DMCC — Dubai
Commodities, trading, consulting, professional services
- Setup time
- 1–2 weeks
- Starting cost
- AED 18,000+
ConsultNexN° 004UAE jurisdictions
40+ zones. One team. The right match every time.
The right zone depends on your activity, budget, and business model. We guide you to the optimal choice — before you spend a dirham.
How to read this
The UAE's free zones are not interchangeable.
IFZA is optimised for startups and SMEs who want a fast, cost-effective licence. DMCC is built for commodities and trading businesses that need credibility and ecosystem access. DIFC exists for financial services firms that require a DFSA-regulated environment.
Getting this wrong costs time and money. ConsultNex begins every engagement with a jurisdiction analysis. We recommend the right zone before any documents are submitted.
Most popular jurisdictions
Side-by-side comparison.
Starting figures only. Final cost depends on activity, visa allocation, and office package — your written quote includes the full breakdown.
Dubai Mainland (DED)
Retail, F&B, govt contracts, UAE-wide services
- Setup time
- 2–4 weeks
- Starting cost
- AED 12,500+
DIFC
Fintech, financial services, legal, wealth management
- Setup time
- 2–3 weeks
- Starting cost
- AED 20,000+
IFZA
Startups, SMEs, consulting, e-commerce, freelancers
- Setup time
- 48 hours
- Starting cost
- AED 5,750+
JAFZA
Logistics, manufacturing, import/export, port access
- Setup time
- 1–2 weeks
- Starting cost
- AED 15,000+
ADGM — Abu Dhabi
Asset management, fintech, investment, family offices
- Setup time
- 2–3 weeks
- Starting cost
- AED 22,000+
RAKEZ
Budget setups, e-commerce, consultancies, light industrial
- Setup time
- 3–5 days
- Starting cost
- AED 5,750+
Sharjah (SAIF/SHAMS)
Trading, industrial, media, education
- Setup time
- 3–5 days
- Starting cost
- AED 11,000+
RAK ICC — Offshore
Asset holding, intl trading, privacy structures
- Setup time
- 3–5 days
- Starting cost
- AED 10,500+
DAFZA
Aviation, high-value trading, tech, airport logistics
- Setup time
- 1–2 weeks
- Starting cost
- AED 14,000+
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Technology, IT, electronics, innovation
- Setup time
- 1–2 weeks
- Starting cost
- AED 13,000+
Dubai Internet City
Tech, software, digital media, IT consultancies
- Setup time
- 1–2 weeks
- Starting cost
- AED 15,000+
Dubai Media City
Media, PR, publishing, broadcasting, content creation
- Setup time
- 1–2 weeks
- Starting cost
- AED 15,000+
twofour54 Abu Dhabi
Media, content, broadcasting, digital agencies
- Setup time
- 1–2 weeks
- Starting cost
- AED 13,500+
Ajman Free Zone
Budget setups, trading, services, light industrial
- Setup time
- 3–5 days
- Starting cost
- AED 10,500+
Fujairah Free Zone
Energy, maritime, trading, manufacturing
- Setup time
- 3–7 days
- Starting cost
- AED 11,000+
UAQ Free Trade Zone
Cost-effective setups, trading, light industrial
- Setup time
- 3–7 days
- Starting cost
- AED 10,000+
Take the next step
One message and we'll come back with a written recommendation, costed and benchmarked across the relevant zones for your activity.