DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, JAFZA, DIFC... with 45+ free zones in the UAE, choosing the wrong one costs you time, money, and opportunities. We help you find your perfect match.
Most entrepreneurs focus on one question: "Which free zone is cheapest?"
But the cheapest zone might not license your activity. Or it caps visas at 2 when you need 5. Or banks reject 60% of applications from that zone. Or renewal costs double what you expected.
The right question is: "Which free zone is the best fit for my specific business, team size, and growth plans?"
That answer is different for every business. A solo consultant has different needs than an e-commerce company with 10 employees. A fintech startup needs a different zone than a trading company.
Factors
Each factor narrows down 45+ options to a handful that actually fit your business.
Each free zone specializes in certain activities. Trading, consulting, tech, media, finance - the right zone depends on what you do.
45+ zones, 2,000+ activity codes
Need 1 visa or 20? Visa quotas vary dramatically. Some zones cap at 3, others offer unlimited based on office size.
Quotas range from 0 to unlimited
Virtual office, flexi-desk, or full office? Not all zones offer virtual options. Physical office costs vary 5x between zones.
Virtual not available everywhere
DIFC address vs Ajman address signals differently to clients and banks. Location affects banking approval rates.
Banking approval varies by zone
Some zones process in 24 hours, others take 2-3 weeks. If time matters, zone choice is critical.
24 hours to 3 weeks
DIFC and ADGM have their own courts and common law. Other zones follow UAE federal law. This matters for contracts.
3 different legal systems
Categories
Different zones serve different purposes. Here's how they group.
Lower setup and renewal costs. Ideal for solopreneurs, consultants, and startups testing the market.
Consider: May have limited visa quotas and virtual office restrictions
Higher costs but better banking approval, client perception, and infrastructure.
Consider: Costs 2-3x higher but opens doors with banks and enterprise clients
Warehouse facilities, port access, and trading-focused infrastructure.
Consider: Require physical presence, higher minimum investment
Ecosystems designed for technology companies with specialized support.
Consider: Some require tech-focused business plans to qualify
Regulated environments for financial services with their own legal frameworks.
Consider: Separate regulatory requirements, higher compliance costs
Not sure which category fits your business?
Get Personalized RecommendationAvoid These
The cheapest zone might not allow your activity, limit your visas, or hurt your banking chances. Total cost of ownership over 3 years matters more than Year 1.
You find a great zone, start the process, then discover they don't license your specific activity. Each zone has its own approved activity list.
You plan for 2 visas, then hire 4 people. Upgrading packages mid-year is expensive. Some zones won't allow upgrades at all.
Some zones have 90%+ banking approval rates. Others struggle below 50%. Your zone choice directly affects whether you can open a bank account.
Year 1 costs are promotional. Renewal costs are 20-40% higher in some zones. A 3-year view changes the math completely.
Free Consultation
Tell us about your business, and we'll recommend the free zones that actually fit your needs - not just the cheapest or most popular.
Response within 30 minutes during business hours
FAQs