"How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?" is the most common question we hear — and the honest answer is: it depends. Costs vary widely by jurisdiction, activity, number of visas, and office requirements. Rather than quote a misleading single figure, here's what actually drives the cost so you can budget realistically.
1. The trade licence
The licence is the core cost, and it depends on your jurisdiction and business activity. Free zone packages are often the most cost-effective entry point, especially zones offering bundled licence-plus-visa deals. Mainland licences vary by activity and the approvals required. Some regulated activities (financial, medical, legal) carry additional authority fees.
2. Visas and residency
Each residency visa adds cost — for you, your family, and your team. Budget for the establishment card, visa processing, medical testing, and Emirates ID. The more visas you need, the more it adds up, and some packages cap how many visas a licence allows.
3. Office space
Your office requirement scales with your licence. Options range from a flexi-desk or shared workspace (cheapest) to a dedicated office (required for some activities and larger visa quotas). Mainland companies generally need a physical tenancy contract (Ejari).
4. The fees people forget
- Name reservation and initial approval fees.
- Document attestation and legal translation.
- Notarisation of the Memorandum of Association.
- Corporate bank account setup (and minimum balance requirements).
- Annual renewal — setup is a one-time cost, but the licence and visas renew yearly.
Don't optimise for the cheapest licence
The lowest sticker price often isn't the cheapest outcome. A package that doesn't allow enough visas, sits in the wrong free zone for your activity, or can't open a bank account easily can cost far more to fix later. The goal is the right structure for your business at a fair total cost — not just the smallest upfront number.
We give every client a transparent, itemised quote based on their actual activity, visa needs, and goals — so there are no surprises. For an exact figure for your case, get in touch.