Starts from AED 10,000 (Budget) — best for Startups and SMEs looking for the most affordable mainland license in the UAE to access the local market..
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 10,000
Annual Renewal
AED 7,500
Year 1 Total
AED 17,225
Annual Renewal
AED 12,500
Detailed Breakdown
Detailed Breakdown
Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone
No Pre-Bundled Packages
This jurisdiction offers custom pricing based on specific requirements rather than set packages.
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.
Ajman Department of Economic Development offers a lower starting price point at AED 10000
Ajman Department of Economic Development typically processes new licenses in ~1 days
Dubai South Free Zone allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space
Dubai South Free Zone is officially QFZP eligible
Both offer highly competitive, standard market positioning
Ajman Department of Economic Development wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster
Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison
Executive summaries and competitive positioning
Ajman DED targets a diverse range of investors, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large industrial companies. The department focuses on enhancing sectors such as trade, manufacturing, professional services, and real estate. The primary investor profile includes entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective and rapid business setup solutions on the UAE mainland, with full access to the local and international markets.
Key Advantages
Cost-sensitive SMEs, traders, and industrial businesses seeking full UAE mainland market access with 100% foreign ownership and a rapid, digitally-driven setup process.
Businesses in specialized sectors like Crypto/Virtual Assets or high-tech R&D seeking dedicated innovation hubs, as these license types are not available. It's also not for solopreneurs who only require a virtual office or flexi-desk facility.
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
Ajman Department of Economic Development is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 10,000. In the broader market context, Ajman Department of Economic Development is officially positioned as "Budget".
Ajman Department of Economic Development typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 1 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Ajman Department of Economic Development, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.
Ajman Department of Economic Development: Subject to standard 9% UAE corporate tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. 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 Department of Economic Development: 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, traders, and industrial businesses seeking full UAE mainland market access with 100% foreign ownership and a rapid, digitally-driven setup process.
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.
