Dubai Company Setup Cost: What You Really Need to Budget

The Licence Fee: Your Starting Point

The licence fee is usually the headline number. Depending on the free zone or mainland authority, a trade licence can start from around AED 12,000 and go upward depending on your business activity, number of visas, and chosen jurisdiction. Promotional packages – particularly around key dates like Ramadan or UAE National Day – can offer significantly better value, sometimes bundling two-year licences with visa allocation and bank account assistance.

Visa Costs: A Separate Budget Item

Each residence visa, including your own, involves medical testing, Emirates ID registration, and stamping fees. These are typically in the range of AED 3,000-5,000 per visa depending on the authority.

Banking: The Most Underestimated Step in Dubai Company Setup

Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE takes time and documentation. Having an advisor who has established relationships with banking partners can make the difference between a smooth process and a frustrating wait.

Professional Fees: Where Quality Really Matters

Professional fees cover the advisory, paperwork, and ongoing compliance management – and this is where quality really matters. Cutting corners on advice at the setup stage can cost considerably more to correct later.

Why the Investment Makes Sense

When structured properly, the financial benefits of operating through a UAE entity – the tax advantages, the access to global banking, the credibility of a Dubai address – far outweigh the setup costs for most businesses within the first year.

Transparency is everything. We always provide a full cost breakdown upfront, with no hidden surprises.