How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
“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. If you want an all-in first-year figure for your own activity and visa count, our company formation team can put one together with you.
Questions people ask
What is the cheapest way to set up a company in Dubai?
The leanest option is usually a cost-effective freezone licence with a flexi-desk and a single visa. Costs rise with more visas, premium freezones and physical office space. The cheapest headline fee is not always the cheapest all-in once visas and mandatory extras are added.
Why do Dubai company setup quotes vary so much?
Because the headline licence fee often excludes the establishment card, visa costs, medical and Emirates ID fees, and office requirements. Two quotes can look very different simply because one is all-inclusive and the other is not.