How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Business in Dubai? (2026 Guide)
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How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Business in Dubai? (2026 Guide)
Setting up a business in Dubai is one of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask before making the move. The honest answer is: it depends on your business type, structure, visa requirements, and whether you choose a free zone or mainland setup.
This guide by Valorea Advisory breaks down the real costs of setting up a business in Dubai in 2026, covering every expense from licence fees to visas, office space, and bank account opening.
What Affects the Cost of Business Setup in Dubai?
The total cost of setting up a business in Dubai is determined by several factors including the type of license you need, the free zone or mainland authority you choose, the number of visas required, the type of office space, and any additional government approvals needed for restricted activities.
Understanding each of these factors helps you plan your budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs.
Dubai Business Setup Cost: Free Zone vs Mainland
Cost Item | Free Zone | Mainland (DED) |
|---|---|---|
Trade license fee | From AED 5,500 to 30,000+ | From AED 10,000 to 25,000 |
Office or desk space | Flexi-desk from AED 5,000 | Physical office from AED 15,000 |
Investor visa (per person) | AED 3,500 to 5,500 | AED 3,500 to 5,500 |
Emirates ID | AED 370 to 570 | AED 370 to 570 |
Medical fitness test | AED 300 to 500 | AED 300 to 500 |
MOA or LSA drafting | Included in most packages | AED 1,500 to 3,000 |
Ejari registration | Not required | AED 220 |
Total first year estimate | AED 15,000 to 45,000 | AED 35,000 to 65,000 |
Free Zone Business Setup Costs in Dubai 2026
Free zone setup costs vary significantly depending on the zone you choose. Budget free zones start from as low as AED 5,500 per year while premium zones like DMCC and DIFC can cost AED 18,500 to 30,000 or more for the licence alone.
Budget Free Zones (Dubai Based)
KIKLABB starts from AED 12,000 per year. Meydan Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year. IFZA starts from AED 12,900 per year including up to 3 visa allocations. These are the most cost-effective options for entrepreneurs who want a Dubai address.
Premium Free Zones (Dubai Based)
DMCC starts from AED 18,500 per year and is the world's top-ranked free zone. DAFZA and Dubai Silicon Oasis start from AED 15,000 per year. Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City start from AED 20,000 per year. DIFC starts from AED 30,000 per year and requires a physical office.
What Is Included in a Free Zone Package?
UAE trade licence for one or more business activities
Flexi-desk or co-working space access
One or more investor visa allocations depending on package
Certificate of Incorporation and company documents
Mainland Business Setup Costs in Dubai 2026
Mainland company setup through the Dubai DED involves more steps and higher costs than most free zone setups, primarily due to the requirement for a physical office and notarised legal documents.
DED Licence Fees
DED commercial licence fees typically range from AED 10,000 to 25,000 depending on the business activity, number of activities on the licence, and company structure. Professional licences tend to be at the lower end and commercial trading licences at the higher end.
Office Costs
All mainland companies must have a physical office registered with Ejari. Office rents in Dubai vary from AED 15,000 per year for a small desk licence in a shared business centre to AED 50,000 or more for a private office. The size of your office also determines your visa quota.
MOA and Legal Documentation
A Mainland LLC requires a Memorandum of Association drafted and notarised at a Dubai Notary Public. MOA drafting and notarisation typically costs AED 1,500 to 3,000.
Visa Costs in Dubai 2026
Visa costs are one of the most significant additional expenses beyond the licence fee. Each investor or employee visa involves multiple government fees.
Visa Cost Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Entry permit | AED 700 to 1000 |
Status change or visa stamping | AED 750 to 1,200 |
Medical fitness test | AED 350 to 1000 |
Emirates ID | AED 370 to 570 |
PRO service fees | AED 800 to 2,500 |
Total per visa | AED 3,500 to 7,000 |
Bank Account Opening Costs
Opening a UAE corporate bank account does not typically involve a direct fee, but most UAE banks require a minimum account balance ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 50,000 depending on the bank. Digital banks like Wio have no minimum balance requirement.
