Business Setup Cost in Dubai
“What will it cost?” is the first question every founder asks — and the honest answer is: it depends. This guide breaks down the real cost components of setting up a business in Dubai — licence, visas, office, PRO and add-ons — with indicative planning prices from AED 9,999 so you can budget with confidence.
Get a Free ConsultationWhatsApp UsWhat drives the cost (5 factors)
Jurisdiction
Mainland, free zone or offshore sets the base price.
Licence activity
Some activities need extra approvals, with case-specific fees.
Visas
AED 4,999 per visa indicative, plus medicals and Emirates ID handled through PRO.
Office
Flexi desk AED 3,500 / dedicated office AED 12,000 indicative.
Add-ons
PRO, bookkeeping, tax registration, bank support.
Indicative starting prices (planning only)
Free Zone
AED 12,999
Mainland
AED 14,999
Offshore
AED 9,999
Each visa
AED 4,999
Workspace
Flexi-desk AED 3,500 / dedicated office AED 12,000 (indicative).
PRO services
AED 4,999/year
(or AED 499/month)
Bookkeeping
AED 499/month
Tax registration support
VAT registration AED 1,999 / corporate tax support AED 1,999 (indicative).
Bank account support
AED 1,499 indicative.
All indicative for planning only — final quote depends on activity, authority, visas, office and government fee changes.
What changes your final quote
Extra activity approvals, additional visas, office upgrades, and attestation or translation needs — each moves the number. Government fees change, so the indicative prices above are planning guides, not fixed quotes.
How to budget: get a scoped quote
Run the interactive calculator on Business Setup UAE for an indicative estimate, then book the free consultation — we confirm your activity, route and requirements and give you a scoped quote.
Get a Free ConsultationWhatsApp UsWhat each part typically costs
| Component | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Business licence | Free zone AED 5,000–15,000; mainland AED 10,000–25,000+ |
| Registration & government charges | AED 3,000–6,000 (name reservation, approvals, MoA, immigration card) |
| Office / flexi-desk | Free zone flexi-desk AED 4,000–8,000/year; mainland office AED 15,000–40,000+/year |
| Visas | Investor/partner AED 3,000–6,000; employee AED 5,000–7,000 per person, plus medicals and Emirates ID |
| Bank setup & capital | Initial deposit AED 10,000–50,000 where required; account fees vary by bank |
Typical ranges for budgeting — your scoped quote itemises the exact figures for your case. Our indicative calculator starts at AED 9,999 (offshore), AED 12,999 (free zone) and AED 14,999 (mainland).
Hidden costs — and how to keep costs low
Watch for these extras
Document translation and attestation, legal advisory, branding and website build, and accounting and audit compliance where your zone requires it.
Six ways to pay less
Compare free zone packages (discounts run through the year); consider freelance or professional licences over LLCs; use shared or virtual offices; ask about government startup incentives; use instalment plans where offered; and for online businesses, e-commerce models need no office or inventory.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest business setup in Dubai?
Indicatively, offshore from AED 9,999 and free zone from AED 12,999 — but the right route depends on where you trade and whether you need visas.
Are government fees included in these prices?
Indicative prices are planning guides; government and authority fees vary by case and are itemised in your scoped quote.
How much does a visa cost?
Indicative AED 4,999 per visa, plus medicals and Emirates ID handled through PRO.
Do I need an office?
Most licences require a flexi-desk or office arrangement — indicative from AED 3,500 (flexi) to AED 12,000 (dedicated).
What about ongoing yearly costs?
Licence renewal, PRO (indicative AED 4,999/year), bookkeeping (indicative AED 499/month) and any tax compliance — we map these in your quote.
How do I get my exact price?
Free consultation — activity, route and requirements confirmed, then a scoped quote.
Which is the cheapest free zone in Dubai?
Meydan, IFZA and Dubai South are among the most affordable — but confirm the zone fits your activity before choosing on price alone.
Can I start a business in Dubai without an office?
Yes — many free zones accept flexi-desk or virtual office arrangements for registration.
How long does registration take?
Anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks depending on the structure and documents.
What is the minimum setup cost?
Low-cost options start around AED 5,500–15,000 all-in for lean free zone or freelance structures.
Do I need a local sponsor?
Free zone and offshore companies don’t. Mainland companies may, unless you use a professional licence — we confirm your position on the consultation.
Budget with real numbers, not guesses.
Get an indicative estimate from the calculator, then a scoped quote on a free consultation.
Get a Free ConsultationWhatsApp UsKeep reading
Services & tools
Business Setup UAE (includes the indicative cost calculator)
PRO Services
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Tax Services UAE
More UAE business guides
How to Start a Business in Dubai
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore
UAE Business Guides hub