Business Setup Cost in UAE: Your Complete Guide with Cost Calculator Dubai

Business Setup Cost in UAE: Your Complete Guide with Cost Calculator Dubai

The UAE is one of the world’s fastest-growing business hubs, attracting entrepreneurs, startups, and global investors with its tax-friendly policies, modern infrastructure, and strategic location. If you’re planning to start a business here, one of the first things you’ll need to understand is the business setup cost in UAE.

Costs vary depending on factors like business activity, license type, location (mainland or free zone), and visa requirements. To make things easier, many consultancies, including ours, provide a cost calculator Dubai that helps you estimate your exact business setup expenses before you begin.

Factors That Determine Business Setup Cost in UAE

1. Type of License

   • Commercial License (trading activities)

   • Professional License (service-oriented businesses)

   • Industrial License (manufacturing & industrial activities)

   License fees generally range between AED 10,000 – AED 25,000 annually.

2. Location: Mainland vs Free Zone

   • Mainland Setup: Allows trading across UAE but requires compliance with Department of Economic Development (DED) rules. Costs are typically higher.

   • Free Zone Setup: Offers 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and flexible office space options. Costs vary depending on the chosen free zone.

3. Office Space Requirements

   • Flexi-desk or virtual office: Starting from AED 10,000/year

   • Dedicated office space: AED 20,000 – AED 100,000+/year depending on size and location.

4. Visa Costs

   • Investor visa: AED 3,000 – AED 7,000

   • Employee visas: Costs depend on the number of employees and job categories.

5. Additional Expenses

   • Trade name registration: AED 500 – AED 1,000

   • Initial approval fees: AED 1,000 – AED 3,000

   • Immigration card & establishment card: AED 1,500 – AED 2,500

   • Health insurance and Emirates ID processing: AED 1,000 – AED 2,500 per person

Average Business Setup Cost in UAE

• Free Zone Company Setup: AED 12,000 – AED 50,000 (depending on package and visa quota)

• Mainland Company Setup: AED 25,000 – AED 80,000 (including office rental and approvals)

Using a cost calculator Dubai can give you a personalized estimate based on your exact requirements, so you avoid hidden costs and plan your budget effectively.

Why Use a Cost Calculator Dubai?

Starting a business in the UAE can feel overwhelming due to multiple approvals, licensing fees, and varying free zone packages. A cost calculator Dubai helps by:

• Providing a transparent breakdown of all expenses.

• Comparing setup costs across different free zones and mainland options.

• Customizing estimates based on your business activity and visa needs.

• Allowing you to plan cash flow and avoid surprise expenses.

How to Reduce Business Setup Costs in UAE

• Choose the right free zone package – Many offer startup-friendly options with flexi-desk facilities.

• Bundle services with consultants – Licensing, visas, and bank account assistance can be cheaper when taken as a package.

• Plan visas carefully – Apply only for the number of visas you immediately need.

• Negotiate office rentals – Flexible leasing terms can reduce overhead.

Final Thoughts

The business setup cost in UAE depends on your business activity, location, and scale of operations. While the costs may seem complex, using a cost calculator Dubai simplifies the process by giving you accurate estimates upfront.

At Stratrich Consulting, we provide a transparent business cost calculator and tailored consultation to help entrepreneurs set up their companies smoothly and affordably in Dubai and across the UAE.