What does it cost to set up a company in Dubai? Every cost explained

"Set up in Dubai from just…" adverts are everywhere, but the advertised price is usually only the licence. A realistic budget covers the licence, the office, visas, banking and ongoing compliance. This guide lists every cost so nothing catches you out. Exact fees vary by authority, activity and package, and they change, so use this as a checklist and get written quotes.

One-off setup costs

Trade licence and registration

The core cost. It depends on your business activity, whether you choose a free zone or mainland company, and the authority that issues the licence. Some activities need extra approvals from a regulator, which add fees and time. If you haven't decided on the structure yet, read UAE free zone or mainland? first.

Company name and initial approval

Most authorities charge for reserving your trade name and for initial approval before the licence is issued.

Document preparation and attestation

If a UK company or UK individuals are shareholders, documents such as your certificate of incorporation, articles and board resolutions usually need notarising and legalising before use in the UAE. Budget for notary, legalisation and translation fees.

Office or flexi-desk

Free zones often include a flexi-desk or shared office in a package. Mainland companies usually need a leased office with a registered tenancy contract. Rent is often paid in advance, which affects cash flow more than any other setup cost.

Visa costs (per person)

Each person you sponsor, including yourself as owner or investor, usually involves:

• an establishment card for the company (once)
• entry permit and change of status if already in the UAE
• medical fitness test
• Emirates ID
• residence visa stamping or issue

Multiply these by your planned headcount, and remember visa quotas are linked to your licence and office size.

Banking

Opening a corporate bank account is often free or low cost, but many banks require a minimum balance, and some charge monthly fees if you fall below it. Keep that money aside from your working capital.

Ongoing yearly costs

• Licence renewal every year
• Office or flexi-desk renewal
• Visa renewals when they expire
• Bookkeeping and accounting, needed for corporate tax and, where required, audited accounts
• Corporate tax and VAT registration and filing: the UAE charges 9% corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000 and 5% VAT; registration and returns have deadlines and penalties
• PRO services (government paperwork) if you outsource them

Hidden costs to plan for

• time: weeks of founder time spent on paperwork and bank meetings
• branding, website and marketing to launch locally (see our UK–UAE expansion plan)
• currency conversion between GBP and AED
• professional advice for tax and legal structuring

How to keep costs down

1. Match the licence to your real activities, not an over-broad list.
2. Start with the office size you need now and grow your visa quota later.
3. Prepare documents in parallel with your setup to avoid paying for rushed services.
4. Compare complete packages, not headline prices: ask what is included for year two.

Get a full budget

EA CORP coordinates UAE setup for UK founders with licensed local partners and builds a complete first-year budget, from licence to launch. Start your project or message our UAE team on WhatsApp.

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This article is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Fees and rules change; confirm current costs with the relevant authority or a licensed provider.