Cost of Setting Up a Business in Dubai 2026 Guide

Cost of Setting Up a Business in Dubai 2026 Guide: The Complete Breakdown for Entrepreneurs, Expats & Investors

If you’re researching the cost of setting up a business in Dubai, you’re already smarter than most new entrepreneurs — because you’re asking the right question before taking the first step.

Here’s the truth:

👉 Dubai is one of the easiest places in the world to start a business.
👉 Dubai is also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to pricing.

Some people say it costs AED 5,000…
Others say AED 50,000…
And some agencies will try to sell you AED 20,000 “mandatory packages” you don’t actually need.

The result?

Most beginners end up confused, misinformed, or financially unprepared.

That ends today.

This article gives you the complete 2026 cost breakdown for business setup in Dubai — Mainland and Free Zone — explained in a simple, transparent, beginner-friendly way.

You’ll learn:

• Actual license fees
• Visa costs
• Office/flexi-desk fees
• Hidden fees
• Renewal fees
• Banking costs
• What you really need (not what agents want to sell you)

And most importantly…

You'll discover the smartest, fastest, most affordable method to set up your business without being overcharged, using the ultimate Dubai business roadmap:

📘 Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages – Updated 2026 Edition)
https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

Let’s break down the full cost structure — step by step.

Why Dubai Business Setup Costs Vary So Widely

When beginners search online, they usually find prices like:

• AED 5,750
• AED 7,500
• AED 12,500
• AED 18,000
• AED 25,000+

Here’s what’s happening:

💡 The cost of setting up a business in Dubai depends on 6 key factors:

1. Mainland or Free Zone
2. Business activity type
3. Visa requirements
4. Office or flexi-desk cost
5. External approvals
6. Banking requirements

Once you understand these six elements, business setup becomes predictable, simple, and stress-free.

Inside the Dubai Business Setup Guide, you’ll find an entire cost breakdown chapter + a bonus 2026 Licensing Cost Matrix showing real numbers.

Now let’s go deep into the actual numbers.

⭐ Part 1: Cost of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Free Zones (2026)

Free zones are popular for:

• Beginners
• Freelancers
• Digital businesses
• E-commerce
• Trading
• Import/export
• Consultants

Free zones offer:

✔️ 100% foreign ownership
✔️ Fast setup
✔️ Lower costs
✔️ No need for physical office (flexi desk is enough)

2026 Free Zone Cost Breakdown

1. Free Zone License Fee

AED 5,750 – AED 15,000+
Depends on:

• Free zone brand
• Package
• Activity
• Visa allocation

Examples:

• Zero-visa package → AED 5,750 – AED 8,500
• 1-visa package → AED 9,500 – AED 12,500
• 2–3 visa package → AED 12,500 – AED 18,000

2. Establishment Card

AED 500 – AED 2,000
Required for all free zone companies.

3. Flexi Desk / Office Fee

AED 1,500 – AED 7,000 per year
Some free zones include it in the package.

4. Visa Costs (If Needed)

AED 3,500 – AED 5,000 per visa

Includes:

• Entry permit
• Medical test
• Biometrics
• Emirates ID
• Visa stamping

5. Additional Approvals (If Required)

AED 1,000 – AED 7,000
Only for specific regulated activities.

Total Free Zone Setup Cost:

✔️ No Visa Required:

AED 5,750 – 10,000

✔️ With 1 Visa:

AED 9,500 – 15,000

✔️ With 2–3 Visas:

AED 12,500 – 20,000

💡 INSIDER SECRET:

Free zones advertise “cheap” packages, but many have hidden:

• Renewal fees
• Mandatory service fees
• Flexi desk upgrades
• Admin charges

Inside the eBook, you learn:

🎁 Which free zones are safest
🎁 Which free zones are banking-friendly
🎁 Which free zones offer true flexi desks
🎁 Which free zones to avoid in 2026

This information alone saves beginners AED 5,000–25,000 in mistakes.

⭐ Part 2: Cost of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Mainland (DED License)

Mainland licenses are best for:

• Consulting firms
• Marketing agencies
• Real estate
• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Retail shops
• Logistics
• Construction
• Businesses selling inside the UAE

Mainland offers:

✔️ 100% foreign ownership (most activities)
✔️ Unlimited business inside UAE
✔️ Government contract eligibility
✔️ Strongest banking credibility

2026 Mainland Cost Breakdown

1. DED License Fee

AED 10,000 – AED 18,000
Depends on:

• Activity type
• Number of activities
• Approvals needed

2. Trade Name Fee

AED 620 – AED 1,000

3. Initial Approval Fee

AED 120 – AED 500

4. Office / Ejari Contract

AED 5,000 – AED 20,000 per year
(Dubai location determines price)

You can start some businesses without an office — using the new:

📌 Dubai Instant License
No office required for first year.

But not all activities qualify.

