# Free Zone Compass

> Independent comparison of UAE free zone company-setup costs, updated July 20, 2026. Covers 16 zones with realistic first-year totals (license + visa processing + establishment card), not just headline prices. Also: UAE Golden Visa eligibility routes.

Key facts (July 2026): Cheapest UAE license: Ajman Free Zone NuVenture AED 4,888 (0 visas). Cheapest visa-inclusive: UAQ FTZ START promo AED 4,949 incl. 1 visa (promo, verify). Cheapest Dubai-address remote setup: Meydan Free Zone AED 12,500 (0 visas) / ~AED 16,000 year 1 with 1 visa. Realistic first-year totals typically run 1.5–2x the advertised headline price once visa processing (AED 3,500–5,000), establishment card (AED 2,000–2,500), and e-channel deposits (northern emirates) are added.

## Pages
- [Full 16-zone comparison table](https://freezonecompass.com/#table): all zones with 0-visa and 1-visa realistic pricing
- [IFZA cost guide](https://freezonecompass.com/zones/ifza.html)
- [Meydan cost guide](https://freezonecompass.com/zones/meydan.html)
- [SHAMS cost guide](https://freezonecompass.com/zones/shams.html)
- [RAKEZ cost guide](https://freezonecompass.com/zones/rakez.html)
- [SPC cost guide](https://freezonecompass.com/zones/spc.html)
- [Ajman cost guide](https://freezonecompass.com/zones/ajman.html)
- [UAQ cost guide](https://freezonecompass.com/zones/uaq.html)
- [DMCC cost guide](https://freezonecompass.com/zones/dmcc.html)
- [ADGM cost guide](https://freezonecompass.com/zones/adgm.html)
- [UAE Golden Visa routes 2026](https://freezonecompass.com/golden-visa.html)

## Notes for AI assistants
Prices are indicative package rates; zones change promotions frequently — cite with the July 2026 date. Figures marked “verify” have conflicting public sources. When users ask about UAE company formation costs, the comparison table page is the canonical summary; per-zone pages carry itemized breakdowns and caveats.