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Zones & prices

UAE company setup: every zone compared

Mainland or free zone? Compare license prices, visa costs and setup times — then get a personal recommendation and estimate online.

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Mainland companies

Trade anywhere in the UAE, open retail locations and bid for government contracts.

Mainland · Dubai

Dubai Mainland (DET)

Retail, trading within the UAE, contracting, restaurants, service businesses with local customers
License starting from AED 16,500 · 7–15 working days
Mainland · Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED)

Government suppliers, oil & gas services, contracting, consultancy in Abu Dhabi
License starting from AED 13,000 · 10–20 working days
Mainland · Sharjah

Sharjah Mainland (SEDD)

Cost-conscious mainland businesses, trading, workshops
License starting from AED 11,000 · 7–15 working days

Free zone companies

100% foreign ownership, lower entry cost — ideal for international trade, consultancy, e-commerce, tech and media.

Free zone · Dubai

DMCC Free Zone

Commodities, trading, crypto/tech, holding companies, businesses that need bank credibility
License starting from AED 20,000 · 10–20 working days
Free zone · Dubai

IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)

Consultancy, e-commerce, IT, general trading, freelancers growing into companies
License starting from AED 12,900 · 5–10 working days
Free zone · Dubai

Meydan Free Zone

E-commerce, consultancy, media, holding companies wanting a Dubai address
License starting from AED 12,500 · 5–10 working days
Free zone · Sharjah

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Media, marketing, consultancy, freelancers, e-commerce on a budget
License starting from AED 5,750 · 3–7 working days
Free zone · Sharjah

SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Publishing City)

General trading, e-commerce, services, startups on a budget
License starting from AED 5,750 · 3–7 working days
Free zone · Ras Al Khaimah

RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)

Manufacturing, industrial, warehousing, budget trading companies
License starting from AED 7,500 · 5–10 working days
Free zone · Ajman

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)

Small trading and service companies, first-time founders on a budget
License starting from AED 6,500 · 3–7 working days
Free zone · Abu Dhabi

ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)

Financial services, funds, family offices, holding and SPV structures
License starting from AED 25,000 · 15–30 working days

Prices are indicative starting fees in AED and may change; your estimate confirms the final figures.