PRO service costs for bank account assistance typically range from AED 1,500 to 3,000 depending on the provider and bank.
Total Cost Scenarios: What Will You Really Pay?
Scenario 1: Solo Founder, Budget Free Zone, 1 Visa
Choosing IFZA or Meydan with one investor visa, the total first year cost including licence, flexi-desk, visa, Emirates ID, and medical test is approximately AED 17,000 to 22,000.
Scenario 2: Small Team, Mid-Tier Free Zone, 3 Visas
Choosing IFZA with 3 visas, the total first year cost including licence, flexi-desk, 3 investor visas, Emirates IDs, and medical tests is approximately AED 28,000 to 38,000.
Scenario 3: Mainland LLC, Small Office, 1 Visa
A standard Mainland LLC with a small business centre office and one investor visa typically costs AED 38,000 to 55,000 in the first year including DED licence, office rent, Ejari, MOA notarisation, and visa costs.
Scenario 4: Premium Free Zone (DMCC), 2 Visas
A DMCC setup with two investor visas and a flexi-desk arrangement typically costs AED 35,000 to 50,000 in the first year including licence, registration, visas, and Emirates IDs.
Annual Renewal Costs
One of the most overlooked costs in Dubai business setup is the annual renewal. Your trade licence must be renewed every year and renewal fees are typically similar to or slightly higher than the initial setup cost. Factor this into your long-term budget planning.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Establishment card fees charged by some free zones
E-channel registration fees for visa processing
Notarisation and attestation fees for shareholders based outside the UAE
Corporate bank account minimum balance requirements
PRO service fees for ongoing government transactions
Activity-specific approval fees from regulatory bodies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum cost to set up a business in Dubai?
The minimum all-in cost for a Dubai-based business setup including licence and one investor visa is approximately AED 17,000 to 22,000 at a budget free zone like IFZA or Meydan. Non-Dubai free zones like SHAMS start even lower at around AED 9,000 to 12,000 total.
Is Dubai business setup cheaper than other countries?
Compared to many Western countries, Dubai business setup costs are competitive, particularly given the zero personal income tax, zero capital gains tax, and access to a global business hub. The ongoing costs including visa renewals and licence renewals should be factored into a multi-year comparison.
Can I set up a business in Dubai for under AED 10,000?
Not in Dubai itself. Budget non-Dubai free zones like SHAMS (Sharjah) or UAQ FTZ start from around AED 5,500 for the lcense alone, with total first-year costs including one visa around AED 9,000 to 12,000.
Does Dubai business setup cost include a visa?
Some free zone packages include visa allocations in the base price. Always confirm whether the quoted price includes visa fees or just the licence fee, as visa costs of AED 3,500 to 5,500 per person are a significant additional expense.
What is the cheapest way to set up a business in Dubai?
Choosing a budget Dubai free zone like IFZA, Meydan, or KIKLABB with a flexi-desk and single visa package gives the lowest all-in cost for a Dubai-based setup, typically AED 17,000 to 22,000 in the first year.
How Valorea Advisory Can Help
At Valorea Advisory, we provide transparent, itemised cost breakdowns for every setup scenario and help you choose the most cost-effective structure for your business goals. We manage the full setup process from licence application and visa processing to bank account opening, with no hidden fees.
Email: info@valoreaadvisory.com
WhatsApp: +971 50 927 4399
Website: www.valoreaadvisory.com
Book a free consultation and get a personalised cost breakdown for your Dubai business setup today.
How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Business in Dubai? (2026 Guide)
Setting up a business in Dubai is one of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask before making the move. The honest answer is: it depends on your business type, structure, visa requirements, and whether you choose a free zone or mainland setup.
This guide by Valorea Advisory breaks down the real costs of setting up a business in Dubai in 2026, covering every expense from licence fees to visas, office space, and bank account opening.
What Affects the Cost of Business Setup in Dubai?
The total cost of setting up a business in Dubai is determined by several factors including the type of license you need, the free zone or mainland authority you choose, the number of visas required, the type of office space, and any additional government approvals needed for restricted activities.
