Dubai Business Setup Packages – What’s Included and How Much They Cost
Dubai Business Setup Packages – What’s Included and How Much They Cost 2026 Full Breakdown
If you’ve been researching how to start a business in Dubai, you’ve probably noticed something confusing:
Every website says they offer “all-inclusive Dubai business setup packages.”
Every agent claims to give you the “best price.”
Every ad promises an “exclusive offer” or “discounted package.”
But the reality?
👉 Most entrepreneurs don’t know what is actually INCLUDED in these business setup packages…
👉 …and what’s NOT included—but charged to you later.
The difference between a true all-inclusive setup package and a misleading one can be the difference between paying AED 6,000 or AED 16,000.
So if you want to avoid unnecessary costs…
If you want REAL transparency…
If you want to understand EXACTLY what you’re buying before you pay…
This is the most important Dubai business setup article you will read in 2026.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- What’s included in real Dubai business setup packages
- What items are OPTIONAL vs MANDATORY
- What agents normally hide in the fine print
- Mainland vs Free Zone package differences
- Cost variations for visas, offices, banking, and approvals
- How to compare packages and choose the RIGHT one
- The realistic price ranges for all business setup packages in 2026
- How to lower your first-year cost by 35–60%
And throughout this guide, you’ll also discover the most powerful resource Dubai entrepreneurs use to avoid confusion, avoid overpaying, and get fully confident about the setup process:
📘 Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages – Updated 2026)
The complete blueprint for starting your Dubai business the right way—at the right price.
👉 https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide
Let’s begin.
⭐ Why Dubai Business Setup Packages Can Be Confusing
The UAE offers dozens of jurisdictions, hundreds of business activities, multiple pricing models, and different licensing rules.
This creates three big problems for beginners:
1. Pricing is not standardized
Each free zone has its own fee structure.
Mainland pricing depends on license type.
Visa costs vary by jurisdiction.
Some packages hide extra fees until after you pay.
2. Every package looks “all-inclusive”
But many include only the basic license.
The rest—immigration fees, establishment card, office space, etc.—comes later.
3. Entrepreneurs don’t know what they actually need
Do you need a visa?
Do you need an office?
Do you need an establishment card?
Do you need external approvals?
Without clarity, entrepreneurs often overspend by thousands.
This article removes ALL confusion.
⭐ PART 1 — What’s Included in Most Dubai Business Setup Packages?
Let’s break it down into Mainland and Free Zone packages.
✔️ FREE ZONE BUSINESS SETUP PACKAGES – WHAT’S INCLUDED
Free zone packages are popular because they are simple, fast, and often the most affordable.
The standard package includes:
1. Trade License
This is the core of every business setup package.
You choose your activity:
- Consulting
- E-commerce
- Trading
- Services
- Media
- Technology
- Marketing
The license defines what your business is legally allowed to do.
2. Company Registration
Includes documentation, system entry, and issuance of your commercial registration number.
3. Free Zone Address / Flexi Desk
Most packages include this automatically.
It acts as your business address for legal and compliance purposes.
4. Memorandum of Association (MOA)
The legal document that defines your company structure.
The free zone creates it for you as part of the package.
5. Government Service Fees
Most reputable free zones include these fees:
- Initial approval
- Name reservation
- Registry fees
6. Digital Company Documents
You receive:
- Trade license
- Establishment documents
- MOA
- Share certificate
All provided digitally—no hard copy required.
This is what you get in nearly ALL free zone starter packages.
But here’s what is usually NOT included:
❌ Visa
❌ E-channel registration
❌ Establishment card
❌ Office / Ejari
❌ Emirates ID
❌ Medical test
❌ Bank account opening assistance
Agents rarely mention these extra costs upfront.
This is why entrepreneurs overspend.
If you want absolute transparency on what each jurisdiction includes (and what they hide), you need the:
📘 Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages – 2026 Edition)
👉 https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide
Includes comparison tables, cost breakdowns, and checklist-based guidance.
✔️ FREE ZONE BUSINESS SETUP WITH VISA PACKAGES – WHAT’S INCLUDED
If you need a residency visa in Dubai, your package must include:
1. Establishment Card
Cost: AED 500–2,000
Required before any visas can be issued.
