands manufacturing or any other manufacturing activity. |
Other costs that should be considered:
- Establishment Card: Ranges between 680 AED and 2200 AED depending on the free zone.
- E-Channel Registration: 1200 AED to 3300 AED.
- Visa Cost: 3200 AED to 3750 AED.
- Change status if applicant is inside the country: 676 AED to 1600 AED.
- Medical and Emirates ID application: 1250 AED.
The most well-known free zones:
- DMCC: Dubai Multi Commodities Center.
- JAFZA: Jebel Ali Free Zone.
- IFZA: International Free Zone Authority.
- Meydan Free Zone.
- DWTC: Dubai World Trade Center Free Zone.
- DIFC: Dubai International Financial Center.
How to choose the right free zone?
- Determine your business activity.
- Understand the free zone rules where you want to set up your business.
- Number of Visas required.
- Location and Space.
In conclusion?
Obtaining a free zone trade license can be easy if you choose the right consultant who will guide you to navigate around the free zones in Dubai and help you choose the right free zone for your business.
If you’re comparing setup options beyond free zones, check our step-by-step guide on how to open a company in Dubai for detailed insights on mainland and offshore formation processes.
Contact our team at Assertive Zone to provide a fully free consultation, with the best and most affordable cost setup and smooth company incorporation.
Inquire@assertivezone.ae / +971506129267.
