Best Free Zones for Trading Companies · AED 15k–30k Year-1
These zones rank highest for trading companies on our default profile with a Year-1 setup cost between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000 — from AED 15,000. Year-1 cost is the first-year all-in (licence, registration, and the minimum workspace), the same figure the directory price filter uses. Want it scored against your exact budget, visa count, and workspace? Run the free wizard.
Trading Companies zones between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000(6 shown)
What to look for (Trading Companies)
- ✓Proximity to Jebel Ali Port, Dubai Airport, or Khalifa Port
- ✓Warehouse availability — size, lease terms, and customs integration
- ✓Designated VAT zone status — suspends import duty inside the zone
- ✓Visa quota — trading firms often need 5–20 staff
- ✓Multi-commodity licence vs specialist zone (e.g. metals, food)
Trading Companies at other budgets
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free zone for general trading in the UAE?
JAFZA is the benchmark for large-scale trading due to direct Jebel Ali port access. For SMEs, IFZA, Dubai South, and RAKEZ offer warehouse units at lower cost with multi-commodity trading licences.
Can I trade outside the UAE from a free zone?
Yes. Free zones are designed for international trade. You can import goods, re-export to third countries, or sell into the UAE mainland via a local distributor or branch office.
Do I need a designated VAT zone for trading?
Only if you're importing goods for onward export and want to suspend UAE import duty. Designated zones like JAFZA and Dubai Airport FZ allow this. Standard free zones still give 0% corporate tax and full profit repatriation.
How many visas does a trading company typically need?
A small trading operation with 1–2 owners and a warehouse team typically needs 4–10 visas. Larger operations with logistics staff may need 20+. Check the zone's visa ratio (visas per sq m of warehouse).
What's the difference between a free zone and a mainland trading licence?
Free zone companies can't sell directly to UAE mainland customers without a local distributor or branch. They get 0% import duty within the zone and 100% foreign ownership. Mainland companies can sell direct but pay import duty.