A free zone trade license is still one of the best and most affordable methods to start a business in the UAE. Dubai’s free zones are well-known, but Sharjah is gradually becoming a smart choice, especially with platforms like SPC Free Zone offering a quick setup, visa support and lower overall costs. A recent business report reveals Sharjah’s GDP rose by 6.5% reaching AED 145.2 billion. This was due to greater investments being put into different businesses and industries.
In this blog, we will break down the Dubai free zone license cost, including the cost of setting up, along with visa packages. More importantly, explore why SPC Free Zone might be the best alternative for businesses on a budget.
Market Growth Is Reshaping the Dubai Free Zone License Cost in 2025
The Dubai free zone license cost in 2025 continues to be shaped by multiple market drivers. Business activity, visa quotas, and office choices are some of the most important things that affect how much entrepreneurs will pay. As free zones improve their infrastructure and digital onboarding process, the demand for business licenses is going up. This has made the price range between high-end and budget-friendly free zones broader.
Licenses for certain activities, such as trading or consulting, might raise the base price, especially in renowned economic zones. Similarly, opting for an office space or more than one visa will also raise costs. In this environment, SPC Free Zone stands out as a very good choice because it has an all-in-one integrated setup – online application processes, and competitive license packages.
Although Dubai is still a popular destination for investors, Sharjah is becoming a better alternative, especially for entrepreneurs who want to get in quickly, grow, and spend less on starting a business. The SPC Free Zone has infrastructure that is comparable to Dubai’s, but it also has the benefits of easy company formation, in-house immigration support, and a transparent process with no hidden fees.
Choose the Setup That Fits Your Business Structure and Visa Quota
Your visa quota has a significant impact on the Dubai free zone company setup cost. Free zones usually offer various packages, starting with options for solo entrepreneurs who don’t need a visa and going up to multi-visa structures for small teams. With each progression, visa allocation goes up, raising the entire cost, which includes the cost of establishment cards, visa processing, and Emirates ID.
Many business owners look for a free zone license Dubai with visa cost that can help them plan their budgets better. Depending on the free zone, licenses with one visa in Dubai can cost between AED 10,000 and AED 35,000.
SPC Free Zone has similar benefits, if not more, offering high value with competitive rates. Their structure is tiered but affordable, making it ideal for startups and growing companies.
Popular Package Types in 2025
- Zero-Visa License
This is great for those who operate as solo entrepreneurs or have an online store, such as an e-commerce startup. SPC Free Zone offers licenses with zero visas starting from AED 6,875.
- Single-Visa License
SPC Free Zone’s one-visa license packages start from AED 8,475 for business owners who want to reside in the UAE.
- Dual License (Free Zone + Mainland)
This package lets you work in both the free zone and the mainland. SPC Free Zone takes care of the whole dual structure, eliminating the need for a separate mainland sponsor.
Setting up for a low price does not mean lower quality. SPC Free Zone offers essential services, visa management, and a flexible structure to run operations smoothly without overinvesting upfront.
Business License Price Changes Based on Office Space Needs
The Dubai free zone trade license cost varies depending on whether you want a workspace, a shell and core office, or private units.
SPC Free Zone provides tailored workspace solutions. Depending on the size of the team and the budget, entrepreneurs can choose co-working spaces with access to dedicated office spaces provided by a partnership network.
For those seeking offers on the cheapest free zone license Dubai, virtual and desk-sharing options remain the most affordable. SPC Free Zone’s flexible payment plans, and value-based services make it easy to build and grow at your own pace.
Average Free Zone License Fee in Dubai Varies Across Activity Types
The average free zone license fee Dubai businesses pay will vary based on their chosen activity. Depending on the free zone, these are the typical price ranges in 2025:
- Trade Licenses
Depending on your chosen Dubai free zone, business activity, and office type, costs for trading licenses generally range between AED 10,000 and AED 50,000. These licenses support import/export, wholesale, and general trading activities.
- E-commerce Licenses
The cost of an e-commerce license is usually between AED 10,000 and AED 30,000. These are designed for online stores, dropshipping businesses, web-based platforms, and those who offer digital goods.
- Consultancy Licenses
Advisors, freelancers, and business consultants typically go for a consultancy license. In Dubai’s free zones, setup fees will range from AED 8,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the number of activities, the type of services needed, and the office space needed.
SPC Free Zone allows you to combine multiple activities under one license starting from AED 6,875, giving you better value with access to flexible payment plans and a pay-as-you-go model when you scale. For example, you can combine consultancy and trading, reducing the need for multiple licenses.
Annual License Renewal and Compliance Fees to Watch For
When budgeting for long-term operations, renewal fees are critical. The Dubai free zone license renewal cost in 2025 typically ranges from AED 6,000 to AED 12,000, depending on visa count and business activity.
Additional costs may include:
- Establishment Card renewal: approx. AED 640 every 2 years
- E-Channel renewal: AED 2,280
- Visa and Emirates ID renewal: AED 2,530 for 2 years
SPC Free Zone offers transparent, upfront pricing on renewal costs. Founders can plan ahead with fixed packages that avoid mid-year surprises.
SPC Free Zone Offers an Alternative with Lower License Package Costs
The Dubai free zone license package cost in 2025 varies, but SPC Free Zone offers one of the lowest price points in the UAE. Starting at AED 6,500 for a license and lease agreement, the packages include:
- Zero to multiple visa quotas
- Dual license options
- In-house immigration for fast-tracked visa processing
- No capital deposit requirements
With SPC Free Zone, you receive the benefits of a well-connected business location, without paying premium prices. Their efficient structure, digital onboarding, and responsive support make it a standout choice for startups and SMEs looking for sustainable growth.
Conclusion
The Dubai free zone business license price in 2025 will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of business, the number of visas allocated, and the size of the office space. Dubai is still a popular place for business, but free zones like SPC Free Zone in Sharjah provide similar infrastructure and are more affordable for setting up and renewal.
When deciding where to set up, you need to think about more than just location. Faster processing, visa inclusion, and transparent pricing often make a bigger difference.
Ready to launch your business with a flexible license and visa package?
Explore SPC Free Zone’s 2025 setup options now.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dubai free zone license cost in 2025 ranges between AED 8,000 and AED 50,000, depending on the number of visas allocated and the type of business.
A package for the cheapest free zone license in Dubai with an approximate visa cost of AED 8,475.
Depending on your visa quota and setup, the annual renewal fee is usually between AED 6,000 and AED 12,000.
Yes, you can choose between virtual and co-working packages, so you do not need to rent office space.
Yes, SPC Free Zone has similar benefits, but it costs less, and businesses can set up quickly and digitally.
Packages with one visa usually range from AED 10,000 covering the Dubai free zone license cost and essentials. While Sharjah free zones like SPC Free Zone have licenses with visas starting from AED 8,475.
Yes, SPC Free Zone lets you combine multiple activities like consultancy and trading under a single license.
Typically, it covers the license, business name reservation, and visa quota. Extras may increase your Dubai free zone license cost.
Most free zones offer visa processing support as part of your setup plan. Processing times and costs may vary.
It usually takes 5–7 working days with complete documents. Fast-track services are available in the SPC Free Zone.
