If you are an aspiring entrepreneur in the UAE, it is quite possible that you may have googled ‘cheapest trade license in the UAE’. For someone who is planning to start a business in the UAE, it is quite natural to seek the most affordable options for company formation. With so many financial aspects to consider including visa, office space, and hiring costs, it is important to find the trade license that fits your budget and business requirements. Let’s delve into the most affordable options for trade licenses across the UAE.
Options for the Cheapest Free Zone Company Setup in the UAE
It is crucial to note that the price of a UAE trade license varies across different free zones in different Emirates.
Dubai
Dubai is the most prominent business hub in the UAE. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the free zone license costs here are slightly higher when compared to those offered in the Northern Emirates like Ajman and Sharjah. That said, it is worth the price difference given the diverse consumer base, infrastructure, and legal framework available in the city. However, one must not assume every trade license in Dubai to be expensive and beyond your reach. Below we have given you the options for the cheapest free zone company setup in Dubai.
Meydan Free Zone
With a starting price that lies within the bracket of just AED 12,000 – AED 13,000, Meydan Free Zone is one of the cheapest free zones in Dubai, and across the UAE. Here are the top advantages of starting a business at Meydan Free Zone:
1. Central location
2. Over 3500 business activities available
3. Free flexi-desk
4. Cost-effective packages
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
IFZA also offers a trade license at a starting price of around AED 12,000-AED 13,000 and is one of the leading Dubai free zones. The jurisdiction has gained global recognition in recent years for the numerous benefits it has to offer. Here are some of the advantages of starting a business at IFZA:
1. State-of-the-art legislation
2. No mandatory requirement for office space
3. Swift company incorporation
4. No mandatory requirement of paid-up share capital
InZone is a business setup company and can assist you with business setup in the above two as well as other Dubai free zones.
Sharjah
The Emirate of Sharjah has numerous free zones that you can consider for setting up a business in the UAE. Besides the low setup cost, Sharjah also gives you the advantage of affordable housing options. Additionally, the Emirate also has an airport, and seaports, and is well-connected to other Emirates. Let’s explore the most affordable free zones in Sharjah, which also happen to be one of the cheapest free zones in the UAE.
Sharjah Media City (Shams) Free Zone
Shams is a leading media hub in the Emirate of Sharjah and is a preferred jurisdiction among creative entrepreneurs and freelancers. The free zone offers trade licenses that start at a modest price of around AED 5,000-AED 6,000. The following are some of the notable advantages that the popular media free zone has to offer:
1. Simplistic company registration process
2. Remote company incorporation
3. Ability to combine activities on a single license
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ)
SPC is another leading Sharjah free zone. Launched in the year 2017, it didn’t take long for the free zone to find a place among the most preferred business jurisdictions in the UAE. With a trade license starting at a price of just AED 5,000-AED 6,000, SPC as of today stands amongst the top options for the cheapest company registration in the UAE. Also, the free zone offers some attractively priced packages designed to cater to various entrepreneurial requirements.
If you wish to explore other Sharjah free zones, it is advisable to get in touch with a business setup consultant like InZone.
Ras Al Khaimah
In the past years, the Northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has gained popularity among businessmen in the UAE. Besides free zones, the Emirate also has a jurisdiction for offshore company setup in the UAE. Below we have talked about a free zone jurisdiction that emerges as the most cost-effective in Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
RAKEZ is one of the largest economic zones in the UAE and caters to over 50 industrial sectors. The economic zone allows the setting up of both free zone and non-free zone companies. A RAKEZ free zone license starts within the bracket of AED 5,000 – AED 6,000. The following are some advantages of opening a company at RAKEZ:
1. Open to a wide array of business sectors
2. Availability of top-notch infrastructure including warehouses
3. Swift business setup procedures
4. Availability of land plots
Get started with company formation in Ras Al Khaimah now.
Ajman
Ajman is another destination that is sought-after for cheap company registrations in the UAE. The presence of a seaport within the Emirate, and its proximity to hubs like Dubai and Sharjah make it a great choice for business setup. Here’s our recommended jurisdiction if you are looking for affordable company formation in Ajman.
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
Ajman Free Zone was launched in 1988 and is one of the few free zones that allows setting up of both offshore and free zone companies. Here are some key advantages of starting a business in this jurisdiction:
1. Low business setup costs
2. Excellent reputation of AFZ as a company setup jurisdiction
3. Cost-effective residency and utilities in Ajman
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the cheapest free trade zone in the UAE?
The cheapest free trade zones in Dubai are Meydan Free Zone and International Free Zone Authority (IFZA). In the Emirate of Sharjah, the most affordable options among free zones are Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ) and Sharjah Media City (Shams) Free Zone.
2. What are the various factors affecting the cost of a trade license in the UAE?
The price of a free zone business license package in the UAE mainly depends on the number of residency visas you have applied for, the type of office space, the business activity, and the number of activities you are looking to engage in.
3. Which free zone offers the cheapest general trading license in the UAE?
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) offers one of the most affordable general trading permits in the UAE.
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