How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
In shortThe cost of setting up in Dubai depends mainly on your structure, the freezone you pick, how many visas you need, and whether you need a physical office. A lean freezone licence with one visa is relatively modest; costs rise with more visas, premium zones and real office space. Always get an all-in quote, not just the headline licence fee.
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“How much does it cost?” is the first question everyone asks, and the honest answer is “it depends,” because a few choices swing the number a lot.
What drives the cost
- Structure, freezone, mainland or offshore each price differently.
- Which freezone, premium zones (with prestige addresses or financial regulation) cost more than lean, value-focused zones.
- Number of visas, each residence visa adds cost (the visa itself plus medical and Emirates ID). Your visa allocation is often tied to your package or office type.
- Office requirement, a flexi-desk is cheap; a physical office is a major step up.
- Activity and approvals, some regulated activities need extra approvals and capital.
Headline fee vs all-in
The trap is comparing headline licence fees. A low licence fee can hide the establishment card, visa costs, and a mandatory office upgrade. Always ask for the all-in first-year cost and what year-two renewal looks like.
Keeping it down
If budget is tight: pick a value freezone, start with a flexi-desk, and take only the visas you actually need now, you can usually add more later. Don’t over-buy a premium zone you don’t need, and don’t under-buy a structure that can’t do what your business requires.
General guidance, not personal legal, tax or financial advice. UAE rules and fees change and individual circumstances differ, speak to us, or another suitably qualified professional, before acting.
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Where this gets specific to you: the right structure, freezone and licence depend on your activity, where your customers are and your residency goals. A short conversation pins down what actually fits.