4 zones compared in Dubai
Dubai dominates the UAE free zone market with 20+ zones ranging from ultra-premium (DIFC) to budget-friendly (IFZA, Meydan). We compared 4 Dubai free zones for freelancers — Year 1 costs range from AED 12,542 to AED 29,100 with one visa. Here is how they stack up.
AED 12,542
Year 1
Most freelance permits are generic catch-alls. DMC's GoFreelance is different — purpose-built for journalists, videographers, podcast producers, and content creators.
View full DMC profile →AED 16,080
Year 1
If you are a designer, architect, or creative director, d3's GoFreelance gives you something no budget zone can: a Dubai Design District address. At AED 16,080 with one visa, you join 1,100 businesses and 20,000 creative professionals.
View full d3 profile →AED 28,790
Year 1
Budget zones skip Dubai. Dubai zones skip the budget.
View full IFZA profile →AED 29,100
Year 1
For freelancers racing to land a contract, Meydan's Fawri system delivers your license in under 60 minutes — money-back guarantee if it takes longer. The 1-visa package costs AED 29,100 in Year 1, dropping to AED 23,350 on renewal, with a Dubai address near Downtown.
View full Meydan FZ profile →Get a free quote from our verified partners. No spam, no obligations — just honest pricing for your setup.
DMC offers the lowest Year 1 cost at AED 12,542 with one visa. This includes license, visa processing, and mandatory government fees.
We evaluated 4 free zones in Dubai that offer licensing for freelancers activities. Prices range from AED 12,542 to AED 29,100 for Year 1 with one visa.
DMC is our top pick for freelancers in Dubai, offering the best balance of cost, banking access, and activity flexibility. d3 is a strong runner-up.
Most Dubai free zones offer virtual office or flexi-desk options for freelancers licenses. Physical office requirements vary by zone — check individual zone profiles for package details.
Yes. All 4 free zones we evaluated in Dubai offer at least one residence visa with their freelancers packages. Visa quotas range from 6 to 15.
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