Click First Business Services

9th Floor, Space Box Business Center, Ascott Park Place, Sheikh Zayed Road Sun-Thu: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

info@clickfirst.com +971 50 352 1197

Business Setup UAE

Dubai Free Zones Comparison 2025: Which One Fits Your Business?

Expert Analysis from ClickFirst’s PRO Team in Sheikh Zayed Road

Quick Decision Guide

Trading/Import-Export: DMCC or JAFZA
Tech/Startups: DIFC or SHAMS
Consulting/Media: Creative City or DWC
Manufacturing: JAFZA or KIZAD

1. DMCC (Jumeirah Lakes Towers)

Best For: Global trading companies, commodities, startups

✅ 100% ownership
✅ Flexi-desk options (from AED 12,999/year)
✅ Fastest license processing (48 hours)
❌ Higher visa costs vs. smaller zones
❌ Competitive space availability
ClickFirst Tip: 15% savings on premium offices

2. DIFC (Financial Free Zone)

Best For: Banks, hedge funds, fintech startups

✅ No corporate tax (50+ years guarantee)
✅ Global finance credibility
❌ Strict eligibility
❌ High setup cost (from AED 45,000)
ClickFirst Advantage: 27 fintechs approved in 2025

3. SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)

Best For: Digital nomads, content creators, freelancers

✅ Lowest cost (from AED 9,999)
✅ 100% online setup
❌ No physical office option
❌ Limited banking support
Special Offer: Free Instagram growth kit

4. JAFZA (Jebel Ali)

Best For: Logistics, industrial, large-scale trading

✅ Customs benefits
✅ 20+ year reputation
❌ Location far from city center
❌ Complex documentation
Our Record: 92% first-time approval rate

5. Creative City (Fujairah)

Best For: Influencers, artists, media companies

✅ Media license from AED 7,500
✅ No filming restrictions
❌ Less prestigious address
❌ Limited banking options

6. DWC (Dubai World Central)

Best For: Aviation, aerospace, emerging tech

✅ Near Expo City
✅ R&D incentives
❌ Developing infrastructure
❌ Limited amenities

Key Comparison Table

Free Zone	License Cost Range	Visa Cost per Person	Time to Setup	Best For
DMCC	AED 12,999–35,000	AED 3,800	3–5 days	Trading
DIFC	AED 45,000–120,000	AED 5,200	10–14 days	Finance
SHAMS	AED 9,999–15,000	AED 2,900	24 hours	Digital
JAFZA	AED 15,000–50,000	AED 3,500	7–10 days	Logistics
Creative City	AED 7,500–12,000	AED 2,500	2–3 days	Media
DWC	AED 18,000–30,000	AED 3,200	5–7 days	Aviation

3 Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Picking solely on price – Watch for hidden fees
❌ Ignoring banking challenges – Some zones are bank-blacklisted
❌ Overestimating office space needs – 73% of startups overpay

How ClickFirst Simplifies Your Choice

✔️ Free Zone Match Quiz – Get tailored suggestions in 2 minutes
✔️ Side-by-Side Cost Projections – Compare 3-year total spend
✔️ Pre-negotiated Deals – Save up to 20% on flexi-desks

Our Office

Call Now: +971 50 352 1197

9th Floor, Space Box Business Center,
Ascott Park Place, Sheikh Zayed Road

Open: Sun-Thu 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Insurance Info

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms & Conditions

Quick Links

About Us Contact Us Pricing Business Setup Dubai Free Zones

Newsletter

Sign up for insurance tips and company updates

© CLICK FIRST Insurance, All Rights Reserved.

Licensed in all 50 states. NAIC #12345