How Much Does it Cost to Set Up a Company In Dubai?

How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in Dubai? (2025 Full Breakdown + Expert Guide)

The ultimate cost breakdown for entrepreneurs, expats, investors, and freelancers looking to launch a business in Dubai — fast, affordably, and without hidden surprises.

Dubai is one of the most business-friendly destinations in the world. With 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax, strategic location, and world-class infrastructure, it has become the #1 choice for entrepreneurs from over 180 nationalities.

But there’s one question everyone asks before taking action:

“How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?”

If you’ve searched online, you know the truth:

❌ Every website gives different numbers.
❌ Agencies hide fees until the last moment.
❌ Free zone prices vary widely.
❌ Mainland costs differ depending on activities.
❌ Most articles online are outdated or incomplete.

This guide solves that.

Below, you’ll get:

✔ The complete real cost breakdown
✔ Mainland vs Free Zone pricing
✔ Visa costs
✔ Hidden fees you must know
✔ Budgeting tips
✔ How to avoid overpaying
✔ How to set up your company affordably

And throughout this article, you'll see the most powerful resource that entrepreneurs use to set up their business correctlyand confidently in Dubai:

⭐ Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages) – Updated 2025 Edition

Your complete, step-by-step roadmap to starting a business in Dubai.

👉 Instant Download (PDF):
https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

This guide includes:

🎁 BONUS 1 — Dubai Business Setup Checklist
🎁 BONUS 2 — Mainland vs Free Zone Decision Guide
🎁 BONUS 3 — Dubai Licensing Cost Breakdown
🎁 BONUS 4 — Business Activity Cheatsheet
🎁 BONUS 5 — Marketing Mastery for Dubai Startups
🎁 BONUS 6 — Growth Strategies for Dubai Founders
🎁 BONUS 7 — 70+ Profitable Business Ideas (2025 Edition)

Total value = over $150…
Your price = $37.

Now, let’s begin.

How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in Dubai? (Quick Answer)

Here is the straightforward, honest breakdown for 2025:

1. Free Zone Company Setup Costs (Cheapest Option)

AED 5,750 – AED 15,000
Ideal for:
✔ Consultants
✔ Online businesses
✔ E-commerce
✔ Freelancers
✔ Digital services
✔ Coaches & trainers

(Renewals vary between AED 6,000–12,000 per year.)

2. Mainland Company Setup Costs (DED License)

AED 12,000 – AED 30,000
Ideal for:
✔ B2B services
✔ Retail stores
✔ Restaurants
✔ Local operations
✔ Offices

(Renewal cost similar to first year.)

3. Visa Costs (Optional)

If you need a visa:
AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 per visa
Includes:

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

4. Hidden Fees Most People Don’t Expect

These depend on your business activity & jurisdiction:

💸 Establishment card: AED 500–1,200
💸 Immigration fees: AED 200–1,000
💸 Medical insurance: AED 500–2,000
💸 Flexi desk fees: AED 1,000–5,000
💸 Additional activity fees: AED 150–1,000
💸 External approvals: AED 500–5,000
💸 VAT registration: AED 0–500
💸 Bank POS/compliance fees: AED 1,000–3,000

This is where most newcomers get surprised.

But inside your Bonus #3 — Dubai Licensing Cost Breakdown, every hidden fee is revealed clearly — so you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

👉 Get the full cost guide inside the Dubai Business Setup Guide:
https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

Why the Costs Vary So Much

The answer is simple:

Dubai business setup is NOT “one price fits all.”

Your cost depends on 5 major factors:

Factor 1 — Mainland vs Free Zone

Free Zone = lower cost
Mainland = more flexible but slightly higher cost

Factor 2 — Visa or No Visa

No visa license = cheaper
Visa license = add AED 3,000–6,000 per visa

Factor 3 — Type of Business Activity

Some activities require:

• Special approvals
• Professional certifications
• Higher license fees
• Mandatory office space

Example:
A café costs more to set up than a consulting business.

