VERIFIED 2026 · FORMENZO
How much does it cost to set up a UAE company from the Philippines?
Setting up a UAE company costs the same for Filipino 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 Filipino founders start without relocating first. Note: income may still be taxable in your home country depending on your tax residency, so check the the Philippines-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 10,800 package pays for — and when you can skip it
The figure is the Ajman NuVentures licence-plus-one-visa total, with the medical, Emirates ID and stamping inside the price. Many Filipino founders, though, already hold UAE residence through an employer — and with an existing visa in your passport, the AED 4,888 licence-only tier is often all you need to start trading.
Who picks this option
Three recurring profiles: professionals in Dubai or Sharjah turning a salaried role into their own consultancy, virtual-assistant and online-services founders formalising work for overseas clients, and OFWs building a business that can eventually replace the employment visa with the company's own.
Two things founders ask
Can I own the company while still employed in the UAE? Generally yes — free-zone shareholding does not by itself cancel an employment visa, though it is worth checking your contract for restrictions before filing.
Can I sponsor my family once my company visa is issued? A residence visa lets you sponsor dependants subject to the UAE's salary and housing criteria; those immigration costs sit outside the company-formation package.