The UAE is one of the most popular locations in the Middle East to start a business since it offers outstanding advantages. For this reason, entrepreneurs and business owners are always looking for the cheapest freezone in UAE so they can get the most out of their investment.
In this article, you are going to learn more about the cheapest freezone in UAE and how to select the perfect jurisdiction for your business. Let us observe:
- What is the cheapest freezone license in UAE?
- How can you obtain the cheapest business license in UAE in DIFC?
- What are the top 7 cheapest free zones in the UAE?
- What are the steps for obtaining the cheapest license in UAE?
- How can Connect Group assist you to get a cheap trade license in UAE?
1. What is the cheapest freezone license in UAE?
The UAE has many great locations where investors can establish their businesses. It is composed of seven Emirates and it has more than 40 free zones. Thus, it may be difficult to select the perfect jurisdiction to incorporate a company.
Many investors prefer Dubai Mainland since it is the most popular place in the UAE and they prefer to carry out their business activities there. Dubai offers several benefits such as access to multinational markets, exposure to new businesses, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a friendly legal framework.
However, Dubai is not the only place where you can establish a business. Since Dubai is associated with luxury and opulence, it is not the cheapest place to start your venture.
But you have nothing to worry about since you can find cost-effective solutions in the UAE. You have to consider the cheapest freezone in UAE so you can make a smart business decision and maximize your investment.
Thus, in a cheap free zone, you can find a cheap business license. The best part is that there are many business activities to select from, so you can choose the one that suits the nature of your business.
1.1 How to select the cheapest freezone in UAE?
The UAE has more than 30 affordable free zones. Therefore, you have to consider several options to determine which one may be suitable for you. Some of the most important aspects are the following:
- Budget: consider how much you want to spend on registration and licensing.
- Location: evaluate the different free zones to determine which one can help you cater to your target audience.
- Laws: each free zone has its own set of regulations. Determine which one is more suitable for your business.
1.2 Affordable Free Zones in the UAE
Here we have the best free zones to establish a business in the UAE and to get your license:
| Emirate/District | Cheapest Free Zone | Business License Cost | Industries |
| Dubai | Dubai Silicon Oasis – IFZA | AED 12,500 | Advanced IT infrastructure |
| Sharjah | Sharjah Media City | AED 9,000 | Creative Business Sector |
| Jebel Ali | JAFZA | AED 12,000 | Modern industrial and business parks |
2. How can you obtain the cheapest business license in UAE in DIFC?
As we have mentioned before, there are many affordable locations where you can establish your business. However, the DIFC deserves special mention since it is considered the cheapest freezone in Dubai.cheapest free zone in uaeAs we have mentioned before, there are many affordable locations where you can establish your business. However, the DIFC deserves special mention since it is considered the cheapest freezone in Dubai.
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is known as a leading financial hub not only in the UAE but also in the Middle East and South Asia. It shapes the financial landscape of the region, thus it is the premier location for investors that want to enter into international markets.
Additionally, it has a place among the top 10 onshore financial centers worldwide. Once you know all of these facts about the DIFC you may think that it is an expensive place to start a business.
However, the DIFC is the cheapest free zone in Dubai, and it is perfect for fintech and financial ventures.
2.1 What are the benefits of establishing your business in DIFC?
Some of the best features of this free zone are the following:
- Common-law framework: the DFSA is the independent regulator of this jurisdiction alongside the DIFC courts which are the separate law judiciary.
- It is a financial-oriented free zone
- Investors can have 100% of their businesses
- No limits on capital repatriation
- No employee income tax
- English-speaking free zone
According to the authorities, more than 2,000 firms are operating in this free zone. This has helped it develop a solid financial ecosystem where companies can interact and grow.
If you are an investor interested in establishing a financial business or operating in areas such as brokerage, banking, financial consultancy, fund management, and others, you need to consider the DIFC as your top location.
But, the DIFC is not only known for hosting financial businesses. Lifestyle-related businesses can also start their operations in this free zone. You can start a gym, open a restaurant, run a coffee shop, and any other while having the total assurance that you are going to prosper here.
3. What are the top 7 cheapest free zones in the UAE?
Finding the cheapest freezone in UAE can help you start your business and obtain the maximum revenue. Although the DIFC is a perfect option for investors, there are more free zones that you should consider so you can select the best one for your company:
So the Top 7 Cheapest free zones in the UAE
3.1 IFZA is the cheapest free zone in UAE
The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) offered the cheapest free zone license in UAE 2020 and it is still a great option for entrepreneurs and business owners.
IFZA has been gaining popularity and has been attracting investors across the world. It has a reliable business setup process and several benefits:
- Investors can choose among the variety of business setup packages to not exceed their budgets
- Annual audit reports are not required
- Owners and employees can apply for a 3-year UAE resident visa
- Investors can have a virtual office
3.2 Get the cheapest business license in UAE in DSO
If you want to get the cheapest trade license in Dubai, you have to consider the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).
