How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Dubai?
Transparent pricing breakdown. No surprises, no hidden fees. Understand exactly what you'll pay for company formation, visas, and ongoing operations.
What affects your setup cost?
Dubai business setup costs range from AED 15,000 to AED 150,000+ in the first year. The wide range reflects real differences in what businesses need: a solo consultant with a virtual office pays very differently from a trading company with warehouse space and ten employees.
The main cost drivers are: jurisdiction (mainland vs free zone), license type (professional vs commercial vs industrial), visa quantity, and office solution (virtual to physical).
Below we break down typical costs for each component, plus realistic package examples so you can estimate your specific situation.
Basic free zone license with virtual office and 1 visa
Standard setup with license, office, and 2-3 visas
Prestigious jurisdictions with physical offices
Mainland Company Costs
Dubai mainland (DED) license costs. Provides full UAE market access but requires local sponsor for most activities.
| Cost Item | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade license fee | AED 10,000 - 50,000 | Varies by activity type |
| Local sponsor/service agent | AED 5,000 - 15,000/year | Required for most activities |
| Initial approval | AED 500 - 1,000 | DED processing |
| Trade name reservation | AED 620 | One-time fee |
| MOA drafting & notarization | AED 2,000 - 5,000 | Depends on complexity |
| Office/Ejari | AED 5,000 - 50,000/year | Virtual to physical office |
| Establishment card | AED 2,000 - 3,000 | Immigration file setup |
| Investor visa (each) | AED 5,000 - 7,000 | Including medical & Emirates ID |
Typical mainland first-year total: AED 30,000 - 80,000 depending on activity, office type, and visa count.
Free Zone Company Costs
Free zone setup costs. 100% ownership, 0% tax, but limited UAE market access. Costs vary significantly between free zones.
| Cost Item | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| License fee | AED 10,000 - 50,000 | Varies by free zone |
| Registration fee | AED 2,000 - 5,000 | One-time |
| Office solution | AED 5,000 - 30,000/year | Flexi desk to serviced office |
| Visa package | AED 3,000 - 8,000/visa | Includes processing |
| Share capital | AED 1,000 - 50,000 | Varies by free zone, often not deposited |
| E-channel/portal fees | AED 1,000 - 2,000 | Government system access |
Typical free zone first-year total: AED 18,000 - 60,000 depending on free zone choice, office type, and visa count.
Ongoing Operating Expenses
Beyond setup, businesses have recurring costs for license renewal, office, compliance, and visa maintenance.
| Cost Item | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| License renewal | AED 10,000 - 50,000/year | Similar to initial license |
| Office rent | AED 5,000 - 100,000/year | Depends on type and location |
| Visa renewal | AED 2,000 - 4,000/visa | Every 2-3 years |
| Accounting/VAT | AED 3,000 - 15,000/year | Depends on transaction volume |
| PRO services | AED 500 - 2,000/month | Outsourced government relations |
| Bank account maintenance | AED 0 - 5,000/year | Varies by bank |
Realistic Setup Scenarios
Here's what different business types typically pay, including our service fees.
Budget Free Zone Setup
Solo consultant, remote work, 1 visa
- ✓IFZA or Meydan license
- ✓Flexi desk/virtual office
- ✓1 investor visa
- ✓Basic setup support
Standard Free Zone Setup
Small team, trading or services, 3-4 visas
- ✓DMCC or similar license
- ✓Flexi desk package
- ✓3-4 visas
- ✓PRO support included
Mainland LLC Setup
UAE market access, 2-3 visas
- ✓DED commercial license
- ✓Local sponsor arrangement
- ✓Office/Ejari
- ✓2-3 investor visas
Premium DIFC Setup
Financial services, prestigious address
- ✓DIFC license
- ✓Serviced office
- ✓Visa package
- ✓Regulatory compliance support
How to Reduce Your Setup Costs
Choose the right free zone
IFZA and Meydan cost significantly less than DMCC for the same activities. Unless you specifically need DMCC's trading infrastructure or prestige, a budget-friendly zone may serve you equally well.
Start with fewer visas
Don't pay for visa packages you won't use immediately. Most setups allow adding visas later. Start with what you need and expand when your team grows.
Use virtual/flexi office
Physical offices are expensive. If you don't need daily presence or client visits, a flexi desk or virtual address saves AED 20,000-50,000 annually.
Bundle services
Setup packages that include license, visa, and PRO support are typically cheaper than arranging each component separately. Ask about all-inclusive pricing.
Get an exact quote for your business
Every business is different. Share your requirements and we'll provide a detailed, transparent quote with no hidden fees — usually within 24 hours.