Business Setup
Dubai Company Setup Costs 2026: Pricing Guide
Dubai company setup costs 2026: Free Zone from AED 6,000, Mainland from AED 12,000, Offshore from AED 8,000. Visa fees, hidden costs & calculator. Expert suppor
Key Takeaways
- 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.
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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
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.
| Fee | Amount (AED) | Amount (USD) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establishment Card | 2,000 - 2,500 AED | 550 - 680 USD | Annual |
| E-channel Immigration | 1,250 - 3,000 AED | 340 - 820 USD | Annual |
| E-channel Deposit* | 5,000 AED | 1,360 USD | One-time |
| Residence Visa (3 years) | 3,000 - 6,000 AED | 820 - 1,640 USD | Every 3 years |
| Visa Status Change | 800 - 2,000 AED | 220 - 550 USD | One-time |
| Medical Examination | 350 - 1,200 AED | 95 - 330 USD | One-time |
| Emirates ID | 300 - 450 AED | 82 - 123 USD | Every 3 years |
| Health Insurance (basic) | 1,500 - 4,000 AED | 410 - 1,090 USD | Annual |
*The E-channel deposit is refundable upon company closure.
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.
Interactive Cost Calculator
Use this tool to get a quick estimate of your Dubai company setup costs based on your specific requirements.
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.
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)
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.
Conclusion
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.