In this free zone, you can find top-notch technology and modern facilities. Since it is oriented towards tech businesses, you can find telecommunication businesses, IT giants, and more. Also, it is a free zone where employees look for residential amenities.
However, although technology is its main sector, you can also find a variety of companies across several industries, like consultancy agencies, law firms, and more.
With less than AED 15,000 you can start your business in DSO, and enjoy the following benefits:
- Import/export tax exemption
- No income and corporate taxes
- Proximity to Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port
- Hi-tech IT infrastructure
3.3 JAFZA offers a cheap free zone license in UAE
If you want to find a cheap trade license in Dubai you have to consider the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). It is the oldest free zone and one of the largest in the world.
You can apply for any of the six trade licenses offered so you can start your business in no time. Manufacturing, service, development, and trading businesses flourish in JAFZA.
Some of the benefits of starting your venture here are:
- Solid business community
- No tax and duties
- Proximity to the Al Maktoum International Airport and the Jebel Ali Seaport
3.4 DMC is a cheap free zone for licensing
Investors got the cheapest free zone license in UAE 2021 in DMC and you can do it this year too. The Dubai Media City is a highly affordable jurisdiction to start your business if you would like to operate in the media sector.
Creative and media businesses can find a very cheap license in this jurisdiction, as well as many benefits:
- DMC is a global media hub.
- Complete foreign ownership.
- No customs duty on goods and services.
- 24-hour visa service.
3.5 Get your business license in DHC
The Dubai Healthcare City (DHC) is the cheapest freezone in UAE aimed at health-related businesses. Pharmaceuticals, clinics, healthcare institutes, medical equipment trading, and more similar businesses can operate effectively in this free zone.
The Dubai Healthcare City Authority is in charge of supervising the DHC, thus everything is in order. Starting your business here is very simple and the best part is that you can get the cheapest license in the healthcare industry.
You can get the following benefits in this free zone:
- No custom duty.
- Total exemption of taxes.
- 100% foreign ownership.
- Administrative assistance from the Authority.
3.6 SHAMS has the cheapest trade license in UAE
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) is considered the cheapest freezone in UAE since it offers packages that start from AED 6,000. You can obtain your media license and work on one of the 13 listed business activities. However, if you want to add more activities, you will have to pay AED 1,000 for each one.
Businesses that work on advertising, media production, digital marketing, graphic design, publishing, translation services, fashion design, photography, interior design, and more, can start their operations in SHAMS.
It is the perfect location for new entrepreneurs and UAE residents that want to start their creative businesses but that do not have a lot of resources. You can get the following benefits:
- Total repatriation of profits and capital.
- Zero corporate and personal tax.
- No import/export duties.
- Tax-free jurisdiction.
- Possibility to include several business activities in a single license.
3.7 Meydan Free Zone
Lastly, the cheapest free zone license in UAE 2022 is found in the Meydan Free Zone. It is the perfect place to start operations since it offers a vibrant business community at the heart of Dubai.
Some of the benefits you get by incorporating a company in this free zone are the following:
- 100% digital free zone license.
- Total foreign ownership.
- No restrictions on capital repatriation.
- Zero corporate and personal tax.
- Profits and financial assets repatriation benefits.
- Select from more than 1500 business activities.
4. What are the steps for obtaining the cheapest license in UAE?
Starting your business at the cheapest freezone in UAE is a very simple process. With Connect Group you can even make it simpler since you will not have to worry about anything.
You just have to follow a few simple steps and you can get your license in no time:
- Select the cheapest free zone in UAE.
- Determine the corporate structure of your company.
- Choose a valid trade name.
- Gather the required documentation.
- Fill out the application form and submit it.
- Choose an office space.
- Open your bank account.
5. How can Connect Group assist you to get a cheap trade license in UAE?
Here at Connect Group, we help you find the cheapest freezone in UAE so you can start your business. We are a specialized business consultant, thus we can solve all your needs. Our team has been helping thousands of investors with the cheapest free zone license in UAE 2022 and you can be one of them too.
For this reason, we offer our Business Licensing Services so you can establish your company in the cheapest free zone in UAE. Therefore, you can obtain the cheapest freezone license in UAE with our support.
Once you have got the cheapest license in UAE, we offer additional services to support your operations. Feel free to learn more about us and how we can help you with the cheap trade license in UAE and everything that involves running a business:
Do you want to get the cheapest business license in UAE? We are readily available to help you select the best and cheapest freezone in Dubai so you can get a cheap trade license in Dubai. Contact us at +971 43 316 688 to receive guidance about the cheapest trade license in UAE or send us your questions to contact@connectgroup.co.
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