Complete 2026 guide to Dubai company setup costs: Free Zone from AED 6,000, Mainland, Offshore pricing, hidden fees, visa costs, tax advantages. Interactive cost calculator and quiz.
Free Zone company: AED 6,000 to 20,000/year (USD 1,600 to 5,500)
Mainland company: AED 12,000 to 25,000/year (USD 3,300 to 6,800)
Offshore company: AED 8,000 to 15,000/year (USD 2,200 to 4,100)
Residence visa: AED 3,000 to 6,000 (USD 820 to 1,640) for 3 years
Average timeline: 5 to 15 business days with a complete application
Considering setting up a company in Dubai and wondering how much to budget?
It's the question thousands of entrepreneurs ask every year. Between trade licences, residence visas and administrative fees, it can be difficult to get a clear picture.
This guide breaks down every Dubai company setup cost in 2026, whether you're choosing a Free Zone, Mainland or Offshore structure. You'll also discover the hidden costs to plan for and how to optimise your investment. For personalised support, explore our business setup services.
Which Business Structure Is Right for You?
Answer 5 quick questions to get a personalised recommendation on the best company structure for your project.
🎯 Find Your Ideal Structure
Less than 2 minutes. No email required.
Detailed Pricing by Company Type
Dubai company setup costs vary significantly depending on the structure type, chosen free zone and number of visas required. Here is a complete breakdown of updated 2026 pricing.
Free Zone Company Setup Costs
The average cost of setting up a Free Zone company ranges between AED 6,000 and 20,000 depending on the zone and options. See our guide on Dubai Free Zones.
Popular free zones (DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, DWC) offer competitive packages including licence, virtual office and visa quota.
Configuration
Cost (AED)
Cost (USD)
Licence without visa (0 quota)
6,000 - 16,000 AED/yr
1,600 - 4,400 USD/yr
Licence with 1 residence visa
8,000 - 20,000 AED/yr
2,200 - 5,500 USD/yr
Licence with 3 residence visas
15,000 - 26,000 AED/yr
4,100 - 7,100 USD/yr
Virtual office (optional)
5,000 - 8,000 AED/yr
1,400 - 2,200 USD/yr
Physical office (optional)
15,000 - 50,000 AED/yr
4,100 - 13,600 USD/yr
Mainland Company Setup Costs
Mainland setup involves higher costs than Free Zone, offset by full commercial freedom across the UAE. Budget: AED 12,000 to 25,000 in year one.
Mainland companies require a physical office and are subject to 9% Corporate Tax above AED 375,000 in annual profits.
Item
Cost (AED)
Cost (USD)
DED Trade Licence
10,000 - 20,000 AED/yr
2,700 - 5,500 USD/yr
Initial Registration
3,000 - 5,000 AED
820 - 1,360 USD
Office Lease (mandatory)
15,000 - 60,000 AED/yr
4,100 - 16,300 USD/yr
DED Approval
1,500 - 3,000 AED
410 - 820 USD
Offshore Company Setup Costs
The most affordable option without physical UAE presence. Average budget: AED 8,000 to 15,000 per year.
Item
Cost (AED)
Cost (USD)
Offshore Licence
8,000 - 12,000 AED/yr
2,200 - 3,300 USD/yr
Registration
2,000 - 4,000 AED
550 - 1,100 USD
Registered Agent (mandatory)
3,000 - 5,000 AED/yr
820 - 1,360 USD/yr
Average Annual Cost at a Glance
Free ZoneAED 8,000 - 20,000
From AED 8K
MainlandAED 15,000 - 40,000
From AED 15K
OffshoreAED 8,000 - 15,000
From AED 8K
Mandatory Additional Costs to Plan For
Beyond the trade licence, several additional fees must be factored into your budget. These costs apply especially if you intend to obtain a residence visa. For full details on the visa process, consult our dedicated guide.
*The E-channel deposit is refundable upon company closure.
⚠️ Hidden costs to watch: Some providers advertise "all-inclusive" packages that exclude government fees, visa processing and health insurance. Always request a complete itemised breakdown. Amary provides fully transparent quotes with every fee listed upfront.
