Understanding the exact costs of setting up a Freezone company in Dubai is crucial for budgeting and financial planning. At AEY Prime Ventures, we provide transparent pricing insights to help you make informed decisions.
This guide covers:
✅ License fees across major Freezones (DMCC, IFZA, JAFZA, DIFC)
✅ Visa costs for investors & employees
✅ Office space (flexi-desk vs. physical office pricing)
✅ Hidden fees many providers don’t disclose
✅ Cost-saving tips for startups & SMEs
Freezone Company Setup Cost – Key Components
Freezone Authority (each has different pricing)
Business Activity (trading, consulting, e-commerce, etc.)
License Type (commercial, professional, industrial)
Office Requirements (virtual office, flexi-desk, or physical space)
Freezone | License Type | Cost (AED) |
DMCC | Trading/Service | 15,000 – 30,000 |
IFZA | General Trading | 12,000 – 25,000 |
JAFZA | Industrial/Trading | 20,000 – 50,000 |
DIFC | Financial Services | 50,000 – 100,000+ |
SHAMS (Sharjah) | Freelancer/Consulting | 10,000 – 15,000 |
Visa Costs (Investor & Employee Visas)
Investor Visa (1-3 years): AED 3,000 – 7,000 per visa
Employee Visa: AED 5,000 – 10,000 (includes medical, Emirates ID, residency stamping)
Dependents Visa: AED 3,500 – 6,000 per person
*Pro Tip: Some Freezones bundle 1-2 free visas with the license.*
Office Space Costs (Flexi-Desk vs. Physical Office)
Office Type | Average Cost (AED/Year) | Best For |
Virtual Office | 5,000 – 10,000 | Freelancers, startups |
Flexi-Desk | 10,000 – 20,000 | Small teams (1-3 people) |
Private Office | 30,000 – 100,000+ | Medium/large businesses |
Additional Fees (Often Overlooked)
Registration Fee: AED 2,000 – 5,000 (one-time)
Trade Name Reservation: AED 500 – 1,000
Notarization & Attestation: AED 1,000 – 3,000
Bank Account Opening: AED 3,000 – 8,000 (varies by bank)
Freezone | License Fee (AED) | Office Requirement | Office Cost (AED/year) | Visa Cost (per visa) | Total 1st Year Estimate (AED) |
IFZA | 12,000 – 25,000 | Virtual Office Available | 5,000 – 8,000 | 3,000 – 5,000 | 20,000 – 40,000 |
JAFZA | 20,000 – 50,000 | Mandatory Physical Office/Warehouse | 25,000+ | 6,000 – 10,000 | 50,000 – 100,000+ |
DMCC | 15,000 – 30,000 | Flexi-Desk Minimum | 12,000 – 50,000 | 5,000 – 7,000 | 35,000 – 60,000 |
SHAMS | 10,000 – 15,000 | Virtual Office Available | 4,500 – 7,500 | 3,500 – 5,500 | 15,000 – 30,000 |
How to Reduce Freezone Setup Costs?
Choose a Virtual Office – Saves AED 15,000+ vs. physical space.
Opt for a Flexi-Desk – Ideal for small teams.
Select a Cost-Effective Freezone (IFZA, SHAMS, or Ajman Freezone).
Bundle Services (Some providers offer discounts on visas & licenses).
Avoid Unnecessary Add-ons (Only pay for what you need).
FAQs on Freezone Company Costs
What is the cheapest Freezone in Dubai?
IFZA & SHAMS offer licenses from AED 10,000.
Are there hidden fees in Freezone setup?
Yes – watch for registration, attestation, and bank fees.
Can I get a Freezone license without an office?
Some Freezones (IFZA, SHAMS) allow virtual offices.
How much does a Dubai Freezone visa cost?
Between AED 3,000 – 10,000 per visa.
Which Freezone is best for low-cost trading?
IFZA & Ajman Free Zone offer affordable trading licenses.
