Which UAE free zone for a solo founder in 2026
By Malik, Founder · Prices checked
Two routes exist, and agencies almost always sell you the more expensive one. A permit in your own name, or a company. Here is what each costs, and the figure that actually decides.
Working alone, the cheapest route is a freelance permit: from 3,500 AED a year at twofour54 Abu Dhabi, a permit in your own name, not a company. The cheapest company licence is ANCFZ, 4,888 AED a year without a visa; with a residence visa, ANCFZ, 10,800 AED.
Freelance permits
A permit is issued to a person, not a company. 16 zones issue one, 13 publish its price.
The permit with one visa
A permit alone carries no residence visa. Only 4 zones publish both figures.
Cheapest company licences
Ten cheapest published, no visa included.
Questions
What is the cheapest way to work alone legally in the UAE?
Does a freelance permit give me a residence visa?
Should I take a permit or a company?
All prices and terms come from the free zones and may change at any time without prior notice. Free Zone Radar cannot be held responsible for any change, error or omission. Always confirm the final price and terms in writing before you sign or pay.
