Starting a business in the UAE has never been easier. With over 40 Free Zones across the country, entrepreneurs enjoy 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and fast approvals. Choosing the right Free Zone is crucial for cost efficiency, visa options, and business growth.

At Ideas Business Setup Experts, we have helped over 1,500 clients in 2025 set up their companies smoothly in UAE Free Zones. This guide lists the top 10 Free Zones for startups in 2026, with costs, benefits, and visa packages.

1️⃣ Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Free Zone

• Licence Type: Trading, consultancy, and services

• Cost: AED 18,000–25,000

• Visa Packages: 1–5 visas

• Highlights:
  • Ranked #1 Free Zone in the UAE for startups

  • State-of-the-art office infrastructure

  • Ideal for trading, commodities, and consultancy

• Client Tip: Over 200 startups chose DMCC in 2025 for its credibility and global recognition.

2️⃣ Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)

• Licence Type: Trading, consultancy, service, industrial

• Cost: AED 9,500–15,000

• Visa Packages: 1–3 visas

• Highlights:
  • Most affordable Free Zone for startups

  • Fast approval process (3–5 days)

  • Flexible office options

• Why Startups Love It: Cost-effective solutions with multiple visa options.

3️⃣ RAK Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ)

• Licence Type: Trading, services, e-commerce

• Cost: AED 12,000–18,000

• Visa Packages: 1–3 visas

• Highlights:
  • Excellent location near Ras Al Khaimah ports

  • Ideal for import/export businesses

  • Affordable business setup for SMEs

• Client Example: Startups saved AED 10,000 compared to Dubai Free Zones in 2025.

4️⃣ Fujairah Creative City Free Zone

• Licence Type: Media, consultancy, IT, service activities

• Cost: AED 10,500–15,000

• Visa Packages: 1–2 visas

• Highlights:
  • Perfect for creative entrepreneurs and freelancers

  • Cost-effective with low overhead

  • Flexible workspace options

• Tip: Fast approval process, ideal for startups who want to begin operations quickly.

5️⃣ Umm Al Quwain Free Zone (UAQ FTZ)

• Licence Type: Trading, consultancy, industrial, service

• Cost: AED 11,000–16,000

• Visa Packages: 1–3 visas

• Highlights:
  • One of the cheapest Free Zones in UAE

  • Fast licence issuance (3–7 days)

  • Ideal for SMEs and small-scale trading businesses

• Client Success: Many startups reported launching within a week with our guidance.

6️⃣ Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

• Licence Type: Technology, IT, consultancy, trading

• Cost: AED 15,000–22,000

• Visa Packages: 1–5 visas

• Highlights:
  • Ideal for tech startups and IT companies

  • High-quality infrastructure and smart office solutions

  • Government-supported innovation hub

• Why It Works: Tech entrepreneurs benefit from networking and support programs.

7️⃣ Sharjah Media City (Shams)

• Licence Type: Media, creative, consultancy, e-commerce

• Cost: AED 10,000–14,000

• Visa Packages: 1–2 visas

• Highlights:
  • Perfect for freelancers, digital agencies, and content creators

  • Quick setup with affordable packages

  • Flexible workspace solutions

• Client Tip: Many creative startups saved AED 8,000–10,000 compared to Dubai creative zones.

8️⃣ Dubai South Free Zone

• Licence Type: Logistics, trading, aviation, service

• Cost: AED 12,000–20,000

• Visa Packages: 1–5 visas

• Highlights:
  • Close to Al Maktoum International Airport

  • Ideal for logistics and trading businesses

  • Fast approvals and scalable packages

• Tip: Startups focusing on import/export or logistics find this zone extremely efficient.

9️⃣ Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Free Zone

• Licence Type: Finance, consultancy, IT, trading

• Cost: AED 20,000–30,000

• Visa Packages: 1–5 visas

• Highlights:
  • Focused on financial and consultancy services

  • High credibility with international recognition

  • Ideal for professional services startups

• Client Example: ADGM attracts finance-related startups seeking credibility and global reach.

🔟 Dubai Internet City (DIC)

• Licence Type: IT, software, e-commerce, consultancy

• Cost: AED 18,000–25,000

• Visa Packages: 1–5 visas

• Highlights:
  • Hub for technology and digital startups

  • Access to IT networking, business events, and incubation

  • Flexible office solutions

• Tip: Tech startups gain credibility and client access quickly in DIC.

✅ How to Choose the Right Free Zone in 2026

1. Budget-Friendly Option: AFZ, UAQ FTZ, Fujairah Creative City

2. Trading & Import/Export: DMCC, RAK FTZ, Dubai South

3. Creative/Tech Startups: DIC, Shams, DSO

4. Professional/Finance: ADGM, DMCC

Pro Tip: Over 60% of our clients in 2025 chose Free Zones based on visa requirements and business activity to minimize setup costs.

🚀 Why Choose Ideas Business Setup Experts

• Helped 1,500+ clients launch their UAE business in 2025

• Transparent pricing with fast approvals

• End-to-end services: Licence, visa, office setup, bank accounts

• Free consultation to guide your Free Zone selection

• Experts in Mainland and Free Zone business setup

“Don’t waste months figuring out paperwork — join hundreds of entrepreneurs who started their UAE business in under a week with our help!”

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