Free Zone Calculator
UAE Free Zone Cost Calculator
Select a free zone, choose your visa and office needs, and get an instant cost estimate based on real pricing data from 43+ zones.
Configure
1
Cost Breakdown
Select a free zone to see estimated costs
At a Glance
Popular zones — starting costs
| Free Zone | License | Per Visa | First Year | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dubai | AED 25,000 | AED 5,000 | AED 60,000 | ★ 4.7 |
Dubai | AED 18,000 | AED 4,500 | AED 37,500 | ★ 4.6 |
Abu Dhabi | AED 30,000 | AED 5,000 | AED 60,000 | ★ 4.5 |
Dubai | AED 12,900 | AED 3,750 | AED 16,650 | ★ 4.5 |
Dubai | AED 22,000 | AED 4,500 | AED 44,500 | ★ 4.4 |
Dubai | AED 15,000 | AED 4,200 | AED 39,200 | ★ 4.4 |
Common Questions
Free Zone Cost Calculator FAQ
How do I calculate free zone setup costs?
Use our free calculator above to estimate your UAE free zone setup costs. Select a free zone from the dropdown, choose the number of visas you need, and pick your preferred office type. The calculator uses real pricing data from 43+ zones to give you an instant estimate covering license fees, visa costs, and office expenses. For a full cost breakdown across all zones, visit our cost comparison page.
How much does it cost to set up in a UAE free zone?
UAE free zone setup costs vary widely depending on the zone, business activity, and number of visas. Budget-friendly zones like IFZA, SHAMS, and Ajman Free Zone offer packages starting from AED 5,000–7,000 for the license alone. When you add visa costs (AED 2,500–5,000 per person), office space (AED 2,000–10,000), and government fees, total first-year costs typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 50,000+. Use the calculator above to get a personalized estimate for your specific needs.
What is included in a free zone license cost?
A free zone license cost typically includes the trade license itself, company registration, and sometimes a virtual office address. However, visa fees, Emirates ID, medical tests, health insurance, office space upgrades, and establishment card fees are usually charged separately. Some zones offer all-inclusive starter packages that bundle the license with one visa and a virtual office — always ask for a complete fee schedule before committing.
Which is the cheapest free zone in UAE for setup?
The cheapest UAE free zones for total first-year setup costs are generally found in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Sharjah. Zones like IFZA, RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone, and SHAMS consistently offer the lowest entry costs, with license packages starting below AED 7,000. However, the cheapest option may not always be the best fit — consider factors like visa quotas, permitted business activities, and proximity to your target market.
Are there hidden costs when setting up in a free zone?
Yes, several costs are commonly overlooked. These include: mandatory health insurance (AED 600–2,000/year per person), Emirates ID fees (AED 370), medical fitness tests (AED 300–500), establishment card costs (AED 1,000–2,500), PRO service charges for visa processing (AED 500–1,500), and security deposits (AED 2,000–5,000, usually refundable). Our calculator factors in the main costs, but always request a full fee breakdown from the free zone authority.
Explore more cost resources
Full Cost Comparison
Compare license, visa, and total first-year costs across all 43+ UAE free zones.
Visa Cost Guide
Detailed breakdown of visa fees, hidden costs, and the cheapest visa options by emirate.
Browse All Free Zones
Filter by business activity, emirate, and budget to find the right free zone for you.
Not sure which zone fits your budget?
Take our 60-second quiz to get a personalized recommendation based on your budget and business type.