Cheapest Free Zone Licence in the UAE: Compare the Full Cost
Published 13 September 2026Updated 16 September 20266 min read
Entry-level free zone packages in the northern emirates and Sharjah are commonly advertised from roughly AED 5,500 to AED 6,500, while Dubai general zones typically start higher.
These figures move with authority pricing and promotions, so treat any published number as indicative and confirm before you apply.
What an entry-level package usually includes
The lowest tier normally covers the minimum a company needs to exist.
- One licence with a limited number of activities
- Certificate of incorporation and articles
- A flexi-desk or shared address
- Zero or very low visa allocation
What it usually excludes
These items are the reason a cheap package can end up mid-priced.
- Establishment card
- Residence visas and medicals
- Additional activities beyond the included count
- Private office or warehouse
- Attestations, translations and special approvals
Want this checked for your business?
Send your activity and visa plan on WhatsApp and we’ll reply with suitable free zone options and an indicative cost.
Chat on WhatsAppWhen a cheap licence is the right choice
It works well for solo consultants and online businesses who do not need visas immediately, hold no physical stock, and want a compliant, low-commitment structure to start invoicing.
When it becomes false economy
If you need several visas, a real office, regulated activities or credible banking, a slightly more expensive zone often costs less in total and avoids restructuring within the first year.
Questions to ask before paying
Ask these before any deposit.
- What is the second-year renewal cost?
- How many activities and visas are included?
- Is the establishment card included?
- Which fees are government fees and which are service fees?
- What happens if I need to add an activity or visa later?
Key takeaways
- No provider can promise the lowest total cost — only a clear breakdown
- Cheap packages usually exclude visas and the establishment card
- Renewal pricing decides real value
This article is general information published by TRASOL LLC - FZ and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Fees, rules and processing times are set by the relevant UAE authorities and can change. Verify current requirements before acting.
