Free Zone Company (FZCO) formation costs in United Arab Emirates
Government filing from $3,500 · annual maintenance from $3,500
Last verified: June 13, 2026
View full entity guide →Model net profit with tax simulator →
Cost summary
State Filing
$3,500
one-time
Mandatory Annual Fee
$3,500
per year
First-Year Total
$3,500
incl. required services
Annual Ongoing
$3,500
from year 2
Cost Breakdown
Detailed breakdown of formation and ongoing costs
| Item | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Free Zone Trade License | Annual | $2,000 |
| Flexi-desk / Co-working Lease | Annual | $1,000 |
| Establishment Card | Annual | $500 |
| First year total | $3,500 | |
| Annual ongoing | $3,500 | |
Calculate for your scenario
Personalize the total by toggling optional services, expedited filing, and the projection period.
Free Zone Company (FZCO) cost FAQ
How much does it cost to form a Free Zone Company (FZCO)?
The government filing fee starts at $3,500. Including required services, expect a first-year total of about $3,500.
What are the annual costs of a Free Zone Company (FZCO)?
The mandatory state/annual fee starts at $3,500. With recurring services like a registered agent, total ongoing costs are about $3,500 per year.
How long does Free Zone Company (FZCO) formation take?
Standard processing takes 3-7 business days. Expedited processing (1-2 business days for an extra $500) is available.
Is a registered address required in United Arab Emirates?
Yes. Typical cost: $1,000 - $3,000/year for a flexi-desk or virtual office. Virtual offices are allowed.
Is there a minimum capital requirement for a Free Zone Company (FZCO)?
No, there is no minimum capital requirement. Varies by Free Zone. Many zones (e.g., IFZA, Meydan) have no minimum paid-up capital, while others (e.g., DMCC) require AED 50,000 (approx. $13,600).
Can I form a Free Zone Company (FZCO) remotely?
Yes, no local director is required. 100% foreign ownership is allowed. A local director is not required, but a resident manager may be needed depending on the Free Zone.
Related pages
Complete Free Zone Company (FZCO) formation guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, and step-by-step setup
Free Zone Establishment (FZE) costs
Filing $3,500 · annual $3,500
Mainland LLC costs
Filing $4,100 · annual $3,000
Offshore Company (IBC) costs
Filing $2,000 · annual $2,000
Foreign Branch costs
Filing $6,800 · annual $5,450
Representative Office costs
Filing $4,080 · annual $2,720
Civil Company costs
Filing $5,500 · annual $3,500
Sole Establishment costs
Filing $3,500 · annual $3,000
Tax simulator
Model your net profit with Free Zone Company (FZCO)
Estimates based on guide data and typical market rates. Actual costs vary by provider and circumstances.