Starts from AED 6,000 (Budget) — best for Startups, SMEs, and freelancers seeking the most cost-effective entry into the UAE market with flexible visa and facility options..
Starts from AED 37,700 (Premium) — best for Automotive, logistics, and industrial trading companies requiring proximity to Jebel Ali Port and a robust logistics infrastructure..
A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.
Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups
Year 1 Total
AED 9,010
Annual Renewal
AED 6,000
Year 1 Total
AED 37,700
Annual Renewal
AED 23,200
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Pioneers Package
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 5,000
NoteSpecial package for young entrepreneurs.
Freelancer Package
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 6,000
NoteAimed at solo professionals in over 40 categories.
Commercial/Service License (Explorer)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 9,000
NoteBase package for trading or service activities with no visa.
Commercial/Service License (Startup)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 12,000
NotePopular entry-level package for a founder with a visa.
Commercial/Service License (Entrepreneur)
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 15,000
NoteSuitable for small partnerships or a founder with one employee.
General Trading License (Startup)
Premium TierAnnual Cost
AED 17,000
NoteFor businesses that require a broad range of trading activities.
Trading License Package with Smart Desk/Office
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 52,636
NoteThis is an estimated starting package cost. Actual quotes depend on specific activities, office size, and visa requirements. Total setup costs for a small business typically range from AED 40,000 to AED 60,000.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Dubai Auto Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 37700
Ajman Free Zone Authority typically processes new licenses in ~1 days
Dubai Auto Zone allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Dubai Auto Zone carries a premium market perception and positioning
Mixed results — each jurisdiction has specific cost vs speed trade-offs
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Ajman Free Zone targets a diverse range of industries with a primary focus on trading, industrial activities, e-commerce, and professional services. It is particularly known for its cost-effective business setup packages, making it a popular choice for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and entrepreneurs looking for a competitive operational base with excellent logistics and port access.
Key Advantages
Cost-sensitive SMEs, startups, and international traders who prioritize budget and logistical efficiency, particularly those in import/export, e-commerce, and light manufacturing requiring direct sea and air port access.
Businesses requiring a prestigious Dubai address, companies in regulated industries like crypto assets, or large corporations needing highly specialized, large-scale industrial infrastructure.
Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ) is a specialized cluster within Jafza targeting the automotive and spare parts industry. It is designed for companies involved in trading, logistics, distribution, and light manufacturing of vehicles, machinery, and spare parts. The primary investor profile includes international automotive brands, re-exporters, wholesale auto-parts traders, and logistics companies requiring extensive storage and world-class logistics infrastructure.
Key Advantages
DAZ is the definitive choice for international automotive businesses focused on trading, re-export, and distribution across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, who require world-class seaport logistics and a dedicated industry ecosystem.
Businesses outside the automotive, spare parts, or heavy machinery sectors. It is also unsuitable for startups seeking the lowest-cost virtual office packages or companies whose primary target is direct retail sales within the UAE mainland.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Dubai Auto Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 37,700. In the broader market context, Dubai Auto Zone is officially positioned as "Premium".
Ajman Free Zone Authority typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 1 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Ajman Free Zone Authority, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Ajman Free Zone Authority: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements. Dubai Auto Zone: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements.
Ajman Free Zone Authority: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Dubai Auto Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.
Cost-sensitive SMEs, startups, and international traders who prioritize budget and logistical efficiency, particularly those in import/export, e-commerce, and light manufacturing requiring direct sea and air port access.
DAZ is the definitive choice for international automotive businesses focused on trading, re-export, and distribution across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, who require world-class seaport logistics and a dedicated industry ecosystem.
