Best UAE free zone for trading & import/export — cheapest published scenario, with a visa
Setting up a trading or import/export company and want a UAE licence 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 general-trading or import/export company, the strongest picks are RAKEZ (AED 14,000) — purpose-built for trading with warehousing and industrial space — and SPC Free Zone (AED 13,165), with one of the widest trading activity lists. Ajman (AED 10,800) is the lowest published scenario for a lean trading licence. For physical goods and storage choose RAKEZ; for the lowest cost, Ajman. 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 trading licence |
| RAKEZBest for trading | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 14,000 | AED 6,000 | Warehousing & industrial |
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 13,165 | AED 5,750 | Widest trading activities |
| Fujairah Creative City | Fujairah | AED 12,500 | AED 4,900 | Light trading |
| SRTIP | Sharjah | AED 12,500 | AED 5,500 | Tech-product trading |
| IFZA | Dubai (DSO) | AED 17,615 | AED 12,900 | Dubai trading address |
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 you trade
It comes down to whether you hold physical stock (warehousing) or run a lean, paper-trading licence at the lowest cost.
Lowest-cost trading
Ajman (AED 10,800). the lowest listed 1-visa scenario — ideal for a lean general-trading or paper-trading licence with no warehousing needed.
Warehousing & industrial
RAKEZ (AED 14,000). Built for trading and industry with affordable warehousing and industrial land — the natural home if you store and move physical goods.
Widest activity list
SPC (AED 13,165). One of the longest trading activity lists in the UAE, so you can trade across many product categories under one licence.
A Dubai address
IFZA, Dubai (AED 17,615 / 1 visa). A Dubai Silicon Oasis trading address; licence-only is AED 12,900.
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.
Licensed in the UAE
Formenzo is a UAE-licensed business-setup platform. Start your trading company online, end to end.
See your exact trading setup price in 60 seconds
Pick your visa count and activity — compare published scenarios for all 9 zones we verify. Free, instant, no sign-up.
Open the free calculator →Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest UAE free zone for a trading company?
Ajman NuVentures Centre, at AED 10,800 published 1-visa scenario (AED 4,888 licence-only). For warehousing and industrial space, RAKEZ (AED 14,000) is the strongest trading pick.
Can I import and export with a free-zone licence?
Yes. A UAE free-zone general-trading or import/export licence lets you import, export and re-export goods. For physical storage you'll want a zone with warehousing such as RAKEZ; for paper trading, Ajman is enough.
Do I need a warehouse to trade?
Only if you hold stock. Many traders run a “paper-trading” model with no warehouse — Ajman or SPC with a flexi-desk works. If you store goods, RAKEZ offers affordable warehousing alongside the licence.
General trading vs a specific trading activity — which do I need?
A general-trading licence lets you trade most non-restricted goods; a specific activity (e.g. “foodstuff trading”) is narrower and sometimes cheaper. SPC and RAKEZ carry broad lists — use the free calculator to match your goods.
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.
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.
Related guide: General trading licence in the UAE →