The cheapest trade license in the UAE starts from AED 4,888 at Ajman Free Zone for a zero-visa package, undercutting the more commonly cited SHAMS and SRTIP options at AED 5,500–5,750. For a general trading license specifically, which permits multi-category import and export, expect a higher tier since this activity type typically costs more than a single-activity commercial license within the same free zone.
What to do now:
- Confirm whether you need general trading (broad, multi-category) or a single-activity license — pricing differs
- Compare zero-visa packages first, then add visa costs separately
- Verify the current price directly with the free zone, since promotional rates shift monthly
Table of Contents
Cheapest License by Zone — 2026 Prices
Ajman Free Zone is the cheapest option overall, not SRTIP as several guides claim, though the gap is close enough that activity-specific pricing can shift the ranking.
| Free Zone | Zero-Visa Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ajman Free Zone (NuVentures) | AED 4,888 | Lowest overall entry point, e-commerce and services |
| SRTIP (Sharjah) | AED 5,500 | Tech, R&D, software startups |
| SHAMS (Sharjah) | AED 5,750 | Media, creative, freelance activities |
| SPC Free Zone (Sharjah) | AED 6,875 | Fastest issuance — license within 2 hours |
| RAKEZ | AED 6,000 | General trading with warehouse access |
None of these zero-visa prices include a residency visa. Adding a single investor visa typically adds AED 5,000 or more, which is why zero-visa and visa-inclusive comparisons produce very different “cheapest” answers depending on what a reader actually needs.
low cost business setup in Dubai
Why “Cheapest General Trading” Isn’t the Same as “Cheapest License”
General trading license specifically permits importing, exporting, and distributing multiple unrelated product categories under one license — a broader scope than a single-activity commercial license.
This broader scope typically costs more, even within the cheapest free zones. RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone are the two most commonly cited zones specifically for affordable general trading, since some budget zones like SPC price their absolute cheapest packages around single-activity or service licenses rather than full multi-category trading. Checking whether a quoted “cheapest” price applies to general trading specifically, or to a narrower license type, avoids comparing two different products.
Pro tip: If a quoted price seems unusually low for general trading specifically, ask the free zone directly how many product categories the package includes — some entry-level packages cap you at 3–5 activities before requiring a paid upgrade.
Cheapest License With a Visa Included
Zero-visa packages are cheapest upfront, but most founders eventually need at least one residency visa.
| Zone | License + 1 Visa | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Ajman Free Zone | AED 10,800 | License, investor visa, Emirates ID, medical, insurance |
| SHAMS / RAKEZ | AED 11,000–13,000 | License, investor visa, standard residency requirements |
Visa costs alone run AED 3,800–6,500 per person, covering medical testing, Emirates ID issuance, and mandatory health insurance — a cost that applies regardless of which free zone is chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest license in UAE?
Ajman Free Zone offers the cheapest overall license at AED 4,888 for a zero-visa package, ahead of SHAMS and SRTIP at AED 5,500–5,750. The exact “cheapest” answer depends on whether the license needs to cover general trading specifically or a narrower single-activity scope.
What is the cheapest trade license in UAE with a visa?
Ajman Free Zone’s combined license-and-visa package starts around AED 10,800, covering the trade license, one investor visa, Emirates ID, medical testing, and health insurance. SHAMS and RAKEZ offer similar visa-inclusive packages in the AED 11,000–13,000 range.
Is SRTIP really the cheapest general trading license in UAE?
Not quite. SRTIP’s zero-visa package at AED 5,500 is competitive but not the lowest — Ajman Free Zone starts lower at AED 4,888. For general trading specifically, RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone are more commonly cited as the best value, since general trading’s broader activity scope isn’t always included in every zone’s absolute cheapest package tier.
Last verified: July 2026 Reviewed by: UAE Content Team Source: UAE Ministry of Economy — Free Zone Regulations
