Business Setup in Dubai Fees 2026 – Full Official Fee List & What Every Entrepreneur Must Know

Business Setup in Dubai Fees 2026 – Full Official Fee List & What Every Entrepreneur Must Know

If you're planning to start a business in Dubai in 2026, the very first question you’re probably asking is:

“How much does business setup in Dubai actually cost?”

And if you’ve been searching online, you already know how confusing the answers can be:

Some companies claim AED 5,500
Others claim AED 12,900
Some quote AED 18,000
Others go as high as AED 30,000+

Then you hear phrases like:

• “starting from…”
• “all-inclusive…”
• “government fees not included…”
• “flexi-desk mandatory…”
• “visa extra…”

It’s confusing. It’s inconsistent. And many times, it’s intentionally vague.

This is exactly why entrepreneurs end up overspending — or worse, choosing the wrong setup because they didn’t understand how the official Dubai business setup fees actually work.

Today, we fix that permanently.

This long-form guide will give you:

✔ The exact list of government fees for Dubai business setup in 2026

✔ The full breakdown of every cost (license fees, visas, immigration, approvals, office requirements & more)

✔ The difference between official government fees vs consultant service fees

✔ The real cost ranges for both mainland & free zone setups

✔ The hidden fees most people don’t know about

✔ The smartest method to calculate your true setup cost

✔ How to avoid overpaying

And throughout this article, you’ll find strategic CTAs inviting you to access the #1 Dubai business setup resource available today:

📘 Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages – 2026 Edition)

Your complete roadmap to start, license, launch & scale a business in Dubai
👉 https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

PLUS:
You get 7 premium bonuses + FREE access to the Dubai Startups & Entrepreneurs Community inside Gumroad.

Let’s begin.

⭐ Why Dubai Business Setup Fees Confuse So Many Entrepreneurs

Here’s a simple truth:

👉 The cost of business setup in Dubai is NOT one single fee.

It is a combination of several government fees, office requirements, immigration costs, and optional add-ons — all of which vary depending on:

• Your license type
• Your business activity
• Mainland vs Free Zone
• Visa requirements
• Whether you need an office
• The jurisdiction you choose
• The consultant you use

This is where the confusion begins.

Most websites only show a starting fee, which excludes:

• Visa processing
• Establishment card
• Office Ejari
• External approvals
• Medical test
• Emirates ID
• Renewal fees
• Immigration file setup
• Administrative charges

So, the “AED 5,500 setup” you see online often ends up being closer to AED 18,000–22,000 once everything is included.

This article reveals the true official fees — transparently — so you can finally understand your real cost.

⭐ The Two Categories of Business Setup Fees in Dubai

Every Dubai business setup cost falls into one of two buckets:

1. Official Government Fees (Non-Negotiable)

This includes:

• License issuance
• Name reservation
• Initial approval
• Immigration card
• Establishment card
• Visa fees
• Medical & Emirates ID
• External authority approvals

These fees are fixed by government departments — no one can discount them.

2. Service Fees (Charged by Setup Consultants – Negotiable)

These include:

• Consultancy fees
• PRO fees
• Document preparation
• Application filing
• Bank account support
• Administrative fees
• Courier fees
• VIP processing (optional)

This is where pricing varies dramatically.

Some consultants charge AED 500.
Others charge AED 5,000–8,000.
Some hide their fees inside “all-inclusive packages.”

Knowing the difference helps you avoid unnecessary spending.

⭐ Full Official Government Fee List (Mainland & Free Zone) for 2026

Below is the most accurate breakdown of 2026 Dubai business setup fees.

These ranges reflect official pricing from major jurisdictions.

✔ 1. Trade Name Reservation Fee

Government Fee: AED 600–1,000

Additional costs may apply for:

• Foreign names
• Premium names
• Restricted words

✔ 2. Initial Approval Fee

Government Fee: AED 100–1,500
(depends on the authority)

✔ 3. License Issuance Fee

This is the core cost.

Mainland License Cost (DED)

• Commercial license: AED 10,000–14,000
• Professional license: AED 8,000–12,000
• General trading license: AED 15,000–22,000

Free Zone License Cost

Ranges widely depending on free zone:

• Without visa: AED 5,750–9,000
• With visa quota (1–3): AED 9,000–18,000
• Multi-activity / general trading: AED 12,000–28,000

✔ 4. Office / Flexi Desk / Ejari Fees

Mainland (Ejari)

• Shared office: AED 5,000–10,000
• Dedicated office: AED 15,000–40,000

Free Zone (Flexi Desk)

• Flexi desk: AED 2,000–8,000
• Dedicated space: AED 10,000–25,000

Office cost depends heavily on your visa quota.

✔ 5. Establishment Card (Immigration Card)

Government Fee: AED 600–1,500

Mandatory for any company issuing visas.

✔ 6. MOHRE (Labor Card / E-Channel / Registration Fees)

Government Fee: AED 1,000–2,500

Some free zones include this in the package; mainland does not.

✔ 7. UAE Residency Visa Fees

Total Government Cost per Visa: AED 3,500–5,000

This includes:

• Entry Permit
• Change of Status
• Medical Test
• Emirates ID
• Visa Stamping

VIP processing increases the cost.

