Free zones in Dubai

22 free zones compared, with packages from AED 12,360. Independent research, honest pros and cons, and packages you can buy online.

Setting up a company in Dubai

Dubai is the UAE's commercial engine and the emirate most founders think of first. It has the largest number of free zones in the country, from broad multi-activity zones that welcome first-time founders to specialist districts for finance, commodities, media, healthcare, education and logistics. A Dubai address carries strong recognition with clients, suppliers and banks around the world.

The free zones here differ mainly by focus and by the type of space they offer. Some, such as IFZA and Meydan, are built for fast online setups on a flexi desk. Others, like JAFZA and Dubai South, are designed around warehouses and port or airport access, while DIFC runs its own common-law courts and financial regulator. TECOM's communities, including Dubai Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Park, sit under the Dubai Development Authority and suit tech, media and learning companies.

Cost is the trade-off. A simple services licence with one visa in Dubai typically starts from somewhere around AED 13,000 to 20,000 in the first year, and specialist or premium zones can cost several times that once office rent is included. These are market estimates, so always confirm the current fee with the zone.

Dubai suits founders who will meet clients in person, need a recognised business address, plan to hire, or want access to the city's air and sea links. If your only goal is the lowest possible licence fee, a northern-emirate zone may be a better starting point.

How to choose in Dubai

Start with your activity: specialist zones such as DMCC, DIFC or Dubai Healthcare City are only worth the premium if your business is in their sector.
Decide how many visas you need in the next two years, because most Dubai zones tie visa numbers to the office or desk you lease.
Check whether you need a warehouse or customs access; if so, look at JAFZA, Dubai South or Dubai Airport Free Zone rather than a desk-based zone.
Compare the full first-year budget, including registration, establishment card, visas and rent, not just the headline licence price.
If you plan to serve mainland Dubai customers, ask how the zone handles mainland permits introduced in 2025.
Think about location for your team: metro access and commute times differ a lot between zones.

Lowest starting price

Fastest typical setup

IFZA

~3 working days

All Dubai free zones

IFZA

Dubai

Price: from
AED 13,287
Estimated price
Setup time: ~3 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Consultants, Traders

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Meydan FZ

Dubai

Price: from
AED 12,875
Estimated price
Setup time: ~3 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Consultants, E-commerce sellers

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DMCC

Dubai

Price: from
AED 36,050
Estimated price
Setup time: ~14 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Commodity traders, Crypto and Web3 businesses

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JAFZA

Dubai

Price: from
AED 25,750
Estimated price
Setup time: ~10 days
Visa quota: Up to 25 visas

Best for: Importers and exporters, Logistics companies

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DAFZ

Dubai

Price: from
AED 25,750
Estimated price
Setup time: ~10 days
Visa quota: Up to 10 visas

Best for: Air-freight traders, Tech and electronics companies

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TECOM

Dubai

Price: from
AED 18,025
Estimated price
Setup time: ~10 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Media and publishing companies, Tech and software firms

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DSO

Dubai

Price: from
AED 14,935
Estimated price
Setup time: ~7 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Tech startups, Software companies

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Dubai South

Dubai

Price: from
AED 12,360
Estimated price
Setup time: ~3 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Aviation and logistics companies, Traders near Al Maktoum Airport

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DIFC

Dubai

Price: from
AED 46,350
Estimated price
Setup time: ~21 days
Visa quota: Up to 10 visas

Best for: Financial services firms, Family offices and holding SPVs

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CommerCity

Dubai

Price: from
AED 18,025
Estimated price
Setup time: ~7 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: E-commerce brands, Marketplaces

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DWTC

Dubai

Price: from
AED 19,055
Estimated price
Setup time: ~10 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Events and exhibition companies, Virtual asset businesses

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DKP

Dubai

Price: from
AED 25,750
Estimated price
Setup time: ~21 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Training providers and coaches, HR and recruitment agencies

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Expo City

Dubai

Price: from
AED 18,540
Estimated price
Setup time: ~10 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Sustainability and innovation companies, Firms wanting a landmark address

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d3

Dubai

Price: from
AED 16,480
Estimated price
Setup time: ~10 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Fashion and luxury brands, Designers and architects

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DHCC

Dubai

Price: from
AED 25,750
Estimated price
Setup time: ~21 days
Visa quota: Up to 10 visas

Best for: Clinics and medical centres, Healthcare professionals

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DPC

Dubai

Price: from
AED 30,900
Estimated price
Setup time: ~30 days
Visa quota: Up to 10 visas

Best for: Printing presses, Packaging manufacturers

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DIAC

Dubai

Price: from
AED 16,995
Estimated price
Setup time: ~10 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Training institutes, Education consultants

