Business Setup Cost in Dubai & the UAE (2026)
Use the free calculator for an indicative first-year estimate. Costs vary by authority, activity, facility and visa needs; compare current written quotes and renewal costs before deciding.
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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 the first-year cost?
The calculator uses indicative ranges for licensing, immigration, visas and workspace. When mainland and flexi-desk are selected, the model substitutes a desk cost; actual premises requirements depend on the authority and activity. Its figures are planning assumptions, not live authority prices, an offer or a confirmed eligibility decision. Check actual package inclusions and whether VAT, approvals, insurance, medical tests and Emirates ID charges apply.
- Licence and registration: issuing authority, activity and legal form.
- Facility: permitted desk, office, warehouse or other premises.
- Immigration and visas: establishment registration, visa allocation and individual applications.
- Other costs: regulated activity approvals, professional fees and renewal.
For a published example, SPC Free Zone advertises an e-commerce licence from AED 5,750. Confirm current eligibility, visa, facility, tax and renewal charges; this is not a universal UAE price.
Free zone vs mainland: how to compare
Request written first-year and renewal quotes for the same activity, premises and visa count. Ask where the activity may be performed and which additional permits apply. Ownership and workspace requirements differ by activity and authority.
Compare free zone and mainland · Explore UAE free zones · Mainland company guide
How to compare lower-cost packages
A licence-only package may have no visa allocation or exclude immigration processing. Ask for the exact activity, workspace, visa allocation, individual application fees and renewal price before comparing offers.
Business setup cost — FAQs
How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?
Costs vary with the authority, activity, premises, visas and external approvals. Use the estimate as a starting point, then request an itemised current quote including renewal.
What is the cheapest way to start a company in the UAE?
Compare current packages for your exact activity and visa needs. A licence-only offer may exclude premises, immigration, visas, taxes or renewal charges, and the lowest advertised price may not fit your business.
Is free zone or mainland cheaper?
It depends on the activity, facility, visas and package. Compare written first-year and renewal quotes on the same assumptions, and confirm where the business is permitted to operate.
What costs are on top of the trade licence?
Depending on the package, budget for registration, premises, immigration, individual visas, medical tests, Emirates IDs, approvals and optional provider fees. Ask which items are included and what renews annually.
Do I have to pay corporate tax after setup?
Corporate tax obligations depend on the taxpayer and applicable rules. A Qualifying Free Zone Person may have 0% on qualifying income and generally 9% on non-qualifying taxable income. Confirm registration and treatment with the Federal Tax Authority or a qualified adviser.
Related guides
Official sources
Last updated: November 2026 · Maintained by the My Business Setup editorial team
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