UAE Business Setup Cost Breakdown 2026

One of the most frustrating things about researching UAE business setup is the lack of transparent pricing. Every website gives a different number, and most hide the real costs behind a "contact us for pricing" wall.

This article breaks down every single cost involved in setting up a company in the UAE. No vague ranges. No hidden fees. Just honest numbers based on 2026 data.

The 6 Categories of UAE Business Setup Costs

Every UAE company setup involves costs in these categories:

1. Trade license fee
2. Registration and government fees
3. Office/workspace
4. Visa processing
5. Corporate bank account
6. Ongoing/annual costs

Let's break each one down.

1. Trade License Fee

This is the main government fee for your business license. It varies significantly by jurisdiction:

Key insight: The license fee is often the smallest part of your total setup cost. Don't choose a free zone based on license fee alone.

2. Registration & Government Fees

These are one-time fees charged during initial setup:

• Registration fee: AED 1,500 – 8,100 (one-time, varies by free zone)
• Establishment card: AED 1,200 – 2,500 (required in most free zones)
• Name reservation: AED 500 – 1,500
• MOA/AOA drafting: AED 1,000 – 3,000 (if not included in package)
• Initial approval: AED 500 – 2,000 (mainland only)

Typical total: AED 3,000 – 12,000 in one-time registration fees.

3. Office / Workspace

Every UAE company needs a registered address. Your options and costs:

• Virtual office (free zone only): AED 3,000 – 8,000/year — minimal physical presence, just a registered address
• Flexi-desk: AED 5,000 – 15,000/year — shared workspace access with a business address
• Hot desk / co-working: AED 12,000 – 25,000/year — dedicated desk in a shared space
• Dedicated office: AED 25,000 – 80,000+/year — private office, required for more visas
• Ejari/physical office (mainland): AED 15,000 – 50,000+/year — mandatory for mainland companies

Key insight: Your office choice directly affects how many visas you can sponsor. A flexi-desk typically supports 1–3 visas; a dedicated office supports more.

4. Visa Processing

Visa costs are per person and include several sub-fees:

• Entry permit: AED 1,000 – 1,500
• Status change (if in-country): AED 500 – 800
• Medical fitness test: AED 300 – 500
• Emirates ID: AED 370 (2-year) or AED 570 (3-year)
• Visa stamping: AED 500 – 1,500
• Health insurance: AED 600 – 2,000/year (mandatory in Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
• Deposit (some free zones): AED 1,000 – 3,000 (refundable)

Total per visa: AED 3,200 – 8,000 depending on location, free zone, and whether you're applying from inside or outside the UAE.

Key insight: Many "package" prices don't include visa processing. Always ask "Is the visa cost included or separate?"

5. Corporate Bank Account

Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE is free at most banks, but there are practical costs:

• Account opening: AED 0 – 3,000 (most banks are free; some charge a facilitation fee)
• Minimum balance requirement: AED 5,000 – 50,000 (varies by bank)
• Monthly maintenance: AED 50 – 200/month
• Bank guarantee (some free zones): AED 3,000 – 10,000 (refundable)

Key insight: The bank account is often the most challenging part of the setup process. Some free zones have partnerships with specific banks that make opening easier. Factor in 2–4 weeks for account opening.

6. Ongoing Annual Costs

Don't forget renewal and operational costs:

• License renewal: Same as initial license fee (annually)
• Office renewal: Annual rent (may increase)
• Visa renewal: AED 2,000 – 4,000 per person (every 2–3 years)
• Health insurance: AED 600 – 2,000/year per person
• Accounting/bookkeeping: AED 3,000 – 15,000/year
• Corporate tax filing: AED 2,000 – 5,000/year (if applicable)
• PRO services (mainland): AED 5,000 – 10,000/year
• Audit (if required): AED 3,000 – 10,000/year

Total Cost Summary

How to Save Money on UAE Business Setup

• Compare multiple free zones. Don't just look at the first one your consultant suggests. Different zones have very different pricing for the same activity.
• Ask about all-inclusive packages. Many free zones offer packages that bundle license + visa + office at a discount.
• Negotiate. Yes, you can negotiate free zone fees — especially during promotional periods.
• Start with fewer visas. You can always add more later. Start with what you need now.
• Use a cost calculator. Avoid surprises by getting a detailed estimate before you commit.