Thinking About Starting a Business in Dubai? Here’s What It’ll Cost You!
So, you’re ready to make your entrepreneurial debut in Dubai? Great choice! Setting up a Dubai Free Zone Company Setup is one of the smartest moves for business owners looking for tax benefits, 100% foreign ownership, and a smooth registration process. But before you dive in, let’s talk numbers because nobody likes unexpected costs.
Dubai offers a range of Free Zones, each catering to different industries and budgets. Some are affordable, while others come with premium perks. If you’re looking for the cheapest Free Zone in UAE, this guide will break down the costs, factors that affect pricing, and the best options available for a business setup in Dubai Free Zone.

Ready? Let’s roll!
What Affects the Cost of Business Setup in a Dubai Free Zone?
All the free zones are different. The cost of setting up a business in a Free Zone depends on several factors, including:
1. The Free Zone You Choose
Dubai has over 50 Free Zones, each catering to specific industries. Some focus on tech and innovation, while others support trading and logistics. The Dubai Free Zone Company Setup cost varies significantly between these zones.
Premium Free Zones like DMCC charge more due to their top-tier infrastructure and prime locations, while budget-friendly zones like JAFZA offer lower-cost alternatives with fewer frills.
2. License Type and Business Activity
The type of business you want to operate plays a major role in determining the cost. Consultancy and service-based businesses generally have lower licensing fees compared to industrial or trading businesses that require warehousing and logistics support.
Choosing the wrong license can be a blessing in disguise if it forces you to reconsider and optimize your business model.
3. Office Space Requirements
Some Free Zones allow virtual offices, which significantly reduce setup costs, while others mandate a physical space. Renting an office in a high-demand zone like DMCC or Dubai Silicon Oasis is more expensive than setting up in a more budget-friendly Free Zone.
If you’re looking for the cheapest Free Zone in UAE, opting for a Free Zone that allows flexi-desk or virtual offices can help you save a significant amount.
4. Visa Costs
If your business requires hiring employees, visa costs will be an additional expense. Some Free Zones offer visa-inclusive packages, while others charge separately for each visa. If you plan to scale quickly, factor in visa costs as part of your business setup in Dubai Free Zone budget.
5. Government Fees and Additional Charges
While some Free Zones offer all-inclusive packages, others charge separately for government approvals, document attestations, and company renewals. If you’re not careful, you could end up barking up the wrong tree by choosing a seemingly cheap Free Zone that later surprises you with hidden costs.
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s talk about real numbers.
Breaking Down the Costs: Free Zone by Free Zone
Here’s a quick look at what it’ll cost you to set up a business in some of the most popular Free Zones in Dubai.
1. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) – AED 10,000
- One of the cheapest Free Zones in UAE.
- Ideal for startups and small businesses.
- Offers a range of business activities at low costs.
2. Meydan Free Zone – AED 13,000
- Located in the heart of Dubai, offering premium business services.
- Great for e-commerce, consultancy, and trading businesses.
3. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) – AED 20,000
- Premium Free Zone with world-class business infrastructure.
- Ideal for trading, commodities, and financial businesses.
- Offers flexible office spaces and multiple visa options.
4. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) – AED 5,000
- The most cost-effective option for businesses requiring warehouses and logistics.
- Ideal for import/export, trading, and industrial businesses.
- Offers tax benefits and strategic access to global markets.
Want to save money? Cutting corners on legal procedures is not going to work. It’s best to always go for legitimate business setup solutions to avoid trouble later!
Why ExpressPRO is Your Go-To Partner for Dubai Free Zone Business Setup
If all these numbers have got your head spinning, don’t worry; we’ve got your back! At ExpressPRO, we specialize in making Dubai Free Zone Company Setup a smooth experience for businesses of all sizes.
You might be a solopreneur looking for an affordable business setup in Dubai Free Zone or an established company searching for the best location; we tailor solutions to your needs.
Our team of experts provides end-to-end support, from selecting the cheapest Free Zone in UAE to handling your paperwork, visas, and approvals. With our transparent pricing, you won’t have to worry about unexpected costs.
Visit our website at ExpressPRO, and let’s get your business up and running in Dubai’s Free Zones.