VERIFIED 2026 · FORMENZO
How much does it cost to set up a UAE company from Pakistan?
Setting up a UAE company costs the same for Pakistani founders as for anyone else: from AED 4,888 all-in for a free-zone licence, or AED 10,800 all-in with one UAE residence visa (Ajman NuVentures, the cheapest). You get 100% foreign ownership — no local partner or sponsor — 0% personal income tax in the UAE, and the licence issues in 3-8 working days. The process is remote-friendly, so most Pakistani founders start without relocating first. Note: income may still be taxable in your home country depending on your tax residency, so check the Pakistan-specific rules.
Formenzo publishes real, all-in 2026 figures, confirmed in writing, with no sales call. See the full Cost Index or the open price dataset (CC-BY).
Build your exact price →By the Formenzo Research Team · compare all 9 zones
What the AED 4,888 and AED 10,800 figures buy
The AED 4,888 entry price is a licence-only company at Ajman NuVentures Centre — trade licence, authority fees and setup service, with no visa attached. Most Pakistani founders take the AED 10,800 tier instead, which adds one residence visa: entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping. If a Sharjah address suits better, SRTIP is AED 12,500 with one visa; a Dubai licence starts higher, with IFZA at AED 17,615 on the same basis.
Who picks this option
Three profiles come up repeatedly: IT and software exporters from Karachi and Lahore who invoice foreign clients through a UAE entity; freelance consultants serving Gulf customers who need residency more than premises; and trading businesses that want a UAE counterparty company for shipping and payments. The guide for Pakistani founders works through each route; the zone ranking orders zones by price.
Two things founders ask
Can the company be formed before travelling? The licence itself can be issued while you are still in Pakistan. The visa block includes steps done inside the UAE — the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Do you need to rent premises first? No — the company is registered at the free zone's own address, so nothing needs leasing before the licence issues.