Shipping Agency in the UAE
Available in 20 free zones — compare costs and requirements below.
Free Zones Offering Shipping Agency
| Free Zone | Emirate | Specialty | From (Year 1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFZ — Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | General trading, manufacturing | AED 10,300 | View Details |
| DCC — Dubai CommerCity | Dubai | E-commerce | AED 11,050 | View Details |
| Meydan — Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | General business, startups | AED 12,500 | View Details |
| IFZA — International Free Zone Authority | Dubai | General business, services | AED 12,900 | View Details |
| UAQFTZ — UAQ Free Trade Zone | Umm Al Quwain | Trading, manufacturing, services | AED 15,000 | View Details |
| FFZA — Fujairah Free Zone | Fujairah | Trading, oil storage, shipping | AED 15,500 | View Details |
| RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone | Ras Al Khaimah | General business, manufacturing | AED 15,500 | View Details |
| Shams — Sharjah Media City | Sharjah | Media, creative, e-commerce | AED 15,600 | View Details |
| HFZ — Hamriyah Free Zone | Sharjah | Industrial, manufacturing, oil & gas | AED 17,500 | View Details |
| SAIF — Sharjah Airport International Free Zone | Sharjah | Aviation, logistics, trading | AED 17,500 | View Details |
| JAFZA — Jebel Ali Free Zone | Dubai | Logistics, manufacturing, trading | AED 18,500 | View Details |
| RAKMC — RAK Maritime City | Ras Al Khaimah | Maritime, shipping | AED 20,000 | View Details |
| DWC — Dubai South | Dubai | Aviation, logistics, e-commerce | AED 22,000 | View Details |
| KIZAD — Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | Industrial, manufacturing | AED 22,000 | View Details |
| DWTC — Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone | Dubai | Events, exhibitions, trading | AED 23,500 | View Details |
| DAFZA — Dubai Airport Free Zone | Dubai | General trading, logistics | AED 28,500 | View Details |
| DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre | Dubai | Commodities, finance, tech, blockchain | AED 33,600 | View Details |
| IHC — International Humanitarian City | Dubai | Humanitarian, logistics | AED 35,000 | View Details |
| ICAD — Industrial City of Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | Heavy industry, manufacturing | AED 115,000 | View Details |
| ADAFZ — Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone | Abu Dhabi | Aviation, logistics | AED 127,500 | View Details |
About Shipping Agency License
A shipping agency represents ship owners and operators, handling vessel operations, port formalities, crew management, and cargo documentation in UAE ports.
A Professional license is required for shipping agency in the UAE. This activity falls under the Logistics category.
You can obtain this license in 20 free zones across the UAE. The cheapest option starts from AED 10,300 for the first year, including license fee and basic setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a shipping agency license cost in the UAE?
The cheapest option starts from AED 10,300 for Year 1 at AFZ. Costs vary by free zone, office type, and visa allocation.
Which free zone is best for shipping agency?
It depends on your budget, location preference, and visa needs. AFZ offers the lowest starting cost. Consider factors like emirate, office facilities, and industry specialization.
What license type do I need for shipping agency?
A Professional license is required. This falls under the Logistics category. The license type determines which activities you can conduct and which free zones can issue it.
Can I do shipping agency as a freelancer in the UAE?
Some free zones offer freelance permits that cover logistics activities. Check individual free zones for freelance options, which typically have lower costs but limited visa quotas.
How many free zones offer shipping agency?
Shipping Agency is available in 20 free zones across the UAE, spanning multiple emirates. This gives you flexibility to choose based on cost, location, and business needs.
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