Wondering exactly how much it costs to set up a business in Dubai in 2026? Our freezone business setup UAE page covers all free zone options and costs in detail. For a full overview of free zone options, visit our freezone business setup UAE page. You’re not alone — and unlike most calculators online that make you submit your email to get a quote, this guide gives you real numbers, right now. The Dubai business setup cost depends on three key decisions: your structure (free zone vs. mainland), how many visas you need, and your office type. Use the estimator tables below to build your own number — no form required.
Dubai Business Setup Cost Estimator (2026)
This is the transparent breakdown every business setup consultant tries to hide behind a “contact us” button. Pick your inputs, add up your columns, and get your real Year 1 number in under 5 minutes.
Step 1 — Choose Your Structure
| Structure | License Cost | Registration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Zone — Budget (IFZA/Shams/RAKEZ) | AED 9,000 – 12,500 | AED 3,000 – 5,000 | Online business, consultants, freelancers |
| Free Zone — Premium (DMCC/DIFC/JAFZA) | AED 18,000 – 35,000 | AED 5,000 – 10,000 | Trading, commodities, financial services |
| Mainland — Professional License | AED 10,000 – 18,000 | AED 8,000 – 15,000 | Services, consulting, UAE market access |
| Mainland — Commercial/Trading License | AED 12,000 – 25,000 | AED 10,000 – 20,000 | Retail, import/export, government contracts |
| Mainland — Industrial License | AED 15,000 – 30,000 | AED 15,000 – 25,000 | Manufacturing, production facilities |
Step 2 — Add Visa Costs
| Visa Type | Cost Per Visa | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Investor/Partner Visa | AED 3,500 – 5,000 | Entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping |
| Employee Visa | AED 3,000 – 4,500 | Entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping |
| Establishment Card | AED 1,000 – 2,000 | Required before any visa can be processed |
| Dependent Visa (per person) | AED 2,500 – 3,500 | Spouse/children, medical, Emirates ID |
Step 3 — Add Office / Workspace Cost
| Office Type | Annual Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Office (address only) | AED 4,000 – 8,000 | Free zones only |
| Flexi-Desk (shared workspace) | AED 10,000 – 20,000 | Free zones + some mainland options |
| Private Office (small, 150–300 sqft) | AED 20,000 – 50,000 | Mainland required for most commercial |
| Physical Office (300+ sqft) | AED 50,000+ | Mainland, prime locations |
Free Zone Cost Breakdown: IFZA vs. Shams vs. RAKEZ vs. DMCC (2026)
Here’s what no one else shows you — an apples-to-apples comparison of the four most popular free zones, with all-in Year 1 totals for a solo founder with one visa and a flexi-desk:
| Free Zone | License Fee | Flexi-Desk | 1 Visa | Est. Year 1 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai) | AED 11,900 | Included | AED 4,000 | AED 17,500 – 20,000 |
| Shams (Sharjah) | AED 11,500 | AED 10,000 | AED 4,000 | AED 18,000 – 22,000 |
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | AED 9,000 – 11,000 | AED 8,000 | AED 3,500 | AED 15,000 – 18,000 |
| DMCC (Dubai) | AED 18,000 – 25,000 | AED 15,000 – 20,000 | AED 5,000 | AED 40,000 – 55,000 |
Bottom line: RAKEZ is the cheapest all-in free zone for 2026. IFZA is the most popular balance of cost and reputation. DMCC is premium — pay the premium only if you need the brand name or commodities/gold trading activities. For more on free zone options, read our guide to the cheapest free zones in UAE.
Mainland Business Setup Cost Breakdown (Dubai 2026)
Mainland is the right choice when you want to trade directly with UAE businesses, bid on government tenders, or open a physical retail/restaurant location. The tradeoff: higher first-year costs.
| Cost Component | Professional License | Commercial/Trading | Industrial |
|---|---|---|---|
| DED Trade License | AED 10,000 – 18,000 | AED 12,000 – 25,000 | AED 15,000 – 30,000 |
| Initial Approval + MOA | AED 3,000 – 5,000 | AED 5,000 – 10,000 | AED 8,000 – 15,000 |
| Ejari Office Lease | AED 15,000 – 30,000 | AED 20,000 – 60,000 | AED 40,000+ |
| 1 Investor Visa | AED 4,000 – 5,500 | AED 4,000 – 5,500 | AED 4,000 – 5,500 |
| Establishment Card | AED 1,500 | AED 1,500 | AED 1,500 |
| Estimated Year 1 Total | AED 28,000 – 45,000 | AED 38,000 – 70,000 | AED 60,000 – 100,000+ |
Need a mainland setup? See our full guide on choosing a business setup agency in Dubai to navigate the DED process.