5. Visa Costs

AED 3,500 – AED 5,000 per visa

Includes:

• Medical test
• Biometrics
• Emirates ID
• Stamping
• Entry permit

6. Establishment Card (DED)

AED 750 – 1,500

7. Immigration File

AED 300 – 800

Total Mainland Setup Cost:

✔️ No Office (Instant License Eligible):

AED 10,000 – 13,000

✔️ With Office:

AED 15,000 – 25,000

✔️ With 1–3 Visas:

AED 20,000 – 35,000

⭐ Part 3: Additional Costs Most Beginners Don’t Know About

This is where entrepreneurs get surprised.

Below are costs rarely discussed online — but critical to budget for.

1. Corporate Bank Account Minimum Balance

Many UAE banks require:

AED 10,000 – 50,000
as minimum average balance.

Some require AED 100,000+ for trading activities.

2. Insurance (If Required)

Business insurance starts at:

AED 1,000 – AED 2,500

Medical-related and construction-related activities are higher.

3. Accounting & Bookkeeping

If subject to UAE corporate tax:

AED 3,000 – AED 12,000 per year

4. Co-working Space Upgrades

Extra services cost more:

• Meeting rooms
• Storage
• Dedicated desk upgrade
• Warehouse space

5. Renewal Fees

Renewal costs are similar to initial setup fees.

Free zone renewal:

AED 6,000 – 15,000

Mainland renewal:

AED 10,000 – 18,000

⭐ Part 4: Cheapest Way to Set Up a Business in Dubai (2026)

If your goal is affordability, here is the actual cheapest breakdown:

Free Zone

✔️ Zero Visa Package
✔️ No office upgrade
✔️ No external approvals

Total: AED 5,750 – 8,500

Mainland

✔️ Instant License
✔️ No office for first year
✔️ 100% foreign ownership

Total: AED 10,000 – 13,000

The eBook explains:

🎁 Which free zones offer true low-cost packages
🎁 Which mainland activities qualify for Instant License
🎁 Which fees you can legally avoid
🎁 How to reduce visa expenses
🎁 How to budget your first-year costs properly

This removes all confusion.

⭐ Part 5: Most Expensive Mistakes When Setting Up a Business in Dubai

Thousands of beginners lose money due to:

❌ Choosing the wrong free zone
❌ Paying for unnecessary visas
❌ Buying overpriced office space
❌ Selecting the wrong business activity
❌ Bank account rejection delays
❌ Hidden renewal fees
❌ Not understanding UAE compliance laws

These mistakes can cost:

AED 10,000 – AED 50,000+

The Dubai Business Setup Guide shows you:

• How to avoid ALL common beginner mistakes
• How to negotiate with free zones
• How to prevent banking issues
• How to ensure smooth visa processing

With this guide, you always know exactly what to do — and what NOT to do.

⭐📘 Introducing the Ultimate Resource: Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages – 2026 Edition)

If you want to:

• Avoid overpaying
• Avoid hidden fees
• Choose the right setup
• Prevent mistakes
• Understand every cost clearly
• Follow a clean step-by-step roadmap

Then this guide is for you.

Inside the eBook, you get:

✔️ Full cost breakdowns (Mainland + Free Zone)
✔️ Legal requirements
✔️ Visa structure
✔️ Banking requirements
✔️ 2026 cost-saving strategies
✔️ Comparison charts
✔️ Proven setup templates
✔️ Recommended free zones
✔️ Cheap setup options
✔️ High-credibility setup options
✔️ Renewal costs explained
✔️ Mistakes to avoid

PLUS 7 free bonuses:

🎁 BONUS 1 — Dubai Business Setup Checklist

A complete A–Z checklist of every step and requirement.

🎁 BONUS 2 — Mainland vs Free Zone Decision Guide

Choose the right jurisdiction in minutes.

🎁 BONUS 3 — Dubai Business Licensing Cost Breakdown

A detailed, transparent price comparison for 2026.

🎁 BONUS 4 — Activity Selection Cheatsheet

Ensure full compliance and avoid license rejection.

🎁 BONUS 5 — Marketing Mastery for Startups

Launch your business with real customers.

🎁 BONUS 6 — Growth Strategies for Dubai Founders

Scale from zero to six figures.

🎁 BONUS 7 — 70+ Profitable Business Ideas for 2026

Find the perfect idea based on demand.

🌟 FREE Access to Dubai Startups & Entrepreneurs Community

When you buy the guide, you’re added to a private Gumroad community.

Use it to:

• Ask questions
• Get real guidance
• Discuss strategies
• Receive updates
• Share wins
• Connect with other founders

Because it’s product-specific, there’s zero spam — just real value.

This support makes your business setup 10× easier and 5× faster.

⭐ Conclusion: The Cost of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Depends on Strategy — Not Guesswork

Dubai can be:

• Affordable
• Expensive
• Confusing
• Simple
• Risky
• Safe

It all depends on your knowledge, preparation, and process.

This article has given you the foundation.

The Dubai Business Setup Guide gives you the complete roadmap:

👇 261 pages
👇 Updated for 2026
👇 Beginner-friendly
👇 Instant download
👇 Packed with bonuses
👇 Only $37

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

If you're serious about setting up a business in Dubai — this is the smartest investment you'll make.

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.