Founder + 1 visa · 3 zones ranked
Cheapest free zones in Abu Dhabi for a founder with one residence visa
KEZAD publishes the lowest package for a founder with one residence visa in Abu Dhabi: AED 9,450 for year 1 (1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa (VAT included)), followed by ADAFZ (AED 12,000) and MCFZ (AED 17,500). 3 of 4 zones publish a package that fits.
Ranked by the year-1 price of each zone's closest published package for this set-up: one founder with one residence visa, flexi-desk or virtual office.
| # | Free zone | Package | Year 1 | Renews at | Visa quota | Office | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KEZAD | 1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa (VAT included) | AED 9,450 | Not published | 1 | Not stated | 2026-10-24 · Source ↗ |
| 2 | ADAFZ | Startup Pro | AED 12,000 | Not published | 1 | Not stated | 2026-10-24 · Source ↗ |
| 3 | MCFZ | Business One Package | AED 17,500 | Not published | 1 | Flexi-desk | 2026-10-24 · Source ↗ |
Verified on 2026-10-24 from kezadgroup.com, adafz.ae, masdarcityfreezone.com.
AED, as advertised by each zone. Packages with stated conditions, ended offers, freelance permits and financial centres (DIFC, ADGM) are left out. The order reflects published figures only; it is not a recommendation to choose any zone. Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice. How we verify
No fitting package published (1)
These zones in Abu Dhabi publish no current package that fits this set-up. That does not mean they are more expensive: ask them for a quote.
Questions worth asking
Which free zone is cheapest in Abu Dhabi for a founder with one residence visa?
KEZAD publishes the lowest package for a founder with one residence visa in Abu Dhabi: AED 9,450 for year 1 (1 Year Free Zone Business Package - 1 Visa (VAT included)), followed by ADAFZ (AED 12,000) and MCFZ (AED 17,500). 3 of 4 zones publish a package that fits.
Why are some zones not ranked?
1 zone in Abu Dhabi publish no current package that fits this set-up: no package prices at all, only offers with stated conditions, or no package with enough visas for this office type. They are listed below the table; ask them for a quote.
Does the price include everything?
It is the year-1 total each zone advertises for the package. Packages include different things: check the exclusions on each zone's page and the official source before you compare totals. Visa medicals, Emirates ID and similar costs are often extra.
How is the closest package chosen?
For each zone we take its current, unconditional company packages whose office type fits (one founder with one residence visa, flexi-desk or virtual office), then the one with the smallest visa quota that still covers 1 visa, then the lowest price. Freelance permits, ended offers and financial centres (DIFC, ADGM) are left out.
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