40+ free zones of the UAE
UAE Free Zones Guide: Choosing the Optimal Jurisdiction in 2025
Over 40 free zones with different specializations. We help you navigate this diversity and choose the best option for your budget and goals
TOP 10 zones
Detailed overview
From 5,500 AED
Starting price
100% ownership
Foreign capital
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Why Do 85% of International Businesses Start in UAE Free Zones?
Free Zones are special territories with unique tax, customs, and administrative regulations. Key business benefits include:
100% foreign ownership
Full control over the business without a localpartner
Tax exemption
Полное освобождение от
налогов на 50 лет
налогов на 50 лет
Repatriation of capital
Full repatriation of profits and capital
Simplified registration
Fast and clearregistration process
Customs privileges
Reduced customsduties and charges
An overview of the TOP 10+ free zones
Detailed information about each free zone for making an informed decision
DMCC
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Premium Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai
Specialization
Gold & diamond trading, commodities, general trading & services, fintech
Advantages
High prestige, easy bank account opening, wide license selection, 22,000+ company community
from 15,000 AED
Ideal for: Large & medium B2B businesses, trading companies, financial technologies.
JAFZA
Jebel Ali Free Zone
Industrial Hub
Near Jebel Ali Port, Dubai
Specialization
Logistics, heavy industry, trading, manufacturing
Advantages
Largest seaport in the Middle East, developed logistics infrastructure
from 20,000 AED
Ideal for: Manufacturing companies, large traders, logistics operators.
DAFZ
Dubai Airport Freezone
Aviation Hub
Near Dubai International Airport
Specialization
Aviation, logistics, IT, electronics, pharmaceuticals
Advantages
Direct runway access, accelerated customs clearance
from 18,000 AED
Ideal for: Aviation companies, express logistics, perishable goods trading
DWC
Dubai World Central
Logistics Hub
Near Al Maktoum Airport, Dubai
Specialization
Logistics, aviation, manufacturing, e-commerce
Advantages
Modern infrastructure, competitive pricing, flexible terms
from 9,000 AED
Ideal for: Startups, logistics companies, e-commerce businesses
IFZA
International Free Zone Authority
Budget Choice
Dubai
Specialization
General business, IT, consulting, services
Advantages
Lowest market cost, fast registration (24-48 hours)
from 6,900 AED
Ideal for: Startups, freelancers, small businesses
SHAMS
Sharjah Media City
Media Hub
Sharjah
Specialization
Media, marketing, advertising, design, IT, consulting
Advantages
24-hour registration, minimal cost
from 7,500 AED
Ideal for: Freelancers, media & digital startups
RAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Universal Zone
Ras Al Khaimah
Specialization
Industry, services, education, tourism
Advantages
Low prices, license variety, fast processing
from 8,500 AED
Ideal for: Small & medium businesses, manufacturing companies
ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Financial Centre
Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Specialization
Financial services, fintech, consulting
Advantages
English Common Law, international regulatory standards
from 15,000 AED
Financial companies, fintech startups, hedge funds
TECOM
Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone
Technology Hub
Various clusters in Dubai
Specialization
IT, media, education, biotechnology
Advantages
Specialized clusters (Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, etc.)
from 15,000 AED
Ideal for: IT companies, media businesses, educational institutions
Fujairah Creative City
Fujairah Creative City Free Zone
Budget Media Zone
Fujairah
Specialization
Media, consulting, IT, services
Advantages
Low cost, fast processing
from 5,500 AED
Ideal for: Freelancers, consultants, small businesses
UAE Free Zones Comparison Table
Quick comparison of key parameters for making a decision
Free Zone
Startup Cost
Processing Time
Specialization
Key Advantages
DMCC
from 15,000 AED
7-10 days
Trading, Services
Prestige, easy banking
JAFZA
from 20,000 AED
10-14 days
Industrial
Port facilities
DAFZ
from 18,000 AED
7-10 days
Aviation
Airport access
DWC
from 9,000 AED
5-7 days
Logistics
Best value
IFZA
from 6,900 AED
2-3 days
Universal
Lowest cost
SHAMS
from 7,500 AED
1-3 days
Media
Fastest registration
RAKEZ
from 8,500 AED
5-7 days
Universal
Flexible terms
ADGM
from 15,000 AED
10-14 days
Finance
English Common Law
TECOM
from 15,000 AED
7-10 days
Technology
Industry clusters
Fujairah
from 5,500 AED
3-5 days
Media/Services
Lowest cost option
* Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the type of license and additional services.
01
Business Activity
Choose a zone with a specialization in your industry. This will simplify obtaining a licenseand give access to the relevant business community.
02
Budget
Consider not only the start-up costs, but also the annual costs of license renewal, visas, and office services.
03
The reputation of banks
Some zones have a better reputation for opening accounts. DMCC and JAFZA are traditionally highly trusted by banks.
04
Location
Accessibility for clients and partners. Proximity to an airport, port, or businesscenter can be critical for your business.
05
Additional services
Ready-made offices, visa support, business services. Some zonesoffer a complete ecosystem for businesses.
How to Choose a Free Zone: 5 Key Factors
Choosing the right zone determines the success of your business for years to come.
Frequent questions about free zones
Answers to popular questions about registering and working in Free Zones
In 2025, the most budget-friendly options are IFZA in Dubai and Fujairah Creative City.
DMCC, JAFZA, and DAFZ have the best banking reputation due to stringent company requirements.
Yes, but it requires company re-registration. We assist with migration between zones.
Get Your Personal Free Zone Selection with Cost Calculation
We are official agents for all presented free zones. Our service includes:
Reply within 24 hours
Free consultation
Official agents of all zones
Analysis of your business and selection of 3 optimal zones
Detailed cost calculation for setup and annual maintenance
Comparison of advantages and limitations for each zone
Your reliable partner for starting and doing business in the UAE. A full cycle of services with guaranteed results.
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