Understanding each of these factors helps you plan your budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs.
Dubai Business Setup Cost: Free Zone vs Mainland
Cost Item | Free Zone | Mainland (DED) |
|---|---|---|
Trade license fee | From AED 5,500 to 30,000+ | From AED 10,000 to 25,000 |
Office or desk space | Flexi-desk from AED 5,000 | Physical office from AED 15,000 |
Investor visa (per person) | AED 3,500 to 5,500 | AED 3,500 to 5,500 |
Emirates ID | AED 370 to 570 | AED 370 to 570 |
Medical fitness test | AED 300 to 500 | AED 300 to 500 |
MOA or LSA drafting | Included in most packages | AED 1,500 to 3,000 |
Ejari registration | Not required | AED 220 |
Total first year estimate | AED 15,000 to 45,000 | AED 35,000 to 65,000 |
Free Zone Business Setup Costs in Dubai 2026
Free zone setup costs vary significantly depending on the zone you choose. Budget free zones start from as low as AED 5,500 per year while premium zones like DMCC and DIFC can cost AED 18,500 to 30,000 or more for the licence alone.
Budget Free Zones (Dubai Based)
KIKLABB starts from AED 12,000 per year. Meydan Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year. IFZA starts from AED 12,900 per year including up to 3 visa allocations. These are the most cost-effective options for entrepreneurs who want a Dubai address.
Premium Free Zones (Dubai Based)
DMCC starts from AED 18,500 per year and is the world's top-ranked free zone. DAFZA and Dubai Silicon Oasis start from AED 15,000 per year. Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City start from AED 20,000 per year. DIFC starts from AED 30,000 per year and requires a physical office.
What Is Included in a Free Zone Package?
UAE trade licence for one or more business activities
Flexi-desk or co-working space access
One or more investor visa allocations depending on package
Certificate of Incorporation and company documents
Mainland Business Setup Costs in Dubai 2026
Mainland company setup through the Dubai DED involves more steps and higher costs than most free zone setups, primarily due to the requirement for a physical office and notarised legal documents.
DED Licence Fees
DED commercial licence fees typically range from AED 10,000 to 25,000 depending on the business activity, number of activities on the licence, and company structure. Professional licences tend to be at the lower end and commercial trading licences at the higher end.
Office Costs
All mainland companies must have a physical office registered with Ejari. Office rents in Dubai vary from AED 15,000 per year for a small desk licence in a shared business centre to AED 50,000 or more for a private office. The size of your office also determines your visa quota.
MOA and Legal Documentation
A Mainland LLC requires a Memorandum of Association drafted and notarised at a Dubai Notary Public. MOA drafting and notarisation typically costs AED 1,500 to 3,000.
Visa Costs in Dubai 2026
Visa costs are one of the most significant additional expenses beyond the licence fee. Each investor or employee visa involves multiple government fees.
Visa Cost Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Entry permit | AED 700 to 1000 |
Status change or visa stamping | AED 750 to 1,200 |
Medical fitness test | AED 350 to 1000 |
Emirates ID | AED 370 to 570 |
PRO service fees | AED 800 to 2,500 |
Total per visa | AED 3,500 to 7,000 |
Bank Account Opening Costs
Opening a UAE corporate bank account does not typically involve a direct fee, but most UAE banks require a minimum account balance ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 50,000 depending on the bank. Digital banks like Wio have no minimum balance requirement.
PRO service costs for bank account assistance typically range from AED 1,500 to 3,000 depending on the provider and bank.
Total Cost Scenarios: What Will You Really Pay?
Scenario 1: Solo Founder, Budget Free Zone, 1 Visa
Choosing IFZA or Meydan with one investor visa, the total first year cost including licence, flexi-desk, visa, Emirates ID, and medical test is approximately AED 17,000 to 22,000.
Scenario 2: Small Team, Mid-Tier Free Zone, 3 Visas
Choosing IFZA with 3 visas, the total first year cost including licence, flexi-desk, 3 investor visas, Emirates IDs, and medical tests is approximately AED 28,000 to 38,000.