✔ 8. External Approvals (Activity Based)

Some business activities require additional approvals:

AuthorityApproval CostDubai MunicipalityAED 250–5,000KHDA (Education)AED 1,000–10,000DHA (Health)AED 2,000–20,000Civil DefenseAED 500–7,500Tourism DepartmentAED 1,500–7,500

This depends entirely on the business activity selected.

✔ 9. Corporate Bank Account Opening Fees

The government charges no fee, but banks may require:

• Minimum balance: AED 5,000–50,000
• Account setup: sometimes free, sometimes AED 500–2,000

Banking is one of the most misunderstood parts of setup — which is why it is covered deeply in the Dubai Business Setup Guide.

⭐ TOTAL Cost of Business Setup in Dubai (2026 Estimates)

With all fees combined, here is the realistic total:

Dubai Free Zone Setup (2026)

Without Visa

➡️ AED 6,000–12,000 total

With 1–3 Visas

➡️ AED 12,000–25,000 total

With Multiple Activities / General Trading

➡️ AED 15,000–35,000 total

Dubai Mainland Setup (2026)

➡️ AED 15,000–35,000 depending on:

• License type
• Office requirement
• Visa quota

Mainland is more expensive than free zones due to office requirements but offers advantages such as:

• Unlimited visas
• Access to UAE market
• Ability to work with government entities

⭐ The Hidden Costs Most Entrepreneurs Miss

If you don’t know these in advance, your “cheap” setup becomes expensive fast.

❌ Hidden Cost 1 — License Renewal Fees

Many free zones offer:

• Low first-year price
• High renewal price

A license that costs AED 6,000 first year may cost AED 12,000 in year two.

Always ask for:

👉 Full renewal cost disclosure

❌ Hidden Cost 2 — Visa Quota Fees

Some free zones charge extra per visa quota beyond 1 or 2.

❌ Hidden Cost 3 — Mandatory Office Upgrade

Flexi desk licenses often allow only a limited number of visas.

If you need more visas, you may need to upgrade office space.

❌ Hidden Cost 4 — Additional Activity Fees

Adding more business activities can cost AED 500–3,000+.

❌ Hidden Cost 5 — “Administrative Fees” from Consultants

Many consultants hide:

• PRO fees
• Courier fees
• Documentation fees
• Application fees

These can add AED 1,500–5,000 on top of your setup.

⭐ How to Calculate Your Exact Setup Cost in 2026

Here is the formula experts use:

Total Setup Cost = License Fee + Office Fee + Establishment Card + Visa Fees + External Approvals + Consultant Fees + Renewal Fees

Break it down step-by-step:

1. Choose Mainland or Free Zone

This determines 60% of your cost.

2. Decide how many visas you need

This determines office requirements.

3. Select your business activities

This determines potential external approvals.

4. Identify renewal fees

This determines long-term affordability.

5. Ask for government fee vs service fee separation

This prevents overcharging.

Once you follow these steps, the real price becomes clear.

⭐ The Smartest Way to Avoid Overpaying for Dubai Business Setup

Simple:

👉 Educate yourself BEFORE requesting quotes.

When you know:

• What the real government fees are
• What should be included in your setup
• What consultants usually hide
• Which fees are optional
• Which setup structures save you money
• How visa quotas work
• How to compare quotes properly
• How banking works in the UAE

…no consultant can mislead you.

This is why hundreds of entrepreneurs start with:

📘 Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages – 2026 Edition)

👉 https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

It gives you:

✔ Full official fee charts

✔ Free zone vs mainland comparison

✔ Visa fee formulas

✔ Renewal cost breakdown

✔ Bank account approval strategies

✔ Compliance requirements

✔ License-by-license cost analysis

✔ Step-by-step business setup process

✔ Mistakes to avoid

✔ Cost-saving strategies

PLUS:

🎁 BONUS PACK (Included Free)

📘 1. Dubai Business Setup Checklist

📘 2. Mainland vs Free Zone Decision Guide

📘 3. Licensing Cost Breakdown

📘 4. Business Activity Selection Cheatsheet

📘 5. Marketing Mastery for Dubai Startups

📘 6. Growth Strategies for Dubai Founders

📘 7. 70+ Profitable Business Ideas for 2026

And…

🌟 FREE Access to the Dubai Startups & Entrepreneurs Community inside Gumroad

Ask questions.
Get clarity.
Join discussions.
Get updates.

This turns your learning into a guided, supported experience.

⭐ The Right Knowledge Saves Money. The Right Guide Builds Success.

Most entrepreneurs waste money not because Dubai is expensive — but because they didn’t understand the fee structure.

Once you understand:

• How fees work
• What’s mandatory vs optional
• How to avoid hidden charges
• How consultants structure pricing
• How official fees are calculated
• How visa quotas impact costs
• How renewals work

…setting up a business in Dubai becomes simple, affordable, and predictable.

Your next step?

Get the guide that gives you every strategy, every fee, every checklist, and every shortcut you need:

📘 Dubai Business Setup Guide – Your Roadmap to Starting a Business in Dubai (2026 Edition)

Instant Download → https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

Your future in Dubai begins with the right knowledge.
Your success begins with clarity, confidence, and a proven roadmap.

Let’s build your Dubai business the smart way.

Disclaimer: Regulations, procedures, and tax rules can change. This book provides general information and frameworks; always verify current requirements and seek professional advice for your specific situation.