Short answer: There is no single price for setting up a company in Dubai. The total depends on your licence route, activity, premises and number of visas, so ask for an itemised quote that lists government fees and service fees line by line, and budget for renewals as well as the first year.
Key takeaways
- Licence fees are only the starting point.
- Visas, medicals, Emirates ID, office space and approvals add to the first-year cost.
- Published starting prices are not totals.
- Renewals of the licence, visas and office recur every year.
What makes up the cost of company setup?
Typical cost lines are the licence and registration fee, any activity approvals, the office or flexi-desk, residence visas with medical and Emirates ID, a corporate bank account and tax registration. Which lines apply depends on your structure.
What starting prices do consultants publish?
Maven& publishes starting prices of AED 1,599 for a mainland e-trade licence, AED 5,999 for RAKEZ and AED 12,500 for Meydan, and states that the final cost depends on the activity, visas and office. Treat these as entry points and confirm current pricing with the consultant. See the Maven& cost calculator for an estimate.
How do you read an itemised quote?
| Line | Ask |
|---|---|
| Government fees | Which authority charges them and are they refundable? |
| Service fees | What exactly is included? |
| Visas | How many are included and what is the cost of each extra visa? |
| Office | Is it a physical office, flexi-desk or virtual? |
| Renewal | What will the licence and visas cost next year? |
What ongoing costs should you plan for?
Plan for annual licence renewal, visa renewals, office rent, accounting and, where applicable, VAT and corporate tax compliance.
Compare quotes from setup consultants
Browse business setup and company formation firms on our directory, including Maven& Business Solutions, and compare at least two itemised quotes before you pay.
Related guides: Free zone vs mainland vs offshore company in the UAE · How to start a company in Dubai: step by step · How to choose a business setup consultant in the UAE
Frequently asked questions
Is a cheap licence really cheaper?
Not always. A low licence price can exclude visas, office or approvals, so compare the total first-year and renewal cost.
Do I pay everything upfront?
It depends on the consultant and authority. Ask for the payment schedule in writing.
Are government fees the same for everyone?
They are set by each authority and vary by zone and activity. Ask for the authority fee schedule.
Can I get a quote before sharing documents?
Many consultants give an indicative quote after a short consultation. Confirm it becomes an itemised quote before you pay.
Sources
- Maven& Business Solutions: business setup in Dubai
- UAE Federal Tax Authority
- UAE Ministry of Finance
- UAE Government portal
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and approvals differ by authority and activity and can change, so confirm them with the licensing authority or a qualified adviser. Listings and partner links are not endorsements of any specific outcome.
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