How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
The 2026 answer — published licence and visa scenarios, what can affect the final authority itemisation, and the costs to ask about before payment.
01 What makes up the cost
| Cost component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free-zone / authority licence fee | AED 5,750–20,000 | Varies by zone & activity |
| Registration / incorporation | AED 1,000–10,000 | One-off, zone-dependent |
| Service fee | shown in the published scenario | Formenzo provides a written itemisation before payment |
| Residence visa block (each) | ~AED 4,715–11,950 | Optional; establishment card + visa |
| Office / flexi-desk | often included | Flexi-desk usually covers the requirement |
A flat "from" price rarely reflects the real total — the published scenario depends on your zone, visa count and activity; authority requirements are confirmed before payment.
02 Dubai company cost by visas (2026, published scenarios)
| Free zone | 0 visas | 1 visa | 2 visas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meydan | AED 12,500 | AED 24,450 | AED 34,400 |
| IFZA | AED 12,900 | AED 17,615 | AED 24,080 |
| DMCC | AED 35,484 | — | — |
| Ajman (non-Dubai) | AED 4,888 | AED 10,800 | AED 16,200 |
Figures are published comparison scenarios; final authority line items and requirements are confirmed in writing before payment. Build your exact price →
03 Hidden costs to watch for
- Annual renewal — the licence renews each year at a similar cost; budget for it from day one.
- Visa medical + Emirates ID — small per-person government fees, sometimes quoted separately.
- Document attestation — only for certain activities or corporate shareholders.
- Bank minimum balance — some UAE banks require a maintained balance, not a setup fee but worth planning.
- "From" pricing — the biggest hidden cost is a low headline that excludes visas and add-ons; always ask for a written itemisation of inclusions, exclusions and authority requirements.
Build your Dubai licence and visa scenario
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Open the cost calculator →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
A 100%-owned Dubai free-zone company has published licence-only scenarios from AED 12,500 (Meydan, zero visas); IFZA is AED 12,900 and DMCC AED 35,484. A first residence visa brings the total to about AED 17,615 (IFZA, one visa). Outside Dubai, from AED 4,888 (Ajman).
What is the cheapest way to set up a company in Dubai?
A zero-visa Meydan licence in the AED 12,500 published entry scenario. If you don't need a Dubai address, an Ajman licence is AED 4,888 for the same 100% ownership.
Is mainland or free zone cheaper in Dubai?
Free zone is usually cheaper and simpler for most activities (published scenarios from AED 12,500). Mainland can cost more with external approvals and office requirements, but is needed for direct local-market retail and some regulated activities.
What are the ongoing costs after setup?
Mainly annual licence renewal (similar to year one), visa renewals every two years, and any office/accounting fees. Corporate tax is 0% up to AED 375,000 profit and 9% above; personal income tax is 0%.
Does the price include a residence visa?
A zero-visa licence doesn't. The first visa adds AED 4,715–11,950 depending on the zone, so a one-visa Dubai company starts around AED 17,615 (IFZA).
Start with a secure online estimate
Build an itemised estimate online. After review, your secure portal shows the confirmed total, its validity date, any authority requirements and the invoice before payment.