2. E-Channel Registration (Immigration File)
Cost: AED 600–1,000
Opens the immigration system for your company.
3. Investor Visa File Opening
Administrative step before issuing your visa.
4. Entry Permit
Digital visa allowing you to begin your residency process.
5. Medical Test + Biometrics
Required for all UAE residence visas.
6. Emirates ID (2–3 years)
The official federal identity card.
7. Visa Stamping
Your residency permission inside your passport.
8. One Visa Quota Allocation
Free zones allocate the visa slot so you can apply.
This is what REAL visa-inclusive packages provide.
But be warned:
❌ Some free zones advertise “visa packages” but exclude:
- Insurance
- Medical
- Biometrics
- Emirates ID
- Stamping fees
These exclusions can add AED 2,500 – 4,000 unexpectedly.
This is why checking package details is critical.
The Dubai Business Setup Guide exposes all hidden fees and lists the free zones with the most transparent visa packages.
👉 https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide
⭐ PART 2 — Mainland Business Setup Packages – What’s Included
Mainland is managed by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Packages are typically more advanced and offer greater flexibility.
✔️ Mainland Packages Normally Include:
1. Trade Name Reservation
Standard step in the licensing process.
2. Initial Approval
Allows you to proceed with the license.
3. License Issuance
The biggest cost in mainland packages.
4. Virtual Office (if Instant License option is selected)
No physical office required for the first year.
5. MOA Preparation
Legal documentation for the company structure.
6. Service Agent Agreement (if required)
Not needed for most expat-owned professional licenses anymore.
What’s Usually NOT Included:
❌ Visa fees
❌ Establishment card
❌ Immigration registration
❌ Ejari (office rental) for non-instant licenses
❌ Employee visa quotas
❌ Bank account assistance
Mainland packages are VERY flexible, but also more complex.
The eBook includes a full mainland setup breakdown, including:
- Cheapest mainland options
- Instant license guide
- Price comparison
- Visa requirements
- Office rules
- Activity restrictions
📘 Download the guide here:
👉 https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide
⭐ PART 3 — Dubai Business Setup Package Cost Breakdown (2026)
Now let’s talk numbers.
Below are the realistic 2026 price ranges—not inflated, not discounted, just accurate.
✔️ FREE ZONE ZERO VISA PACKAGE COST (2026)
👉 AED 5,750 – AED 9,500
Includes:
- License
- Flexi desk
- Registration
- Documents
Best for low-cost startups.
✔️ FREE ZONE ONE-VISA PACKAGE COST
👉 AED 9,500 – AED 15,000
Includes:
- License
- Establishment card
- Immigration file
- One visa quota
- Entry permit
Visa medical, ID, and stamping may be included or excluded depending on the package.
✔️ MULTI-VISA FREE ZONE PACKAGE COST
👉 AED 12,500 – AED 20,000
For businesses needing 2–3 visas.
✔️ MAINLAND INSTANT LICENSE PACKAGE COST
👉 AED 10,000 – AED 13,000
Includes:
- License
- Name reservation
- Initial approval
- Virtual office (Year 1 only)
✔️ MAINLAND STANDARD LICENSE (WITH OFFICE)
👉 AED 15,000 – AED 25,000
Includes basic DED costs, plus office requirements.
✔️ VISA COSTS (FREE ZONE OR MAINLAND)
- Entry permit: AED 600–1,000
- Medical: AED 350–700
- Emirates ID: AED 350–1,200
- Visa stamping: AED 600–900
- Insurance: AED 800–2,000
Total: AED 3,500 – 5,000
⭐ PART 4 — The REAL Cost of “All-Inclusive” Packages in Dubai
When an agency advertises a “full package”, ask:
Does it include YEAR TWO RENEWAL?
Many don’t mention this, and the renewal cost may be much higher.
Does it include establishment card & immigration file?
This can add AED 1,000–2,000.
Does it include medical, Emirates ID & stamping?
Another AED 1,500–2,500 extra.
Does it include office (Ejari)?
