Starting an e-commerce business in the UAE is a highly lucrative opportunity for foreign investors. The recent data released by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce says that the UAE e-commerce market is expected to reach USD 9.2bn in 2026. E-commerce sales in the country had touched USD 4.8bn in 2021 as against USD 2.6bn sales in 2019, boosted by the global shift towards online shopping induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting an e-commerce license in the UAE is not costly as most of the 40-plus active free zones in the country offer affordable trade licenses for e-commerce entrepreneurs.
However, you may struggle to determine which free zone offers the best e-commerce license in the UAE. Business setup consultants in Dubai can help you find the free zones that offer cost-effective e-commerce licenses. Read ahead to gain further insights on the best UAE free zones offering cost-effective licenses for e-commerce firms:
Sharjah Media City’s E-commerce License
Sharjah Media City or SHAMS is a progressive free zone located in Sharjah. The cost of an e-commerce license in SHAMS starts from as low as AED 5750. Benefits of a SHAMS e-commerce license include 100% foreign ownership, strategic location, modern infrastructure and facilities, and quick company incorporation procedures. You can also get access to co-working spaces and meeting rooms while obtaining an e-commerce license from SHAMS.
Sharjah Publishing City’s E-commerce License
An e-commerce license in Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) free zone will cost you AED 5750. The benefits of getting an e-commerce license from SPC free zone include 100% foreign ownership, strategic location, easy connectivity, 100% repatriation of profits etc.
E-commerce license from Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) offers one of the cheapest licenses in the UAE for e-commerce companies. The cost of an SRTIP e-commerce license starts from as low as AED 5,500. You can obtain a lease agreement for virtual offices along with the SRTIP e-commerce license. Like other free zones, SRTIP also offers benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, strategic location, smooth connectivity, sophisticated facilities and infrastructure etc. Business setup consultants in the UAE can help you get a trade license from SRTIP.
E-commerce License from Meydan Free Zone, Dubai
Meydan free zone is known for having its location within the iconic Meydan Hotel in Dubai. The free zone also gives you access to Meydan Racecourse and Meydan Golf Course. The cost of an e-commerce license in the Meydan free zone starts as low as AED 12,500 (without a visa). The free zone is centrally located, which makes it easier for carrying out imports and exports. The free zone also offers 100% foreign ownership, state-of-the-art office spaces, and easy connectivity. Business setup consultants in Dubai can assist you with applying for a free zone license.
E-commerce License from International Free Zone Authority
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) offers one of the most cost-effective licenses in Dubai for foreign investors. You can start a business in IFZA for as low as AED 13,900 while enjoying all the free zone benefits such as 100% ownership, efficient infrastructure, faster connectivity etc. Company formation consultants in Dubai can assist you with opening an e-commerce company in IFZA.
E-commerce License from Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is situated in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The free zone is known for offering cost-effective licenses as well as affordable living options for foreign investors. Ras Al Khaimah is known for its highly affordable rental rates so that foreign entrepreneurs can live, work and do business without spending a fortune. The cost of an e-commerce license in RAKEZ starts from as low as AED 11,200.
Interestingly this license comes with a single visa option. The RAKEZ e-commerce license permits multiple business activities with a 10% cashback offer for Ras Al Khaimah residents (as of 11/07/2022). RAKEZ offers multiple-year packages and lease agreements with all packages. Moreover, you will be eligible for benefits such as 100% ownership, excellent connectivity through land, sea and air, modern facilities, easy licensing procedure etc. If you are interested in obtaining a RAKEZ e-commerce license, consult with the best business setup consultants in the UAE.
Hire the Best Business Setup Consultants in Dubai
You need to analyse the packages of each free zone to obtain a cost-effective e-commerce license in the UAE. Selection of the right free zone license package will be difficult for entrepreneurs wishing to set up an e-commerce business in the UAE. However, business setup consultants in the UAE such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) can save you from this dilemma.
Being one of the leading providers of business setup services in Dubai, JBC can dissect the license packages offered by each free zone. We can inform you about the pros and cons of each package and warn you if any hidden cost is involved. Moreover, we offer value-added services such as bank account opening, PRO services, and compliance services related to the UAE Corporate Tax, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) etc.
