NORTHERN EMIRATE FREE ZONE COMPARISON

Created on Feb 11, 2018
Last updated on Mar 19, 2026

By Nikhil Skariah (Author) | Reviewed by Shibi Joseph On Feb 11, 2018

NORTHERN EMIRATE FREE ZONE COMPARISON

NORTHERN EMIRATE FREE ZONE COMPARISON

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, or SAIF-ZONE, is the largest free zone in Sharjah and particularly attractive for its lower fees when compared to free zones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. SAIF ZONE keeps a hassle-free approach to setting up business.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone, or RAK FTZ, is also popular for providing the same or even more generous incentives as well than the free trade zones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but at lower cost, wooing companies with the promise of 25 per cent savings on business operations as compared to other emirates. It has four distinctive segments within the zone, a business park for office clients, an industrial park for heavy manufacturing, a technology park for trading and light manufacturing, and an academic zone for educational institutions

Hamriyah Free zone is one of the fastest growing free zones and the company setup cost is cheaper when compared with the other Free zones in UAE.

SHAMS Free zone has the simplest business registration process for setting up the business. Shams is the fastest free zone in northern emirates which provide everything you from licensing, visas, and real estate through fast, easy, and cost effective setup process.

Ajman Free zone provides affordable free zone services to clients at a competitive price and easy installments. The free zone helps startup companies to have their base in the free zone with simple legal requirements. Minimum cost, simple legal requirements, facility to upgrade the company etc.

According to the study done by Danburite Corporate, Hamriyah Free zone is the cheapest free zone for business setup but in terms of visa, the total business setup cost will be higher.  For setting up companies with visa we suggest you to prefer SHAMS Free zone, AJMAN Free zone or RAK Free zone.

Top Free Zones in Northern Emirates

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is the largest free zone in Sharjah and is well known for its low setup costs. It offers a hassle-free business setup process and is ideal for trading and logistics businesses.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ)

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone provides attractive incentives and allows businesses to save up to 25% on operational costs. It includes four key zones: business park, industrial park, technology park, and academic zone.

Hamriyah Free Zone

Hamriyah Free Zone is one of the fastest-growing free zones and is especially popular for its low setup costs and strong support for industrial businesses.

SHAMS Free Zone (Sharjah Media City)

Sharjah Media City offers one of the simplest and fastest company registration processes. It is ideal for freelancers, startups, and media-related businesses.

Ajman Free Zone

Ajman Free Zone is known for affordable packages, flexible payment options, and simple legal requirements, making it perfect for startups and small businesses.

Conclusion

Northern Emirate free zones provide a perfect balance of affordability, flexibility, and efficiency. Whether you are a startup or an established business, choosing the right free zone can significantly impact your growth and operational success.

✎ Author

Nikhil Skariah
Legal Advisor  Corporate Governance and Compliance Expert  Regulation  Legal Strategy  Contract Auditing  
I'm Nikhil, your friendly lawyer who cuts through the legal mumbo jumbo. No fancy suits or boring jargon here, just straightforward advice to help your small business thrive.

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