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DSP

Dubai

Price: from
AED 18,025
Estimated price
Setup time: ~14 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Pharma and life sciences, Lab and medical equipment traders

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Studio City

Dubai

Price: from
AED 16,480
Estimated price
Setup time: ~10 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Film and TV production, Broadcast and music companies

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DOC

Dubai

Price: from
AED 36,050
Estimated price
Setup time: ~30 days
Visa quota: Up to 50 visas

Best for: Contact centres, IT help desks

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Gold & Diamond Park

Dubai

Price: from
AED 30,900
Estimated price
Setup time: ~14 days
Visa quota: Up to 6 visas

Best for: Jewellery manufacturers, Gold and diamond traders

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DMC

Dubai

Price: from
AED 22,660
Estimated price
Setup time: ~14 days
Visa quota: Up to 10 visas

Best for: Ship management and brokers, Marine services

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Dubai free zones at a glance
Free zone	From	Visas	Setup	In short
IFZA	AED 13,287	Up to 6	~3 days	Consultants, Traders
Meydan FZ	AED 12,875	Up to 6	~3 days	Consultants, E-commerce sellers
DMCC	AED 36,050	Up to 6	~14 days	Commodity traders, Crypto and Web3 businesses
JAFZA	AED 25,750	Up to 25	~10 days	Importers and exporters, Logistics companies
DAFZ	AED 25,750	Up to 10	~10 days	Air-freight traders, Tech and electronics companies
TECOM	AED 18,025	Up to 6	~10 days	Media and publishing companies, Tech and software firms
DSO	AED 14,935	Up to 6	~7 days	Tech startups, Software companies
Dubai South	AED 12,360	Up to 6	~3 days	Aviation and logistics companies, Traders near Al Maktoum Airport
DIFC	AED 46,350	Up to 10	~21 days	Financial services firms, Family offices and holding SPVs
CommerCity	AED 18,025	Up to 6	~7 days	E-commerce brands, Marketplaces
DWTC	AED 19,055	Up to 6	~10 days	Events and exhibition companies, Virtual asset businesses
DKP	AED 25,750	Up to 6	~21 days	Training providers and coaches, HR and recruitment agencies
Expo City	AED 18,540	Up to 6	~10 days	Sustainability and innovation companies, Firms wanting a landmark address
d3	AED 16,480	Up to 6	~10 days	Fashion and luxury brands, Designers and architects
DHCC	AED 25,750	Up to 10	~21 days	Clinics and medical centres, Healthcare professionals
DPC	AED 30,900	Up to 10	~30 days	Printing presses, Packaging manufacturers
DIAC	AED 16,995	Up to 6	~10 days	Training institutes, Education consultants
DSP	AED 18,025	Up to 6	~14 days	Pharma and life sciences, Lab and medical equipment traders
Studio City	AED 16,480	Up to 6	~10 days	Film and TV production, Broadcast and music companies
DOC	AED 36,050	Up to 50	~30 days	Contact centres, IT help desks
Gold & Diamond Park	AED 30,900	Up to 6	~14 days	Jewellery manufacturers, Gold and diamond traders
DMC	AED 22,660	Up to 10	~14 days	Ship management and brokers, Marine services

Prices are “from” estimates and subject to free zone fees. Confirm the final quote with our advisor before you pay.

Dubai free zone FAQs

How many free zones are there in Dubai?

Dubai has more than 20 free zones and free zone communities. Some are grouped under one authority, such as the TECOM communities under the Dubai Development Authority, so counts vary by source.

Which Dubai free zone is usually the cheapest to start in?

Multi-activity zones like IFZA, Meydan and Dubai South's business centre packages tend to have the lowest entry prices. Prices change often, so compare current quotes with the same number of visas.

Can a Dubai free zone company work with customers in mainland Dubai?

A free zone company can sell to mainland clients in many cases, but carrying out activities onsite in the mainland may need a permit or a mainland branch. Check the rules for your activity and zone.

Is a Dubai free zone better than a Sharjah or RAK free zone?

Dubai gives stronger brand recognition and more specialist options, but usually at higher cost. Sharjah, Ajman and RAK zones are often cheaper for simple services or trading businesses.

Do Dubai free zone companies pay corporate tax?

UAE corporate tax applies to free zone companies. Qualifying free zone persons can benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income, while other income is generally taxed at 9% above the threshold.

Can I change from one Dubai free zone to another later?

Moving usually means closing or transferring the company and setting up again, though some zones offer continuation or relocation routes. Choosing carefully at the start saves time and fees.

Not sure which Dubai free zone fits?

Tell us about your business. An advisor will recommend the best free zone and send you a full cost breakdown — usually within one working hour.

Honest advice across all free zones
Full cost breakdown — no hidden fees
Licence, visa, bank account and tax in one place

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