Starts from AED 4,999 (Budget) — best for Media professionals, influencers, consultants, and e-commerce startups seeking the lowest possible entry cost in the UAE..
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 4,999
Annual Renewal
AED 4,999
Year 1 Total
AED 37,700
Annual Renewal
AED 23,200
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
Business Club
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 4,999
NoteEntry-level package for entrepreneurs not requiring a UAE residency visa. Renewal is at the same price.
Visionary
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 12,999
NoteMost popular package for solo founders requiring a visa. The annual renewal fee for this package is AED 8,999.
Pioneer
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 17,999
NoteSuitable for small partnerships or businesses with one employee. The annual renewal fee for this package is AED 10,999.
Innovator
Premium TierAnnual Cost
AED 22,999
NoteAimed at growing businesses. The annual renewal fee is AED 14,999. Additional visa packages are available up to 10 visas.
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 Media City Free Zone 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
AMCFZ is a global hub for creative, media, and digital entrepreneurs, offering cost-effective and streamlined business setup packages. [6, 23] The primary investor profile includes freelancers, startups, and SMEs in sectors such as advertising, media production, IT, e-commerce, and consultancy. [5, 6, 9] The free zone is known for its affordable packages, quick online registration, and flexible solutions designed to lower entry barriers for new businesses. [15, 20]
Key Advantages
AMCFZ is the ideal choice for service-based freelancers, digital startups, and creative SMEs who prioritize the absolute lowest cost of entry, the fastest possible setup time, and a fully remote, digital incorporation process.
Businesses involved in heavy trading of physical goods, manufacturing, or logistics that require warehouses, industrial units, or a port-side location. It is also not suitable for those who need a prestigious Dubai address for their business.
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 Media City Free Zone typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 1 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Ajman Media City Free Zone, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Ajman Media City 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. 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 Media City Free Zone: 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.
AMCFZ is the ideal choice for service-based freelancers, digital startups, and creative SMEs who prioritize the absolute lowest cost of entry, the fastest possible setup time, and a fully remote, digital incorporation process.
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.
