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 12,500 (Mid-Range) — best for Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, and trading companies seeking proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port..
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 17,225
Annual Renewal
AED 12,500
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.
Business Hub License Package (Flexi-Desk)
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 12,500
NoteThis is often the entry-level package for startups and solo entrepreneurs. Visa and establishment card costs are additional.
Commercial/Service License + Small Office
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 35,000
NoteEstimated cost. Office rent for a small 250 sqft space is around AED 56,825, but packages often provide a bundled discount. License fee is approx AED 12,500-13,500.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Dubai South Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 12500
Ajman Free Zone Authority typically processes new licenses in ~1 days
Dubai South Free Zone allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Both offer highly competitive, standard market 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 South is a 145 sq km integrated economic zone comprising eight specialized districts, targeting logistics, aviation, commercial, exhibition, humanitarian, and residential businesses. Home to over 4,200 companies (2025), it is designed for businesses involved in air transport, freight, and global supply chain management, leveraging its direct access to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port via a bonded logistics corridor. The primary investor profile includes multinational corporations, SMEs, and startups in the logistics, MRO, aviation, e-commerce, and related services sectors.
Key Advantages
Dubai South is the definitive choice for forward-looking businesses in logistics, aviation, and e-commerce that require a large-scale, multimodal platform (air-sea-land) built for future growth around Al Maktoum International Airport.
Businesses seeking a central downtown address, companies in the cryptocurrency/virtual assets sector (license not offered), or firms requiring a small, high-end corporate office near the current DXB airport.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Dubai South Free Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 12,500. In the broader market context, Dubai South Free Zone is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".
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 South Free 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 South Free 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.
Dubai South is the definitive choice for forward-looking businesses in logistics, aviation, and e-commerce that require a large-scale, multimodal platform (air-sea-land) built for future growth around Al Maktoum International Airport.
