Best UAE free zone for consulting — cheapest all-in, with a visa
Starting a consultancy or professional-services firm and want a UAE company with a residence visa without overpaying? Here are the real all-in prices across 9 verified UAE free zones, compared honestly. No sales calls.
The value picks, at one visa
For a UAE consultancy or professional-services company with one visa, the strongest pick is Ajman NuVentures Centre (AED 10,800) — the cheapest all-in, and a consultancy needs no warehousing or special facilities. SRTIP (AED 12,500) suits technology and management consultants, and IFZA gives a prestigious Dubai address. Because almost every UAE free zone permits consulting, cost is the deciding factor — and Ajman wins. Licence-only starts at AED 4,888. Every price is all-in — licence, government fees and the visa block.
| Free zone | Emirate | All-in, 1 visa | Licence only | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman NuVentures CentreCheapest | Ajman | AED 10,800 | AED 4,888 | Lowest-cost consultancy |
| SRTIPBest value | Sharjah | AED 12,500 | AED 5,500 | Tech & management consulting |
| IFZA | Dubai (DSO) | AED 17,615 | AED 12,900 | A Dubai consulting address |
| Fujairah Creative City | Fujairah | AED 12,500 | AED 4,900 | Creative & media consulting |
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 13,165 | AED 5,750 | Multi-discipline practice |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 14,000 | AED 6,000 | Consulting + trading mix |
All-in = trade licence + government fees + the residence-visa block. Prices are live Formenzo figures for 2026 and exclude optional add-ons. Verify your exact number — including extra visas and activity — with the free calculator.
Pick by what your practice needs
Almost every UAE free zone allows consulting, so the choice comes down to cost, your niche, and whether you want a Dubai address.
Lowest cost
Ajman (AED 10,800). The cheapest all-in company with a visa — and a consultancy needs no facilities, so this is the natural pick for most solo and boutique consultants.
Tech & management
SRTIP (AED 12,500). Sharjah's research, technology and innovation park — a credible home for technology, R&D and management consultants.
A Dubai address
IFZA, Dubai (AED 17,615 / 1 visa). A prestigious Dubai Silicon Oasis address for client-facing advisory firms; licence-only is AED 12,900.
Creative & media advisory
Fujairah Creative City (AED 12,500). Purpose-built for media and creative work — ideal for marketing, branding and content consultancies.
Why founders compare on Formenzo
Real all-in prices
One honest number per zone — licence, government fees and the visa block included. No "from AED X" teasers that triple on the call.
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Open the free calculator →Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest UAE free zone for a consultancy?
Ajman NuVentures Centre, at AED 10,800 all-in with one residence visa (AED 4,888 licence-only). A consultancy needs no warehousing or special facilities, so the cheapest licence with a visa is usually the best choice.
Can I serve mainland UAE clients with a free-zone consultancy?
You can invoice clients across the UAE and worldwide. To deliver services physically at a mainland client's premises on an ongoing basis some activities may need additional approvals — confirm your specific consulting activity with a UAE adviser.
Do I need a degree or certification to set up a consultancy?
For most general management, marketing and IT consultancies, no. Certain regulated fields (e.g. legal, audit, engineering, medical) require professional qualifications and sometimes extra approvals — check your activity before you proceed.
Do these prices include the residence visa?
Yes — every figure is all-in: trade licence, government fees and the residence-visa block, with no hidden charges. Licence-only (zero-visa) setups start from AED 4,888.
Can I add several consulting activities to one licence?
Yes — most zones let you list multiple related activities on a single licence. SPC and RAKEZ carry especially broad lists if you advise across several areas; use the free calculator to confirm your exact setup.
Set up clean — get the all-in cost in writing
Send your name and WhatsApp or email — we reply with the exact all-in figure for your setup, locked 14 days in writing. No calls, ever.