Cheapest free zones in the UAE 2026
The lowest licence prices sit in Ajman, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. But cheap has a catch: banking. Here are the genuinely low-cost zones and when the saving is worth it.
Last updated: July 2026 · Verified against Authority packages 2026Key facts
- ●Cheapest overall: Ajman Free Zone (~AED 4,888) and Ajman Media City (~AED 4,999), zero-visa.
- ●SHAMS (~AED 5,750) and RAKEZ (~AED 6,000) are the popular value picks.
- ●Cheapest Dubai-issued: Meydan (~AED 12,500), IFZA (~AED 12,900).
- ●The cheapest licence is usually zero-visa and can face harder banking.
If cost is your only constraint and you already hold UAE residence, the Northern Emirates win outright. If you need a corporate bank account and client credibility, a Dubai zone is often worth the premium.
The genuinely cheap zones
Ajman Free Zone is consistently the lowest, from about AED 4,888 zero-visa. SHAMS in Sharjah, from about AED 5,750, is the go-to for media and freelancers. RAKEZ, from about AED 6,000, adds industrial and warehouse scalability. SPC Free Zone is competitive for multi-activity licences.
The cheapest Dubai option
Within Dubai, Meydan (about AED 12,500) and IFZA (about AED 12,900) are the most affordable credible licences, buying you a Dubai address and easier banking.
When cheap costs you
Northern Emirates and offshore licences face more banking friction, and a zero-visa licence does not let you sponsor yourself. Factor visas and banking into the true total before choosing on headline price. See the full comparison table and run the matcher.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest free zone licence in the UAE?
Is the cheapest free zone a good idea?
Sources
- Free zone authority packages 2026 (Ajman, SHAMS, RAKEZ, SPC, Meydan, IFZA)
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