How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
In shortThe cost of setting up in Dubai depends mainly on your structure, the freezone you pick, how many visas you need, and whether you need a physical office. A lean freezone licence with one visa is relatively modest; costs rise with more visas, premium zones and real office space. Always get an all-in quote, not just the headline licence fee.
“How much does it cost?” is the first question everyone asks — and the honest answer is “it depends,” because a few choices swing the number a lot.
What drives the cost
- Structure — freezone, mainland or offshore each price differently.
- Which freezone — premium zones (with prestige addresses or financial regulation) cost more than lean, value-focused zones.
- Number of visas — each residence visa adds cost (the visa itself plus medical and Emirates ID). Your visa allocation is often tied to your package or office type.
- Office requirement — a flexi-desk is cheap; a physical office is a major step up.
- Activity and approvals — some regulated activities need extra approvals and capital.
Headline fee vs all-in
The trap is comparing headline licence fees. A low licence fee can hide the establishment card, visa costs, and a mandatory office upgrade. Always ask for the all-in first-year cost and what year-two renewal looks like.
Keeping it down
If budget is tight: pick a value freezone, start with a flexi-desk, and take only the visas you actually need now — you can usually add more later. Don’t over-buy a premium zone you don’t need, and don’t under-buy a structure that can’t do what your business requires.
General guidance, not personal legal, tax or financial advice. UAE rules and fees change and individual circumstances differ —
speak to us, or another suitably qualified professional, before acting.
See our full disclaimer.
Where this gets specific to you: the general route is one thing — the right structure, freezone and visa for you depend on your activity, where your customers are, your nationality, and your residency goals. That's exactly what a short conversation pins down.