Factor 4 — Number of Shareholders

More shareholders = slightly more paperwork
(Small cost difference)

Factor 5 — Office Space Requirements

Some activities require:

• Flexi desk
• Shared desk
• Office space

A flexi desk is the most affordable option.

Understanding all these variables is critical.
One wrong choice can increase your cost by thousands.

That’s why smart founders study the complete professional roadmap:

👉 Get it here ($37):
https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

Free Zone vs Mainland Cost Comparison (2025)

Below is a transparent comparison.

Free Zone Setup Costs (Most Affordable)

• License: AED 5,750–15,000
• Establishment Card: AED 500–1,200
• Flexi Desk (optional): AED 1,000–3,000
• Visa (optional): AED 3,000–6,000
• Estimated total: AED 5,750 – AED 22,000
• Perfect for lean startups & online businesses.

Mainland Setup Costs (DED)

• License: AED 10,000–20,000
• Tasheel, Name Reservation, Initial Approval: AED 1,000–2,500
• Office (flexi desk / Ejari): AED 3,500–8,000
• Establishment Card: AED 700–1,200
• Visa (optional): AED 3,000–6,000
• Estimated total: AED 12,000 – AED 35,000
• Mainland is ideal for businesses targeting UAE residents.

Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

Agencies rarely reveal these — but they matter:

💸 Admin fees
💸 Medical insurance
💸 ICP fees
💸 External approvals
💸 Bank compliance charges
💸 Additional activity fees
💸 Office “tourism fees” in some zones
💸 Renewal price differences
💸 E-channel fees (previously required)

To avoid surprise costs, your guide includes:

🎁 BONUS 3 — Dubai Business Licensing Cost Breakdown
(Complete and transparent.)

👉 Get your copy here:
https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

How To Reduce Your Dubai Business Setup Cost (2025 Strategy)

Here are the methods entrepreneurs use to save AED 5,000–20,000 during setup.

1. Choose a Visa-Free License (If You Already Have Residency)

This instantly reduces cost by 40–60%.

2. Choose Low-Cost Free Zones (Not All Are Equal)

Some free zones offer AED 5,750 packages — others charge AED 15,000 for the same activity.

Knowing which zones are trustworthy is key.

3. Choose the Correct Activity

The wrong activity triggers:

❌ extra approvals
❌ higher fees
❌ banking issues
❌ amendments

BONUS #4 helps with that:

🎁 UAE Business Activity Selection Cheatsheet

4. Avoid Agency Upsells

Most agencies push:

❌ unnecessary flexi desks
❌ office space you don’t need
❌ needless add-ons
❌ VAT packages you don’t require
❌ overpriced renewals

Your guide shows exactly what you actually need.

5. Plan Banking Properly

Banks reject many new businesses because founders don’t prepare the right documents.

Rejection = delays = extra costs.

Your guide explains:

✔ banks that accept new entrepreneurs
✔ how to prepare your file
✔ documents needed
✔ how to avoid red flags

Cost Breakdown Example (Free Zone, 1 Visa)

Here’s a realistic example:

License: AED 7,900
Establishment Card: AED 950
Flexi Desk: AED 1,500
Visa Costs: AED 4,500

Total: AED 14,850

Cost Breakdown Example (Mainland, No Visa)

License: AED 11,500
Trade Name + Tasheel: AED 1,800
Establishment Card: AED 800
Ejari Flexi Desk: AED 3,500

Total: AED 17,600

Everything You Need to Know About Dubai Business Setup Costs — Explained in One Guide

You now understand the basics.

But if you want the complete, professional, accurate, and fully structured breakdown of Dubai business setup — get the resource that thousands of entrepreneurs already rely on:

⭐ Dubai Business Setup Guide – 261 Pages (2025 Edition)

Your blueprint for launching your Dubai company with clarity, confidence, and zero mistakes.