Mainland offices can cost AED 5,000–20,000.
Does it include visa quota allocation?
Some free zones charge separately.
Does it include business activity add-ons?
Adding more activities may increase the cost.
⭐ PART 5 — Which Dubai Business Setup Package Should YOU Choose?
Let’s simplify this.
✔️ Choose Zero Visa Free Zone Package if:
- You want the cheapest possible setup
- You don’t need a visa yet
- You operate online
✔️ Choose Free Zone One-Visa Package if:
- You want to live in Dubai
- You need Emirates ID
- You want the flexibility of residency
✔️ Choose Mainland Instant License if:
- You want full UAE market access
- You want unlimited visas
- You want maximum flexibility
✔️ Choose Mainland With Office if:
- You need a physical office
- Your business requires approvals or inspections
If you're unsure, the eBook includes:
✔️ Package comparison charts
✔️ Cost breakdowns
✔️ Setup decision flowchart
✔️ Business-type matching system
📘 Download here:
👉 https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide
⭐ PART 6 — Hidden Fees to Watch Out For (Critical)
These fees can surprise you if you're not prepared:
❌ Knowledge & Innovation Fees
AED 10–20 per transaction.
❌ Service Charges & Admin Fees
Often AED 200–1,000.
❌ Flexi Desk Renewal Fees
AED 1,500–7,000.
❌ Extra Business Activities
AED 150–500 each.
❌ Office Upgrade Requirements
Triggered when you add more visas.
❌ Banking Minimum Balance Requirements
Varies from AED 0 to AED 100,000+.
The Dubai Business Setup Guide explains each of these in detail to protect you from unexpected costs.
👉 https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide
⭐ PART 7 — What Makes a “Good” Dubai Business Setup Package?
A good package must include:
- Transparent pricing
- Renewal clarity
- Visa eligibility
- Banking support
- Free zone or mainland flexibility
- Compliance guidance
- Zero hidden costs
- Proper business activity matching
Most importantly:
👉 You should understand exactly what you're paying for.
That’s why thousands of entrepreneurs rely on the Dubai Business Setup Guide as their ultimate reference manual.
⭐ PART 8 — What You Get in the Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages)
The Most Comprehensive Business Setup Resource in the UAE
This guide includes:
✔️ Dubai business setup packages explained
✔️ Mainland vs Free zone pricing
✔️ Step-by-step instructions
✔️ Government fees breakdown
✔️ Visa details
✔️ Bank account opening strategy
✔️ Legal and compliance steps
✔️ Real examples
✔️ Renewal cost planning
✔️ License categories explained
✔️ 70+ business ideas for 2026
✔️ Mistakes to avoid
✔️ Recommended packages for your goals
PLUS: 7 high-value bonuses:
🎁 Dubai Business Setup Checklist
🎁 Mainland vs Free Zone Guide
🎁 Licensing Cost Breakdown
🎁 Business Activity Cheatsheet
🎁 Marketing Mastery for Startups
🎁 Growth Strategies
🎁 70+ Business Opportunities for 2026
And…
🌟 Free Access to Dubai Startups & Entrepreneurs Community
A private chat where you:
- Ask questions
- Get expert guidance
- Share progress
- Receive updates
- Connect with others
This alone is worth the price of the book.
⭐ Choose Your Perfect Dubai Business Setup Package With Confidence
You don’t have to guess.
You don’t have to struggle.
You don’t have to worry about hidden costs.
With the right guide, Dubai business setup becomes simple, clear, and affordable.
📘 Get the Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages – 2026 Edition)
👉 https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide
👇 Inside you’ll get:
✓ Complete package comparisons
✓ Full pricing breakdown
✓ Visa & immigration details
✓ Hidden fees explained
✓ Business activity selection guide
✓ Bank account strategies
✓ 7 high-value bonuses
✓ Free community access
All for just $37.
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.
🎯 Dubai Business Setup Guide - Your Roadmap to Starting a Business in Dubai UAE - 32 Chapters • 261 Pages • Complete Playbook for Entrepreneurs + Free Access to Dubai Startups and Entrepreneurs Community