RAKEZ, IFZA and DMCC are three of the most talked-about UAE free zones, but their pricing, speed and suitability differ sharply. This guide compares real 2026 costs — including visas, renewals and the hidden items that can surprise founders in year one.
Key takeaways:
The table below shows the headline licence and visa-package prices founders should expect in 2026. Renewal figures are for a one-visa setup; add or subtract roughly AED 2,000 per extra or missing visa.
Lowest published government fees, fast 24-hour Biz Starter option, no paid-up capital for most activities, and strong industrial facilities. Best for founders who want maximum value and do not need a Dubai address.
Located near Dubai, popular with consultancies, media and trading SMEs. Agent-only model means pricing varies, but setup can be quick and banking with Wio, Mashreq or ENBD is moderately straightforward.
Premium credibility for commodities, crypto, gaming and AI. Mandatory physical workspace and annual audit give larger clients confidence. Higher cost is justified when brand recognition matters.
Each residence visa costs roughly AED 3,800–4,800 in RAKEZ, AED 3,500–5,000+ in IFZA and AED 4,000–6,000+ in DMCC. Health insurance is mandatory and usually separate.
RAKEZ flexi-desks are bundled or low-cost. IFZA packages often include a flexi-desk. DMCC mandates physical workspace; flexi-desks run AED 16,000–19,000 per year.
RAKEZ has no paid-up capital for most activities. IFZA requires audited financial statements for renewals from September 2025. DMCC requires annual audit and a AED 50,000 refundable share capital deposit.