What's Inside:

✔ Step-by-step company setup roadmap
✔ Mainland vs Free Zone cost comparison
✔ Hidden fees explained
✔ Visa cost breakdown
✔ Activity selection guide
✔ Banking strategy
✔ Cost-saving tips
✔ Setup mistakes to avoid
✔ UAE market insights
✔ 7 bonus eBooks included

BONUS PACK:

🎁 Business Setup Checklist
🎁 Mainland vs Free Zone Decision Guide
🎁 Licensing Cost Breakdown
🎁 Activity Selection Cheatsheet
🎁 Marketing Mastery Guide
🎁 Growth Strategy Guide
🎁 70+ Profitable Business Ideas

👉 Instant Download — Only $37:
https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

Final Answer: So, How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in Dubai?

Here’s the truth:

• Free Zone: AED 5,750 – AED 15,000
• Mainland: AED 12,000 – AED 30,000
• Visa: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000

This is the REAL, transparent cost range.

Everything else depends on:

• Your business activity
• Your visa needs
• Your jurisdiction
• Your free zone choice
• Your compliance strategy

Do it right, and Dubai becomes the easiest place in the world to launch your company.

Do it wrong — and you overpay thousands.

That is why you need a roadmap.

👉 Get the Dubai Business Setup Guide Now
👉 Save time. Save money. Avoid mistakes.
👉 Start your Dubai business the smart way.

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

✅ FAQs

1️⃣ How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?

Setting up a company in Dubai typically costs AED 6,000 to AED 30,000, depending on whether you choose a free zone or mainland jurisdiction. Costs vary based on business activity, visa requirements, office space, and government fees.

2️⃣ What is the cheapest company setup cost in Dubai?

The cheapest company setup costs in Dubai start from AED 5,500 to AED 8,500 in select free zones offering low-cost packages. These include e-commerce, consulting, and freelancing licenses with flexi-desk or virtual office options to minimize overheads.

3️⃣ Why do company setup costs vary in Dubai?

Company setup costs vary based on business activity, number of visas, free zone vs. mainland selection, office requirements, and government approvals. Regulated activities or mainland setups may incur additional fees, while free zones offer more predictable and affordable pricing structures.

4️⃣ How much does a free zone company cost in Dubai?

Free zone company setup in Dubai typically costs AED 6,000 to AED 15,000. These packages often include license issuance, flexi-desk workspace, and visa eligibility. Free zones are popular for their affordability, 100% ownership, and streamlined registration processes.

5️⃣ How much does it cost to set up a mainland company in Dubai?

Mainland company setup in Dubai generally costs AED 12,000 to AED 30,000, depending on activity type, visa quotas, and office space. Mainland businesses have full UAE market access and can operate anywhere without restrictions.

6️⃣ Are there hidden costs in Dubai company setup?

Yes, additional costs can include medical tests, Emirates ID fees, attestation, insurance, office rent, and bank account opening charges. While base license fees are clear, entrepreneurs should budget for these optional or activity-specific extras to avoid surprises.

7️⃣ Do I need an office to start a company in Dubai, and does it affect costs?

Yes, office requirements can affect setup costs. Free zones offer low-cost flexi-desk options, while mainland companies may need physical office space, increasing expenses. The number of visas also influences office size and associated costs.

8️⃣ How much does it cost to get a business license in Dubai?

A Dubai business license generally costs AED 6,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the jurisdiction and activity. Free zones offer low-cost packages, while mainland licenses may require additional approvals and office space, affecting the total price.

9️⃣ Does Dubai offer affordable company setup options?

Yes, Dubai offers many affordable company setup options, especially in free zones with packages ranging from AED 5,500 to AED 12,000. These are ideal for freelancers, consultants, and digital businesses seeking low-cost entry into the UAE market.

🔟 How can I reduce the cost of setting up a company in Dubai?

You can reduce setup costs by choosing a low-cost free zone, selecting a simple activity, limiting visa allocations, and opting for a flexi-desk workspace. Comparing packages and selecting digital licensing options also help minimize expenses.

How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in Dubai? (2025 Full Breakdown + Expert Guide)

Ahmed Alhosani, Serial Entrepreneur & CEO of Emirates Digital Press

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.