What Affects Your Final Business Setup Cost
No two business setups cost the same — here’s what moves the number most:
- Number of business activities: Some free zones charge per additional activity (AED 500–2,000 each). Mainland DED charges per activity on the license.
- Number of visas: Every additional visa adds AED 3,000–5,000. The more staff, the higher the cost — and some free zones limit visa quotas based on office size.
- External approvals: Activities in healthcare, education, food, finance, or real estate require NOCs from relevant UAE authorities — add AED 2,000–10,000+.
- Share capital requirements: Some free zones require a minimum share capital (up to AED 50,000 — usually refundable). Mainland FZEs typically have no minimum.
- Consultant fees: Business setup agents typically charge AED 3,000–10,000 for the facilitation. Noble Core’s fees are transparent — no hidden charges.
- Corporate bank account: Budget AED 5,000–15,000 for opening deposits and initial compliance. Some banks now require AED 25,000 minimum balance.
Year 2 Renewal Costs — What to Budget
Here’s what most guides ignore entirely: the Year 2 renewal. For most businesses, renewal costs 70–90% of Year 1 because license, office, and visa renewal fees all hit at the same time.
| Renewal Item | Free Zone (Budget) | Mainland | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade License Renewal | AED 9,000 – 12,500 | AED 10,000 – 22,000 | Annual, typically same as Year 1 |
| Office / Flexi-Desk Renewal | AED 8,000 – 15,000 | AED 15,000 – 50,000 | Ejari for mainland |
| Visa Renewals (per visa) | AED 2,500 – 4,000 | AED 2,500 – 4,000 | Every 2–3 years |
| Emirates ID Renewal | AED 300 – 500 | AED 300 – 500 | Per person |
| Estimated Year 2 Total | AED 18,000 – 28,000 | AED 28,000 – 60,000 | Solo founder, 1 visa |
Pro tip: Budget 2.5× your Year 1 license fee to cover all Year 2 renewal costs comfortably. Late renewal penalties in Dubai run AED 250/month for mainland DED licenses — don’t miss the date.
How to Minimize Your Business Setup Cost in Dubai
Not every business needs a DMCC address. Here’s how to cut your cost without cutting corners:
- Choose RAKEZ or IFZA over premium free zones — both are fully legitimate, offer UAE residency visas, and cost 50–60% less than DMCC for service businesses.
- Start with fewer visa allocations — you can always upgrade your visa quota later as headcount grows. Don’t pay for 5 visas if you only need 1–2 in Year 1.
- Use a virtual office for pure e-commerce/online businesses — not all activities require a physical office. A virtual address saves AED 10,000–20,000 annually.
- Bundle your consultant fees — Noble Core includes government fees, translations, and company registration in one fee. Avoid agents who quote low and surprise you with add-ons.
- Skip the share capital deposit — choose a free zone that doesn’t require mandatory share capital (IFZA, Shams, RAKEZ all allow AED 1 share capital).
- Time your setup right — free zones often run promotions in Q1 and Q3 with discounted registration or free visa allocations. Ask Noble Core about current offers.
Also read: Cheapest Trade License UAE 2026 — full comparison of the lowest-cost options by activity type.
Complete Year 1 Cost Summary (Quick Reference)
| Business Profile | Recommended Setup | Est. Year 1 Cost | Est. Year 2 Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo freelancer / consultant | RAKEZ or Shams, virtual office, 1 visa | AED 15,000 – 20,000 | AED 13,000 – 18,000 |
| Small team (2–5 staff) | IFZA, flexi-desk, 3 visas | AED 28,000 – 38,000 | AED 22,000 – 32,000 |
| UAE market access (mainland) | Mainland professional, small office, 1 visa | AED 30,000 – 48,000 | AED 26,000 – 40,000 |
| Trading / import-export | IFZA or JAFZA, commercial license, 2 visas | AED 35,000 – 55,000 | AED 28,000 – 45,000 |
| Restaurant / F&B | Mainland commercial, physical space, 5 visas | AED 80,000 – 150,000+ | AED 60,000 – 100,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions: Dubai Business Setup Cost
How do I calculate the cost of setting up a business in Dubai?
