Business Setup Cost Calculator
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Estimated first-year cost
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Indicative estimate for guidance — real packages vary by zone, activity and offers. See how it's built ↓
What makes up your UAE business setup cost
Your total is the trade licence plus government and immigration items. Here is what each part typically costs in 2026 (confirm current figures with the authority or with us):
| Cost item | Typical 2026 range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade licence (annual) | 5,500 – 40,000 | Budget free zone to premium/mainland |
| Establishment / immigration card | 1,500 – 2,500 | One-time, needed if you take visas |
| Residence visa (per person) | 3,800 – 5,500 | Entry permit + medical + Emirates ID + stamping |
| Workspace | 0 – 30,000 | Flexi-desk often bundled; office costs more |
| Optional extras | variable | Extra activities, attestation, PRO, bank setup |
Free zone vs mainland — which is cheaper?
Free zones are usually cheaper to start because the package bundles a flexi-desk and low government fees, and you get 100% ownership. Mainland can cost more up front — a physical office (Ejari) is required — but you can trade directly with the UAE market and bid for government work. Pick by where your customers are, not by headline price alone.
The cheapest way to start
The lowest first-year cost is a budget free zone (Ajman, Sharjah SHAMS/SPC, Umm Al Quwain, RAK) with a flexi-desk and no visa — a licence can start around AED 5,500–6,900. Add a visa (~AED 3,800–5,500) only when you need to live in the UAE or sponsor staff.
Business setup cost — FAQs
How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai in 2026?
A UAE business setup typically costs from about AED 12,500 to AED 35,000 in the first year for a small company with one visa. Budget free zones can start near AED 6,000 for a licence with no visa, while mainland or premium free zones run higher once office space and multiple visas are added.
What is the cheapest way to start a company in the UAE?
The cheapest route is a budget free zone (Ajman, Sharjah SHAMS/SPC, Umm Al Quwain or RAK) with a flexi-desk and no visa — licences can start around AED 5,500–6,900. Costs rise with each visa and with a physical office.
Is free zone or mainland cheaper?
Free zones are usually cheaper to start because packages bundle a flexi-desk and low government fees. Mainland can cost more up front (physical office/Ejari required) but lets you trade directly across the UAE market.
What costs are on top of the trade licence?
Beyond the licence: a one-time establishment/immigration card (~AED 1,500–2,500), each residence visa (~AED 3,800–5,500 including entry permit, medical and Emirates ID), office or desk, and optional extras like extra activities, attestation and PRO services.
Do I have to pay corporate tax after setup?
The UAE has 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000. A qualifying free zone company can keep 0% on qualifying income if it has real substance and meets the conditions. There is no personal income tax.
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Last updated: September 2026 · Maintained by the My Business Setup editorial team