Best UAE free zone for consulting — cheapest published scenario, with a visa
Starting a consultancy or professional-services firm and want a UAE company with a residence visa without overpaying? Here are the Published scenario prices across 9 verified UAE free zones, compared honestly. No sales calls.
The value picks, at one visa
For a UAE consultancy or professional-services company with one visa, the strongest pick is Ajman NuVentures Centre (AED 10,800) — the lowest published scenario, and a consultancy needs no warehousing or special facilities. SRTIP (AED 12,500) suits technology and management consultants, and IFZA gives a prestigious Dubai address. Because almost every UAE free zone permits consulting, cost is the deciding factor — and Ajman wins. Licence-only starts at AED 4,888. Each listed 1-visa scenario is a comparison starting point; the final authority itemisation is confirmed in writing before payment.
| Free zone | Emirate | 1-visa scenario | Licence only | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman NuVentures CentreCheapest | Ajman | AED 10,800 | AED 4,888 | Lowest-cost consultancy |
| SRTIPBest value | Sharjah | AED 12,500 | AED 5,500 | Tech & management consulting |
| IFZA | Dubai (DSO) | AED 17,615 | AED 12,900 | A Dubai consulting address |
| Fujairah Creative City | Fujairah | AED 12,500 | AED 4,900 | Creative & media consulting |
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 13,165 | AED 5,750 | Multi-discipline practice |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 14,000 | AED 6,000 | Consulting + trading mix |
Published scenarios are comparison starting points for the licence and selected visa setup. We check activity scope, authority charges, document requirements and optional services, then issue the final written itemisation before payment. Prices are live Formenzo figures for 2026 and exclude optional add-ons. Verify your exact number — including extra visas and activity — with the free calculator.
Pick by what your practice needs
Almost every UAE free zone allows consulting, so the choice comes down to cost, your niche, and whether you want a Dubai address.
Lowest cost
Ajman (AED 10,800). the lowest listed 1-visa scenario — and a consultancy needs no facilities, so this is the natural pick for most solo and boutique consultants.
Tech & management
SRTIP (AED 12,500). Sharjah's research, technology and innovation park — a credible home for technology, R&D and management consultants.
A Dubai address
IFZA, Dubai (AED 17,615 / 1 visa). A prestigious Dubai Silicon Oasis address for client-facing advisory firms; licence-only is AED 12,900.
Creative & media advisory
Fujairah Creative City (AED 12,500). Purpose-built for media and creative work — ideal for marketing, branding and content consultancies.
Why founders compare on Formenzo
Published scenario prices
A clear published scenario for each zone. We confirm activity scope, authority charges, documents and optional services in writing before payment.
No sales calls, ever
See every zone's price side by side and decide on your own terms. No forms-to-unlock, no follow-up pressure.
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Open the free calculator →Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest UAE free zone for a consultancy?
Ajman NuVentures Centre, at AED 10,800 published 1-visa scenario (AED 4,888 licence-only). A consultancy needs no warehousing or special facilities, so the cheapest licence with a visa is usually the best choice.
Can I serve mainland UAE clients with a free-zone consultancy?
You can invoice clients across the UAE and worldwide. To deliver services physically at a mainland client's premises on an ongoing basis some activities may need additional approvals — confirm your specific consulting activity with a UAE adviser.
Do I need a degree or certification to set up a consultancy?
For most general management, marketing and IT consultancies, no. Certain regulated fields (e.g. legal, audit, engineering, medical) require professional qualifications and sometimes extra approvals — check your activity before you proceed.
Do these prices include the residence visa?
Each listed 1-visa scenario is a comparison starting point. We confirm the activity scope, authority charges, documents and optional services in a written itemisation before payment. Licence-only (zero-visa) setups start from AED 4,888.
Can I add several consulting activities to one licence?
Yes — most zones let you list multiple related activities on a single licence. SPC and RAKEZ carry especially broad lists if you advise across several areas; use the free calculator to confirm your exact setup.
Start with a secure online estimate
Build an itemised estimate online. After review, your secure portal shows the confirmed total, its validity date, any authority requirements and the invoice before payment.