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 7,500 (Premium) — best for Established educational institutions, corporate training centers, and human resource consultancies seeking a prestigious address within a dedicated industry ecosystem..
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 7,500
Annual Renewal
AED 7,500
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.
GoFreelance Permit
Starter TierAnnual Cost
AED 7,500
NoteThis is the most affordable entry point for individual professionals in the Education and HR sectors. Visa and Establishment Card are separate costs.
Business License with Shared Desk
Standard TierAnnual Cost
AED 40,010
NoteCost is an estimate combining a license fee (15,010 AED) and a shared desk facility (from 25,000 AED). This is a typical starting package for a small consultancy.
A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.
Ajman Media City Free Zone offers a lower starting price point at AED 4999
Ajman Media City Free Zone typically processes new licenses in ~1 days
Dubai Knowledge Park allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)
Dubai Knowledge Park carries a premium market perception and positioning
Ajman Media City Free Zone wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster
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 Knowledge Park (DKP) is a specialized free zone targeting the human resources and education sectors. Its primary investor profile consists of international universities, vocational training academies, HR consultancies, executive search firms, and professional development centers. [21] The zone fosters a collaborative learning community for nearly 30,000 students and thousands of professionals, aiming to support Dubai's growth as a global hub for talent and higher education. [10, 21]
Key Advantages
DKP is the definitive choice for businesses dedicated to human capital development. This includes HR consultancies, professional and vocational training centres, executive search firms, and educational service providers seeking a collaborative, industry-specific ecosystem.
Businesses involved in physical trading of goods, manufacturing, logistics, crypto/virtual assets, or any sector not directly related to education, training, and human resource management.
Common questions answered transparently with real data
Ajman Media City Free Zone is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 4,999. In the broader market context, Ajman Media City Free Zone is officially positioned as "Budget".
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 Knowledge Park: 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 Knowledge Park: 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.
DKP is the definitive choice for businesses dedicated to human capital development. This includes HR consultancies, professional and vocational training centres, executive search firms, and educational service providers seeking a collaborative, industry-specific ecosystem.
