If you’re wondering about the real cost to start a business in Dubai, here’s the honest answer: it depends on what you actually need — not just the license.
The Three Cost Components
Every UAE business setup is made up of some combination of these:
1. Business License
This is the core registration fee. Depending on your activity and free zone, license-only packages start from AED 4,888/year.
2. Visa
If you want to live and work in the UAE under your own company, you’ll need a residence visa tied to it. Packages with 1 visa included typically run from AED 12,000–13,500/year. Need visas for a team? Multi-visa packages (up to 7) start from AED 10,800 and scale from there.
3. Office / Co-working Space
Free zones generally require at least a flexi-desk or shared workspace agreement, which is included in most full packages. Mainland businesses may need a dedicated physical office depending on activity.
Real Package Examples
| Package | Starting Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| E-Commerce License | AED 5,555/year | Commercial, service & e-commerce activities (up to 5 mixed) |
| Business License Only | AED 4,888 | License, unlimited shareholders, up to 10 mixed activities, lease agreement, MOA/AOA, all incorporation certificates |
| Freelancer Package | AED 12,121/year | 1 lifetime visa, choose from 53+ freelance activities |
| 1–7 Visa All-Inclusive | AED 10,800+ | Everything above, scaled for a small team |
See the full, current pricing on our Business Packages page.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Not every setup company is transparent about these, so ask directly before signing anything:
- Medical testing and Emirates ID fees for each visa — sometimes bundled into your package, sometimes charged separately, so always ask for the full breakdown before you commit
- Office renewal costs — check if your first-year price is a promotional rate
- Activity add-on fees if you want to expand your license later
The Fastest Way to Get an Exact Number
Generic pricing tables only get you so far — your actual cost depends on your business activity, number of visas, and whether you need mainland or free zone. The fastest way to get a number you can actually plan around: message us directly with your specifics, and we’ll send you a clear, itemized quote — no guesswork, no hidden line items.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
Most complete setups — license and visa — are finished within 5 to 10 working days once you’ve submitted your passport copy and paid the initial deposit. Free zone licenses are typically the fastest to issue, while mainland setups requiring a physical office lease can take a few extra days depending on how quickly the lease agreement is finalized. Visa processing — including medical testing and Emirates ID appointment scheduling — is usually the step most affected by timing, so booking your appointment promptly helps keep things on track.
Message us on WhatsApp with your business activity and visa count, and we’ll reply within 1 hour with an exact quote — free, no obligation.
Do I need to be in the UAE in person to set up my business?
No — most of our clients complete the entire process remotely. You’ll need to visit once to activate your visa and complete biometrics for your Emirates ID, but the license application and paperwork can all be handled from wherever you are.
Can I upgrade from a license-only package to a full package later?
Yes. Many clients start with a business license only and add a visa once they’ve confirmed the business is moving forward — this avoids paying for a visa before you actually need one.
What’s the difference in cost between a free zone and mainland setup?
Free zone packages are generally more budget-friendly upfront, since office and licensing costs tend to be lower — our free zone packages start from AED 4,888. Mainland setups often cost more due to the physical office lease requirement, but they let you trade anywhere in the UAE without restriction. If you’re unsure which fits your business, message us and we’ll walk you through the real cost difference for your specific case.
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