RAKEZ is one of the cheapest ways into a UAE free zone, from AED 6,000 a year. DMCC costs several times more, from AED 35,484, but puts your company in JLT, Dubai, inside one of the world’s best-known free zones. The right choice depends on whether a Dubai address and DMCC’s reputation are worth the difference for your business.
DMCC vs RAKEZ at a glance
DMCC
RAKEZ
Location
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai
Ras Al Khaimah
Entry price
From AED 35,484 (Basic Biz package: licence, registration, flexi desk; eligible for 1 visa)
Jump Start package AED 43,780 with 1 visa included
AED 12,000 (Lite package: 1 visa, up to 5 shareholders and 5 activities)
Renewal
From AED 20,265 for the licence, plus desk or office
Not published; varies by entity type
Reputation
fDi Magazine Global Free Zone of the Year nine years running (2015–2023)
Large multi-sector zone, popular with SMEs and industry
Best for
Trading, commodities, crypto and firms that want a prestige Dubai address
Cost-conscious founders, e-commerce, consultants and industrial businesses
RAKEZ prices are its published promotional packages. DMCC prices are DMCC’s official packages.
When RAKEZ wins
Budget is the priority: RAKEZ’s Lite package with one visa costs less than a third of DMCC’s Jump Start.
You do not need a Dubai address on your licence or invoices.
Industrial or warehouse needs, where RAKEZ offers industrial land, warehouses and factory space in Ras Al Khaimah.
When DMCC wins
A Dubai address matters to your clients, partners or bank.
Commodities, gold, diamonds, crypto or trading, where DMCC has dedicated centres and an established ecosystem.
You want to meet clients in Dubai from a JLT office or flexi desk.
You plan to grow a team in Dubai and want office space close to where staff live.
Remember that a free zone company trades within its free zone and internationally; trading onshore in the UAE needs the right permits or a mainland licence, whichever zone you choose.
Free DMCC quote
What will your DMCC company cost?
Answer four questions. You will see the official DMCC package that fits, then get a written quote from us on WhatsApp.
Prices are DMCC’s official packages and Schedule of Charges (checked October 2026). Your final quote confirms the live fee. Pro24 is based in Platinum Tower, JLT.
DMCC or RAKEZ? Get both quoted
Tell us your activity, visas and where your clients are. We will price both and tell you honestly which is the better fit.
Yes, by a wide margin. RAKEZ publishes packages from AED 6,000 (no visa) and AED 12,000 with one visa. DMCC starts at AED 35,484 with its Basic Biz package and AED 43,780 for Jump Start with one visa.
Can a RAKEZ company work from Dubai?
A RAKEZ company is licensed in Ras Al Khaimah, and its registered facility is there. If you need a Dubai address or office, DMCC or another Dubai free zone is the simpler route.
Which is better for trading, DMCC or RAKEZ?
For commodities and international trading, DMCC’s ecosystem and Dubai address are strong advantages. For low-cost general trading or e-commerce where price matters most, RAKEZ is often enough.
Do DMCC and RAKEZ both allow 100% foreign ownership?
Yes. Both are free zones that allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner.
Source & review. RAKEZ figures from rakez.com (instant licence promotion). DMCC figures from DMCC’s official packages and Schedule of Charges; other free zone figures as published by that authority on 28 October 2026 (see our UAE Free Zone Cost Index). Promotional prices change, so we confirm live prices before you pay. Reviewed by the Pro24 Advisory Team.
