Choosing the right free zone in the UAE can shape your business’s future success—and cost. With over 45+ free zones spread across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Many entrepreneurs ask:
“Should I go for a low-cost setup, or should I prioritize flexibility and location?”
This guide simplifies the decision. We break down everything you need to know—from business activity to capital needs—to help you choose the best UAE free zone that aligns with your goals.
Each free zone offers:
100% foreign ownership
Zero corporate and income tax
Full repatriation of profits
Business-friendly registration process
But beyond the surface, every zone has unique rules, pricing, and facilities that impact your operations. Making the wrong choice can mean higher costs, limited activities, or future relocation.
Free zones are activity-specific.
Consulting or advisory? SHAMS and IFZA are flexible.
E-commerce or trading? UAQ FTZ and RAKEZ are low-cost and logistics-friendly.
FinTech or digital assets? Consider ADGM or RAK DAO.
Manufacturing or industrial? RAKEZ or KEZAD might fit.
Some zones limit you to one category per license, while others allow multiple activities under the same license.
OfinGlobal helps you shortlist zones where your chosen activities are already approved—saving you time and rework.
Not every business needs a physical office—but some free zones require it.
Free Zone | Flexi Desk | Office Space | Warehouse Option |
SHAMS | Yes | Optional | No |
IFZA | Yes | Optional | No |
RAKEZ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
UAQ FTZ | Yes | Optional | Limited |
ADGM | Required | Yes | No |
Consider what your client-facing, logistics, and visa needs are before locking in a facility.
Some free zones require a minimum share capital, others just a declaration.
Free Zone | Minimum Capital | Deposit Required |
IFZA | AED 10,000 | No |
DMCC | AED 50,000 | Yes |
SHAMS | Not applicable | No |
RAKEZ | AED 10,000–100,000 (depends on activity) | Depends on structure |
OfinGlobal helps clarify which free zones require actual deposits vs. just declarations.
License fees vary based on:
Number of visa slots
Office type
Activity category
Free Zone | License Cost (Zero Visa) | 1-Visa Package | Renewal Fee |
SHAMS | AED 5,750 | AED 11,000 | AED 5,750 |
IFZA | AED 12,900 | AED 14,900 | Same as initial |
RAKEZ | AED 6,000 | AED 11,500+ | AED 6,000 |
Watch out for hidden costs like visa processing, establishment cards, and Emirates ID.
OfinGlobal gives you transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no last-minute surprises.
If you’re planning to grow or bring in investors:
Choose zones with banking flexibility
Select zones that support business restructuring or upgrades
Ensure multi-visa options and team expansion are available
We help structure your setup with scalability in mind—so you don’t outgrow your license prematurely.
We’ve helped 1000s of entrepreneurs like you choose the right free zone based on activity, budget, and growth plans.
Here’s how we help:
Match your activity with compliant free zones
Offer flat pricing with no hidden costs
Manage licensing, banking, visa & document handling
Provide India–UAE tax advisory if you have operations in both countries
Support your accounting, VAT, and PRO needs post-registration
You won’t just get a license—you’ll get a long-term growth partner.
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