How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in Dubai? (2025 Full Guide + Real Cost Breakdown)
Everything you need to know about Dubai business setup costs — explained clearly, honestly, and with powerful insights for entrepreneurs, expats, and investors.
Dubai continues to stand as one of the most attractive business hubs worldwide. Entrepreneurs from over 180 nationalities choose Dubai for its tax benefits, speed of setup, global connectivity, and unmatched economic stability.
But the first question every founder asks is:
How much does it really cost to set up a company in Dubai?
If you’ve been researching online, you’ve probably noticed:
Every website gives different numbers
Agencies hide many fees
Free zone prices vary enormously
Mainland costs depend heavily on activity
Most blogs online are outdated
This Blogspot-friendly guide gives you the real, practical, and complete cost breakdown for 2025 — with no tables, no confusing jargon, and no upselling.
And throughout this article, you’ll see the most trusted resource for launching a Dubai business correctly and affordably:
⭐ Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages • Updated 2025 Edition)
The most complete, step-by-step roadmap for starting a business in Dubai.
📌 Instant PDF download
📌 Updated for all 2025 laws
📌 Only $37
📌 Comes with 7 bonus eBooks
👉 Download now:
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Real Cost of Setting Up a Company in Dubai (Quick Breakdown)
Here is the honest cost overview:
Free Zone Setup Cost
AED 5,750 to AED 15,000
The most affordable option for consultants, freelancers, online businesses, e-commerce, digital services, marketing agencies, coaches, content creators, and startups.
Mainland Company Setup Cost
AED 12,000 to AED 30,000
Ideal for service businesses, shops, restaurants, offices, and operations serving customers across the UAE.
Visa Cost (Optional)
AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per visa
This includes the entry permit, medical test, biometrics, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
Hidden or Additional Costs
These vary depending on your business activity and jurisdiction. They may include:
Establishment card
Immigration fees
Medical insurance
Flexi desk or office costs
External approvals
Extra business activities
VAT registration fees
Bank compliance fees
Renewals and admin charges
These are the costs most entrepreneurs only discover after starting the process — resulting in overspending.
Inside the Dubai Business Setup Guide, the BONUS 3 Dubai Business Licensing Cost Breakdown reveals every hidden fee in detail.
👉 Download the guide to avoid costly surprises:
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Why the Cost Varies So Much (5 Factors That Change Everything)
The cost of setting up a company in Dubai isn’t fixed. It depends on multiple factors.
1. Mainland vs Free Zone
Free zones are more affordable and require no office space.
Mainland is more flexible but usually more expensive.
2. Visa or No Visa
No visa = lowest cost.
With visas = higher cost due to medical tests and approvals.
3. Business Activity
Some activities require:
special approvals
certifications
mandatory offices
higher licensing fees
This is where beginners make costly errors.
BONUS 4 — the Business Activity Cheatsheet, included free with the guide, helps you choose the correct activity.
4. Number of Owners
More shareholders = slightly higher typing and approval costs.
5. Office Requirements
A flexi desk is the cheapest option.
Some businesses require a real office or warehouse.
Free Zone vs Mainland Costs (Explained Without Tables)
Here’s a simple explanation:
Free Zone = Most Affordable
Free zones are perfect for entrepreneurs who want:
low-cost setup
fast processing
100% ownership
no office requirement
online or service business
simple renewal fees
Many zones offer entry-level packages between AED 5,750 and AED 8,500.
Mainland = More Flexible but More Expensive
Mainland is ideal for:
retail stores
offices
restaurants
service companies
local operations
UAE-wide customers
Mainland costs begin around AED 12,000 and increase depending on office space and additional licenses.
Detailed Breakdown of All Dubai Business Setup Costs
To understand cost in detail, let’s break each component down clearly.
1. License Fees (Main Cost)
This varies depending on:
your business activity
free zone or mainland
number of visas
type of license
Free zones typically start at AED 5,750.
Mainland typically starts at AED 10,000 to AED 15,000.
2. Government Fees
These include:
Name reservation
Initial approval
MOA or shareholder agreement typing
Administrative charges
These range between AED 500 to AED 2,500 depending on setup.
3. Establishment Card
This is used for immigration and visa processing.
Estimate: AED 500 to AED 1,200.
4. Flexi Desk or Office Space
Not always required.
A flexi desk usually costs AED 1,000 to AED 5,000 annually depending on the free zone.
5. Visa Costs (Optional)
A UAE residency visa includes:
Entry permit
Medical tests
Biometrics
Emirates ID
Visa stamping
Cost range: AED 3,000 to AED 6,000.
6. Medical Insurance
Required for all Dubai visas.
Cost: AED 500 to AED 2,000 depending on coverage.
7. Additional Activity Fees
Each extra licensed activity may cost AED 150 to AED 1,000.
8. Bank Account Fees
Some banks require:
minimum balance
compliance verification
account opening charges
Cost varies widely from AED 0 to AED 2,500.
How to Reduce Your Dubai Business Setup Cost
Smart founders follow a cost-saving strategy. Here’s how you can lower your setup costs dramatically:
1. Choose a Zero-Visa License
If you already live in the UAE or don’t need a visa immediately, this cuts your cost by 40–60%.
2. Pick the Right Free Zone
Some zones are overpriced.
Some have hidden renewal fees.
Some restrict your activity.
BONUS 2 — the Mainland vs Free Zone Guide — helps you pick the perfect jurisdiction.
3. Choose a Low-Cost Activity
Certain activities require:
additional approvals
expensive office space
professional certifications
Your Business Activity Cheatsheet prevents wrong choices.
4. Avoid Agency Markups
Most agencies charge hidden service fees.
Setting up independently via the correct method eliminates unnecessary costs.
5. Prepare Documents Correctly
Missing documents = delays = extra fees.
BONUS 1 — the Dubai Business Setup Checklist — guides you step-by-step.
6. Don’t Buy Add-Ons You Don’t Need
Many services are optional:
VAT registration
Accounting packages
Virtual office space
Additional activities
You only need the essentials when starting.
Realistic Examples of Setup Costs Without Tables
Here are simple, real-world scenarios:
Example 1 — Freelancer / Consultant
You choose an affordable free zone with no visa requirement.
License: around AED 6,000
No visa
No office needed
Total starting cost: around AED 6,000
Example 2 — E-Commerce Business With 1 Visa
License: around AED 8,000
Visa: around AED 4,000
Flexi desk optional
Total cost: around AED 12,000–14,000
Example 3 — Mainland Service Business (No Visa)
DED license: around AED 11,000
Trade name, approvals: AED 2,000
Flexi desk: AED 3,500
Total: around AED 16,000
The Complete Cost Breakdown Is Inside One Guide
If you want the entire professional cost breakdown — all scenarios, all fees, all hidden costs — you need the complete resource:
⭐ Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages) – Updated 2025 Edition
It includes:
✔ Full cost breakdown (BONUS 3)
✔ Mainland vs Free Zone comparison
✔ Visa cost breakdown
✔ Business activity guide
✔ Banking strategy
✔ Cost-saving techniques
✔ Step-by-step instructions
✔ 7 bonus eBooks included
All for $37.
👉 Download instantly:
https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide
Final Answer: How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in Dubai?
Here’s the summary:
Free zone setup: AED 5,750 – AED 15,000
Mainland setup: AED 12,000 – AED 30,000
Visa cost: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000
Anything higher usually involves either:
agency upsells
additional approvals
premium packages
misunderstandings
Dubai business setup is affordable when you know the system.
Make sure you follow the right strategy.
👉 Get the Dubai Business Setup Guide now and avoid expensive mistakes:
https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide
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