5 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 5 Dubai free zones for trading — Year 1 costs range from AED 19,000 to AED 40,211 with one visa. Here is how they stack up.
Top Pick: Dubai South — best logistics infrastructure on a budget
AED 19,000 Year 1 with 1 visa
Runner-Up: DMCC — best for commodities trading
AED 27,049 Year 1 with 1 visa
Budget Pick: Meydan FZ — best for mainland selling
AED 29,100 Year 1 with 1 visa
| Free Zone | Year 1 (1 visa) | Renewal | Max Visas | Banking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai South Top pick | AED 19,000 | AED 12,500 | 10 | Moderate |
| DMCC | AED 27,049 | AED 22,070 | 20 | Easy |
| Meydan FZ | AED 29,100 | AED 12,500 | 6 | Moderate |
| DAFZA | AED 36,790 | AED 21,870 | 20 | Moderate |
| JAFZA | AED 40,211 | AED 32,910 | 50 | Easy |
Top Pick
AED 19,000
Year 1
Runner-Up
AED 27,049
Year 1
Budget Pick
AED 29,100
Year 1
Also Recommended
AED 36,790
Year 1
Also Recommended
AED 40,211
Year 1
AED 19,000
Year 1
JAFZA and DAFZA each connect to one transport hub. Dubai South sits between both — Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport — at less than half the cost.
View full Dubai South profile →AED 27,049
Year 1
Nine years running, DMCC has been named the world's top free zone by the Financial Times. For commodity traders — gold, diamonds, coffee, metals — it is the only serious option.
View full DMCC profile →AED 29,100
Year 1
If selling directly to UAE mainland customers is the core of your trading model, Meydan delivers at a price that undercuts DMCC by AED 11,000. At AED 29,100 for one visa with a Dubai address, Resolution No.
View full Meydan FZ profile →AED 36,790
Year 1
If your trading operation depends on air freight — electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, perishables — DAFZA gives you what no other zone can. Direct adjacency to Dubai International Airport with 24-hour customs and logistics services.
View full DAFZA profile →AED 40,211
Year 1
Nearly 24% of Dubai's total foreign trade flows through JAFZA's gates. For traders who move physical goods at volume, nothing else comes close.
View full JAFZA profile →Get a free quote from our verified partners. No spam, no obligations — just honest pricing for your setup.
Dubai South offers the lowest Year 1 cost at AED 19,000 with one visa. This includes license, visa processing, and mandatory government fees.
We evaluated 5 free zones in Dubai that offer licensing for trading activities. Prices range from AED 19,000 to AED 40,211 for Year 1 with one visa.
Dubai South is our top pick for trading in Dubai, offering the best balance of cost, banking access, and activity flexibility. DMCC is a strong runner-up.
Most Dubai free zones offer virtual office or flexi-desk options for trading licenses. Physical office requirements vary by zone — check individual zone profiles for package details.
Yes. All 5 free zones we evaluated in Dubai offer at least one residence visa with their trading packages. Visa quotas range from 6 to 50.
Fill in your details and we'll connect you with the right setup partner.
We've received your details and will get back to you within 24 hours with a personalised quote.