How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
The honest, all-in 2026 answer — what you pay, what makes up the price, and the hidden costs most providers don't show until later.
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 | included all-in | Formenzo itemises this — no markup hidden |
| 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 all-in figure depends on your zone, visa count and activity.
02 Dubai company cost by visas (2026, all-in)
| 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 indicative all-in totals, confirmed in writing before filing. 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 the all-in.
Get your real all-in Dubai cost
Pick your zone and visas, see the true total in seconds, and start online — no sales call.
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 costs from AED 12,500 all-in (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 at AED 12,500 all-in. 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 (from AED 12,500 all-in). 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).
Set up clean — get the all-in cost in writing
Send your name and WhatsApp or email — we reply with the exact all-in figure for your setup, locked 14 days in writing. No calls, ever.