Full Comparison: Free Zone vs Mainland vs Offshore
To help you make the right choice, here is a comprehensive comparison of the three main structures with their features and indicative pricing.
Criteria
Free Zone
Mainland
Offshore
Average Annual Cost
AED 8,000 - 20,000
AED 15,000 - 40,000
AED 8,000 - 15,000
Foreign Ownership
100%
100% (with exceptions)
100%
Local UAE Trade
B2B only
Yes (B2B and B2C)
No
International Trade
Yes
Yes
Yes
Residence Visa
Yes
Yes
No
Physical Office
Optional
Mandatory
Not required
Corporate Tax (9%)
Exemption possible*
Yes (above AED 375K)
Not applicable
Setup Timeline
5-10 days
2-4 weeks
3-7 days
Best For
Exports, B2B services, tech
Local trade, retail
Holdings, asset management
*Subject to economic substance conditions. Consult an expert to assess eligibility.
⚠️ Recommendation: If your business involves selling directly to the local UAE market, bidding on government contracts, or operating in regulated sectors (construction, local transport), Mainland is preferable. Free Zones excel for international trade, digital services, consulting and e-commerce. For a detailed analysis, read our full FZE vs LLC comparison.
📊 Not Sure Which Structure to Choose?
Our francophone advisors guide you through selecting the best option for your business. Get a free personalised cost estimate.
Use this tool to get a quick estimate of your Dubai company setup costs based on your specific requirements.
💰 Estimate Your Setup Costs
Select your preferences below for an instant cost breakdown.
📈 Estimated Year 1 Costs
Trade LicenceAED 10,000
Office / Registered AddressAED 6,000
Visa ProcessingAED 5,500
Health InsuranceAED 2,000
Establishment Card & AdminAED 3,500
ESTIMATED TOTAL (Year 1)AED 27,000
* Estimates based on average 2026 market rates. Contact Amary for a precise, obligation-free quote.
Tax Advantages in Dubai: 2026 Overview
The UAE remains a fiscally attractive destination despite the introduction of Corporate Tax in 2023. Here are the key points for optimising your tax position. For a deeper dive, explore our guides on UAE VAT and VAT in Dubai.
Corporate Tax
Since June 2023, UAE companies are subject to a 9% tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (approximately USD 102,000). Below this threshold, the rate is 0%. Free Zone companies that qualify for QFZP status can benefit from 0% on qualifying income.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
UAE VAT is set at 5%. Registration is mandatory for businesses exceeding AED 375,000 in annual turnover, and optional between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000. For practical details, see our article on VAT declaration in Dubai.
Personal Income Tax
There is no personal income tax in the UAE. Salaries, dividends and personal capital gains are not taxed locally.
International Tax Treaties
The UAE has signed double taxation avoidance agreements with over 90 countries, including France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada. These treaties help prevent double taxation on international income.
🆕 2026 SME Relief: Companies with annual revenue below AED 3 million may elect to be treated as having no taxable income until 31 December 2026. A de facto tax exemption for small businesses during their growth phase.
Required Documents for Company Setup
The documentation requirements vary by company type. Here is the list of documents generally needed for a successful formation.
Required for All Company Types
Valid passport for all shareholders and directors (minimum 6 months validity)
Recent passport-size photograph on white background
Proof of address dated within the last 3 months
Business plan (required by certain free zones)
Proposed trade name (3 options recommended)
📌 Tip: Foreign documents generally require apostille or legalisation and certified English translation. Prepare these in advance to avoid delays.
Additional Documents (Case-Dependent)
Director CVs (required by certain free zones)
Personal bank statements from the last 6 months
Bank reference letter (for corporate account opening)
NOC (No Objection Certificate) if you already hold a UAE visa
Office lease agreement (for Mainland companies)
Certificate of Incorporation (for corporate shareholders)
Audited financial statements (premium zones like DIFC)
Setup Timelines: How Long to Plan For
Setting up a company in Dubai can be surprisingly fast, provided you have a complete application and choose the right structure.
