UAE Business Setup
Cost Calculator
Mainland or free zone, Dubai to Fujairah — get an itemized 2026 cost estimate with visas, office and licence fees in seconds.
Tell us about your setup
These figures are indicative 2026 estimates for budgeting purposes only, based on typical published government and free-zone fee ranges. Actual costs vary by specific activity, promotions, and the exact authority/typing centre used. Always confirm final fees with the relevant DED, free zone authority, or a licensed business setup consultant before making a decision.
Cheapest emirates at a glance
Typical first-year free zone setup — professional licence, 1 visa, flexi-desk
Mainland vs Free Zone
Which one fits your business?
Free Zone
- 100% foreign ownership, always — with bundled licence + office packages
- Flexi-desk or virtual office satisfies the office requirement
- Fixed visa quota per package, independent of office size
- Trade internationally freely; mainland UAE trade usually needs a distributor
- Best for consultants, e-commerce, tech, international trading & startups
Mainland
- Trade anywhere in the UAE, plus internationally
- Eligible to bid on government contracts
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities since 2021
- Visa quota scales with office size (roughly 1 visa per ~100 sq ft)
- Best for retail, restaurants, government-facing & UAE-wide trading businesses
What actually drives your setup cost?
Six factors decide most of your first-year total
Emirate & Jurisdiction
Dubai and Abu Dhabi generally carry higher licence and office costs than emirates like Ajman, Sharjah, or Umm Al Quwain. Free zones bundle several fees into one package; mainland setups charge each government fee separately.
Business Activity
Regulated activities — healthcare, education, financial consultancy, food & beverage — carry extra sector-specific approval fees on top of the base licence, since a separate regulator has to sign off before you can operate.
Legal Structure
A single-owner Free Zone Establishment is the simplest and cheapest structure. LLCs, civil companies, and branch offices add extra registration steps and, on the mainland, may require a Local Service Agent.
Office Type
A flexi-desk or virtual office is the lowest-cost way to satisfy the office requirement. A dedicated physical office costs more but is sometimes required for certain activities or a larger visa quota.
Number of Visas
Each visa adds processing fees and mandatory health insurance. If you only need a visa for yourself initially, you can add employee visas later as the business grows.
Document Attestation
If you're bringing foreign degrees, company documents, or a marriage certificate for a dependent visa, factor in attestation costs — these are handled outside the licence process entirely.
How setup works — 5 steps
From idea to licence in as little as 5 working days
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything people ask before starting a UAE company
How much does it really cost to set up a business in the UAE?
It depends heavily on the emirate, whether you choose mainland or a free zone, your business activity, legal structure, office type, and number of visas. Use the calculator above for an itemized estimate based on your exact combination — costs typically range from around AED 15,000 for a simple free zone setup to well over AED 80,000 for a multi-visa mainland company with a physical office.
Is mainland or free zone cheaper to set up?
Free zone setups are usually cheaper to start, since many free zones bundle the license with a flexi-desk or shared office and don't require a Local Service Agent or Chamber of Commerce membership. Mainland setups often cost more upfront but allow you to trade UAE-wide and bid on government contracts.
Do these figures include visa costs?
Yes. The calculator adds visa processing and mandatory health insurance for however many visas you select, on top of the license, registration, and office costs.
Are these exact government fees?
No — these are indicative 2026 estimates based on typical published fee ranges, meant for budgeting purposes. Actual fees vary by specific activity, ongoing promotions, and the exact authority or typing centre used, so always confirm final costs with the relevant DED, free zone authority, or a licensed business setup consultant before committing.
How much does it cost to renew a UAE business license each year?
Renewal costs are generally lower than the first year, since one-time costs like the establishment card, legal structure setup fee, and document attestation don't recur, and visa renewal costs less than a brand-new visa. The calculator shows an estimated annual renewal figure alongside your first-year total.
Can I get 100% foreign ownership in the UAE?
Free zone companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. Since 2021, most mainland business activities also allow 100% foreign ownership, though a small list of "strategic" activities may still require a local partner or specific approvals — check with the DED for your specific activity.
Ready to set up your UAE company?
Compare business setup consultants who handle licensing, paperwork and free zone applications end to end.