To calculate your Dubai business setup cost, add three components: (1) your license fee based on jurisdiction and activity type, (2) your visa costs at AED 3,500–5,000 per person, and (3) your office or workspace cost. For a free zone solo setup, expect AED 15,000–22,000 all-in. For mainland with one employee, budget AED 30,000–50,000. The tables above give you exact ranges for each variable — no email required.
What is the cheapest business setup option in Dubai in 2026?
The cheapest legitimate business setup in Dubai for 2026 is RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone), with all-in Year 1 costs starting around AED 15,000 for a solo professional with a virtual office and one visa. For those who need a Dubai address specifically, IFZA starts at approximately AED 17,500 all-in. See our cheapest free zone UAE guide for the full comparison.
How much does a Dubai free zone license cost in total?
A Dubai free zone license costs AED 9,000–35,000 for the license itself, depending on the free zone and activity. But the total all-in cost including office space, visa, and registration typically runs AED 17,000–55,000 in Year 1. Budget free zones like IFZA, Shams, and RAKEZ cluster in the AED 15,000–22,000 range for a solo founder setup.
What are the ongoing annual costs after company setup in Dubai?
In Year 2, expect to pay 70–90% of your Year 1 cost for renewals. Key renewal items include: trade license renewal (same as initial fee), office/flexi-desk renewal, and visa renewal every 2–3 years. For a free zone solo setup, budget AED 13,000–20,000 annually from Year 2 onwards. For mainland, budget AED 25,000–50,000 annually.
Does the number of visas affect my setup cost?
Yes — significantly. Each additional visa (employee or investor) adds AED 3,000–5,000 to your setup cost. You also need an Establishment Card (AED 1,000–2,000) before you can sponsor any visas. Additionally, many free zones restrict the number of visas based on office type — a virtual office may only allow 1–3 visas, while a flexi-desk allows 3–6.
Is there a free business setup cost calculator for UAE?
Most UAE business setup calculators online are actually lead-generation tools — you enter your details and get a phone call, not a number. The tables on this page are the most transparent free cost estimator available: no email, no form, no sales call required. For a personalised quote based on your specific activity and requirements, Noble Core provides a free consultation with exact pricing upfront.
How much does it cost to renew a company in Dubai per year?
Annual renewal costs in Dubai depend on your setup: free zone renewals typically run AED 13,000–25,000 (license + office + visa), while mainland renewals run AED 25,000–60,000 depending on office size and number of employees. Budget 80% of your Year 1 cost as a general rule for Year 2 onwards.
What costs can I avoid when setting up a company in Dubai?
You can avoid: (1) share capital requirements by choosing IFZA, Shams, or RAKEZ; (2) premium office costs by using a virtual office if your activity allows it; (3) unnecessary visa allocations by starting lean and upgrading later; (4) surprise consultant add-ons by working with a transparent setup agency like Noble Core. You cannot avoid: license fees, government registration fees, or establishment card costs — these are mandatory.
What hidden costs should I watch out for in Dubai business setup?
Hidden costs that catch founders off guard: Establishment Card (AED 1,000–2,000, required before first visa), e-Channel registration for mainland (AED 2,000+), medical insurance compliance for sponsored employees (AED 2,000–6,000/year per person), typing centre fees (AED 200–500), attestation/translation of documents (AED 500–2,000), and late renewal penalties (AED 250/month for DED). Noble Core includes all government fees in one upfront quote — no surprises.
How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai as a foreigner?
Foreign nationals can set up 100% foreign-owned companies in UAE free zones, with costs starting at AED 15,000 for a basic RAKEZ or IFZA setup. Since the UAE Commercial Companies Law reform in 2021, foreigners can also own 100% of most mainland businesses — though costs are higher (AED 30,000–60,000+). The additional cost for foreigners vs. UAE nationals is minimal — residency visa costs (AED 3,500–5,000) are the main variable. See our Abu Dhabi company setup guide for comparison.
Get Your Exact Business Setup Cost — Free
Stop guessing. Noble Core gives you a full itemised cost breakdown for your specific activity, visa count, and office preference — with no hidden fees and no obligation.