Company Type
Standard Timeline
Express Timeline
Free Zone Company
5 to 10 business days
3 to 5 business days
Mainland Company
2 to 4 weeks
1 to 2 weeks
Offshore Company
3 to 7 business days
2 to 3 business days
Residence Visa
2 to 3 weeks
1 week
Bank Account
2 to 4 weeks
1 to 2 weeks
These timelines are indicative and depend on the completeness of your application. Professional support typically accelerates the process significantly. For more detail on the process, read our guide on working in Dubai.
Typical Setup Process
Initial Consultation & Structure Selection
Assess your project, choose between Free Zone, Mainland or Offshore, and select the optimal zone.
Document Collection & Application
Compile required documents, reserve your trade name and submit to the relevant authority.
Licence Issuance
Receive your trade licence and Establishment Card. Your company is officially registered.
Visa Processing
Apply for investor or employee residence visas. Complete medical test and biometrics for Emirates ID.
Bank Account Opening
Open your corporate and personal bank accounts with your company documents.
Accounting & Compliance Setup
Set up bookkeeping, VAT registration (if applicable) and ongoing compliance framework.
Why Choose Amary for Your Dubai Company Setup
Setting up a company in Dubai may look straightforward on paper, but administrative and regulatory nuances can quickly complicate your project. Here's why hundreds of entrepreneurs trust Amary.
Complete Francophone Expertise
Amary is an accounting and business setup firm specialising in supporting francophone entrepreneurs in the UAE. Our teams speak French, understand your challenges and simplify every administrative step.
End-to-End Support
Project Analysis
We assess your project and recommend the optimal structure for your goals.
Application & Filing
We prepare your complete application and file with the relevant authorities.
Licence & Visa Issuance
We obtain your trade licence and handle all residence visa processing.
Banking Setup
We facilitate corporate and personal bank account openings.
Accounting & Tax Compliance
We set up bookkeeping and handle all ongoing tax filings from day one.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees, no unpleasant surprises. We provide a detailed, comprehensive quote before we begin, with full visibility on government costs and our service fees.
🚀 Ready to Launch Your Business in Dubai?
Get a free personalised financial simulation for your company setup project. Our experts analyse your situation and propose the most suitable solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Company Setup Costs
The minimum budget for a Free Zone company without a visa starts at around AED 6,000 (USD 1,600). With a residence visa, plan for at least AED 12,000 to 15,000 (USD 3,300 to 4,100) in year one.
In most free zones, no minimum share capital is required. A declared capital of approximately AED 10,000 (USD 2,700) is recommended for credibility with banks and partners.
Yes, the trade licence and Establishment Card must be renewed annually. The residence visa is valid for 3 years. Renewal fees are generally equivalent to initial costs, minus one-time items.
Yes, you can establish and manage remotely. However, for personal tax advantages, a residence visa and minimum physical presence are recommended. Offshore is designed for non-residents but doesn't grant a visa.
Mainland typically costs 30% to 50% more, mainly due to mandatory physical office lease and DED registration fees.
Professional accounting services start from AED 700 to 2,000/month. Amary packages begin at AED 699/month including bookkeeping, VAT and Corporate Tax support.
Most banks require an in-person visit. Some digital banks now offer remote opening for Free Zone companies. Timeline: 1 to 4 weeks.
💬 Have More Questions?
Our Dubai-based team of experts is ready to answer all your questions. Book a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Setting up a company in Dubai in 2026 remains one of the most accessible entrepreneurial ventures in the world, with entry costs starting from under AED 10,000 for a basic Free Zone structure. The key to a successful and cost-effective setup lies in choosing the right structure for your business model and planning comprehensively for all associated costs.
Whether you opt for a Free Zone for its flexibility and tax efficiency, a Mainland company for full market access, or an Offshore structure for international holding purposes, Dubai offers a business-friendly environment with clear regulatory frameworks and competitive operating costs.
The right choice depends on your sector, budget, visa needs and growth objectives. To better understand the cost of living in Dubai, check out our dedicated guide.
For professional guidance tailored to your specific project, contact our team. Our francophone expertise and deep knowledge of the UAE market ensure a smooth, transparent process from start to finish. Also discover why hiring an accounting firm in Dubai makes a difference.
.avif)