Key Highlights IFZA Pricing: Zero-visa AED 12,900–14,900; 1-visa AED 19,500–21,500; not the absolute cheapest but the best Dubai value with a flexi-desk included. Cheaper Rivals:
Key Highlights Low Entry Cost: IFZA Free Zone licenses start from AED 12,900, making it one of Dubai’s most affordable business setup options in 2026.
Key Highlights Golden Visa holders are exempt from the standard 180-day UAE entry requirement, allowing extended international stays without residency cancellation The initial six-month entry
Quick Takeaways: Digital banks like Wio Bank and RAKBANK RAKstarter offer zero minimum balance accounts, saving startups AED 50,000+ in locked capital. Emirates Development Bank
Key Highlights: Professional licenses cost AED 30,000-100,000 (lowest), Commercial licenses AED 60,000-200,000, and Industrial licenses AED 200,000-2,000,000+ in year one. Professional licenses are approved fastest
Key Highlights: All 15+ Golden Visa categories eliminate sponsor requirements—from AED 2 million investors to outstanding students earning 95%+ grades. Mortgaged properties now qualify
Key Highlights: 100% foreign ownership and 0% corporate tax on qualifying income make Dubai free zones globally competitive. Setup costs range from AED 12,900 to
Key Highlights Choosing jurisdiction based on price instead of customer location requires entrepreneurs to restructure within 18 months, paying double setup costs. Operating with an
Key Highlights: Start a fully licensed Dubai business from around AED 5,500–15,000 in select free zones, with 100% foreign ownership. An E-Trader license at just
Key highlights You face the same federal corporate tax rates in the mainland and free zones. The real banking difference is how each structure shapes