Business setup cost in Dubai: the short answer
There is no single price. Your cost depends on the Free Zone, how many visas you need, your activities, the number of shareholders and whether you need an office. The same company can cost a lot more in one Free Zone than in another. That's why we match you with the right zone first, then give you one exact, written quote.
How we pick your Free Zone
We compare 40+ Free Zones. These are the ones that fit most of our clients:
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai) | A Dubai address, consultants, services, trading | Licence usually in 3–4 working days. Flexi-desk up to 3 visas. |
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | The lowest cost, several partners or activities | Up to 10 activities and 50 shareholders on one licence. You can live in Dubai. |
| Meydan (Dubai) | Another Dubai address option | We compare it with IFZA for your activities. |
| Mainland | Shops, restaurants, showrooms, selling to anyone in the UAE | Needs real premises. We find the route that fits your budget. |
What makes up the cost
- Licence: the yearly fee to the Free Zone. It sets how many activities and visas you get.
- Establishment card: lets the company sponsor visas.
- Residence visa: one per person who lives in the UAE through the company.
- Medical test and Emirates ID: one each per visa. We book the appointments.
- Extras: extra shareholders or activities, a company as shareholder, a private office.
- Our package: Basic, Silver or Gold, always on its own line in your quote.
Often forgotten: family visas, office upgrades, document translation and attestation, bank charges. We tell you upfront which ones apply to you.
What you pay from year two
Renewing a Free Zone licence costs about the same as the first-year licence. Visas renew every two years. Every company also needs corporate tax registration and a yearly return, so plan for monthly accounting too. The corporate tax guide explains the rules.