Compare UAE jurisdictions

Side by side on the figures that decide it — licence cost, timeline, capital, visa — each linked to its official source.

DIFC vs ADGMDIFC vs ADGM vs DMCCIFZA vs Meydan vs SHAMSDMCC vs RAKEZ vs IFZA
MetricDMCC
Dubai · DMCC Authority
RAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah · RAKEZ Authority
IFZA
Dubai · IFZA
Cheapest licence
AED 20,265 per year
dmcc.ae · Jun 2026
AED 6,000 per year best
rakez.com · Jun 2026
AED 12,900 per year
freezonecompare.com · Jun 2026
Setup timeline
5–7 working days
companyformationdmcc.com · Jun 2026
Operational within 24 hours (Biz Starter)
rakez.com · Jun 2026
3–5 working days
arnifi.com · Jun 2026
Minimum capital
No fixed paid-up minimum (declared in MOA)
dmcc.ae · Jun 2026
No mandatory paid-up capital (most licences)
rakez.com · Jun 2026
No mandatory paid-up minimum
radiantbiz.com · Jun 2026
Residence visa cost
AED 2,972.5 per visa best
dmcc.ae · Jun 2026
AED 4,000 per visa
rakez.com · Jun 2026
AED 3,800–4,800 per visa
radiantbiz.com · Jun 2026
Registration fee
AED 9,020 one-time
dmcc.ae · Jun 2026
Start in DMCC Start in RAKEZ Start in IFZA

Figures scraped from official sources, pending expert verification — not legal or financial advice. “Best” reflects the lowest published figure among those compared, not an endorsement. Confirm with the regulator before acting.