"How much does it cost?" is the first question almost every founder asks us. The honest answer is that business setup cost in Dubai depends on four choices: your jurisdiction, your activity, your office and the number of visas you need. This guide breaks each one down so you can budget with confidence.
The four things that decide your cost
- Jurisdiction. A free zone company is usually the lowest cost route. A Dubai mainland LLC costs more but lets you trade directly anywhere in the UAE.
- Business activity. Some activities need extra approvals from regulators, which adds fees and time. Consulting and ecommerce activities are usually simple. Food, health and financial activities need more paperwork.
- Office type. A flexi desk in a free zone costs far less than a physical office with an Ejari tenancy contract on the mainland.
- Visas. Each residence visa adds costs for the entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping.
Typical starting costs
| Setup type | What it suits | Main Zone package (first year) |
|---|---|---|
| Free zone, no visa | Ecommerce, media, remote consultants | From AED 5,500 |
| Free zone with 1 investor visa | Founders relocating to the UAE | From AED 15,000 |
| Dubai mainland LLC | Selling directly to UAE customers, tenders | From AED 18,900 |
Each package includes the trade name, government license fees, MOA and registered address agreement. Final cost depends on activity, approvals and visa numbers.
Costs founders often forget
- Visa costs for family members you plan to sponsor
- Corporate tax registration, which is required within 3 months of incorporation even if you make no profit
- Accounting and bookkeeping once you start trading
- Renewal fees in year two, which should be quoted upfront
- Bank account minimum balance requirements, which vary by bank
How to avoid hidden fees
Ask for an itemised quotation that separates government fees from service fees, and ask what the renewal will cost. At Main Zone, every quotation is written, itemised and fixed before you commit.
FAQ
A free zone license with no visa and a flexi desk is usually the lowest cost option. RAKEZ and some Dubai free zones offer competitive starting prices.
Often, yes. Ras Al Khaimah free zones such as RAKEZ are among the most affordable in the UAE, especially for trading and industrial businesses.
Talk to the advisors who handle this every day
One call gets you a clear recommendation, a fixed quotation and a realistic timeline.