Scenario 3: Mainland LLC, Small Office, 1 Visa
A standard Mainland LLC with a small business centre office and one investor visa typically costs AED 38,000 to 55,000 in the first year including DED licence, office rent, Ejari, MOA notarisation, and visa costs.
Scenario 4: Premium Free Zone (DMCC), 2 Visas
A DMCC setup with two investor visas and a flexi-desk arrangement typically costs AED 35,000 to 50,000 in the first year including licence, registration, visas, and Emirates IDs.
Annual Renewal Costs
One of the most overlooked costs in Dubai business setup is the annual renewal. Your trade licence must be renewed every year and renewal fees are typically similar to or slightly higher than the initial setup cost. Factor this into your long-term budget planning.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Establishment card fees charged by some free zones
E-channel registration fees for visa processing
Notarisation and attestation fees for shareholders based outside the UAE
Corporate bank account minimum balance requirements
PRO service fees for ongoing government transactions
Activity-specific approval fees from regulatory bodies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum cost to set up a business in Dubai?
The minimum all-in cost for a Dubai-based business setup including licence and one investor visa is approximately AED 17,000 to 22,000 at a budget free zone like IFZA or Meydan. Non-Dubai free zones like SHAMS start even lower at around AED 9,000 to 12,000 total.
Is Dubai business setup cheaper than other countries?
Compared to many Western countries, Dubai business setup costs are competitive, particularly given the zero personal income tax, zero capital gains tax, and access to a global business hub. The ongoing costs including visa renewals and licence renewals should be factored into a multi-year comparison.
Can I set up a business in Dubai for under AED 10,000?
Not in Dubai itself. Budget non-Dubai free zones like SHAMS (Sharjah) or UAQ FTZ start from around AED 5,500 for the lcense alone, with total first-year costs including one visa around AED 9,000 to 12,000.
Does Dubai business setup cost include a visa?
Some free zone packages include visa allocations in the base price. Always confirm whether the quoted price includes visa fees or just the licence fee, as visa costs of AED 3,500 to 5,500 per person are a significant additional expense.
What is the cheapest way to set up a business in Dubai?
Choosing a budget Dubai free zone like IFZA, Meydan, or KIKLABB with a flexi-desk and single visa package gives the lowest all-in cost for a Dubai-based setup, typically AED 17,000 to 22,000 in the first year.
How Valorea Advisory Can Help
At Valorea Advisory, we provide transparent, itemised cost breakdowns for every setup scenario and help you choose the most cost-effective structure for your business goals. We manage the full setup process from licence application and visa processing to bank account opening, with no hidden fees.
Email: info@valoreaadvisory.com
WhatsApp: +971 50 927 4399
Website: www.valoreaadvisory.com
Book a free consultation and get a personalised cost breakdown for your Dubai business setup today.
What Happens Next?
Our team will carefully review your inquiry and prepare tailored recommendations based on your business activity, preferred jurisdiction, and expansion goals. During our consultation, we will guide you through:
✓ Mainland vs Free Zone options
✓ License selection and business activities
✓ Visa eligibility and requirements
✓ Corporate bank account guidance
✓ Estimated setup costs and timelines
✓ Compliance and regulatory requirements
What Happens Next?
Our team will carefully review your inquiry and prepare tailored recommendations based on your business activity, preferred jurisdiction, and expansion goals. During our consultation, we will guide you through:
✓ Mainland vs Free Zone options
✓ License selection and business activities
✓ Visa eligibility and requirements
✓ Corporate bank account guidance
✓ Estimated setup costs and timelines
✓ Compliance and regulatory requirements
What Happens Next?
Our team will carefully review your inquiry and prepare tailored recommendations based on your business activity, preferred jurisdiction, and expansion goals. During our consultation, we will guide you through:
✓ Mainland vs Free Zone options
✓ License selection and business activities
✓ Visa eligibility and requirements
✓ Corporate bank account guidance
✓ Estimated setup costs and timelines
✓ Compliance and regulatory requirements