If you are trying to understand the business setup in Dubai cost breakdown, you are not alone. This is one of the most searched topics among entrepreneurs who want to expand into the UAE market. Dubai has low taxes, full foreign ownership, fast company registration, stable banking, and global trade access. But the cost depends on many factors like business location, license type, visa needs, and office requirements. In this guide, we break down the business setup in Dubai cost breakdown in a simple, honest, and structured way so you can plan your investment with clarity.
Why People Choose Dubai for Business
Before we get into the detailed business setup in Dubai cost breakdown, it is important to understand why more than 200,000 entrepreneurs choose Dubai every year.
- Zero personal income tax
- 9 percent corporate tax only above threshold profit
- 100 percent foreign ownership allowed
- Fast company registration process
- Strong banking and stable legal structure
- Safe country with global trade access
- Residence visa eligibility for business owners
- Opportunities in trade, e commerce, services, consulting, finance and technology
This is why many professionals search how to start a company in Dubai and move here for both lifestyle and strong financial growth.
Two Main Business Setup Options in UAE
The business setup in Dubai cost breakdown depends mainly on where you register your company.
| Option | Ownership | Office Required | Best For |
| Free Zone Company | 100% ownership | Optional flexi desk | E commerce, media, trading, services |
| Mainland LLC Dubai | 100% ownership | Office required | Retail, logistics, contracting, government projects |
Most new entrepreneurs choose free zone company setup because it is affordable, fast and flexible. Mainland is ideal for companies that want to operate directly in the UAE local market.
Business Setup in Dubai Cost Breakdown 2025
Here is the accurate cost structure you must consider.
1. Trade License Fee
The Dubai business license cost depends on the activity and jurisdiction.
| Business Type | License Cost Range |
| Free zone service license | AED 5,500 to AED 12,000 |
| Trading license with import export | AED 9,000 to AED 15,000 |
| Dubai mainland license cost | AED 14,000 to AED 22,000 |
This is the base expense in the total business setup in Dubai cost breakdown.
2. Visa and Emirates ID Cost
If you want to live in the UAE and manage your business, a UAE business visa is required.
| Visa Type | Cost Range |
| Investor visa | AED 2,800 to AED 4,000 |
| Partner visa | AED 3,000 to AED 4,200 |
| Employee visa | AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 |
Visa cost also depends on whether the person is inside or outside the UAE.
3. Office or Flexi Desk Cost
Free zones allow a low cost business setup in Dubai by offering shared desks or virtual office options.
| Option | Cost Range |
| Flexi desk shared space | AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 |
| Small office rental | AED 15,000 to AED 35,000 |
| Mainland office Ejari | Starting from AED 12,000 |
In free zones this cost is optional, but for mainland it is mandatory.
4. Bank Account Opening
Banks require business verification to prevent fraud. Cost depends on banking partners and compliance needs.
| Bank Requirement | Cost Range |
| Account opening support | AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 |
| Minimum balance | AED 25,000 to AED 150,000 |
This step is part of company registration UAE and is required to operate legally.
5. Government and Administrative Fees
| Item | Cost Range |
| MOA and company documents | AED 1,000 to AED 2,500 |
| Immigration file | AED 800 |
| Establishment card | AED 500 to AED 1,200 |
These are mandatory government fees for registering your company.
Total Business Setup in Dubai Cost Breakdown Summary
| Package | Approximate Cost |
| Free Zone Setup Without Visa | AED 6,000 to AED 12,000 |
| Free Zone Setup With 1 Visa | AED 9,000 to AED 18,000 |
| Mainland Setup With 1 Visa | AED 16,000 to AED 28,000 |
| Full Business Setup With Bank Assistance | AED 18,000 to AED 35,000 |
These are realistic 2025 prices used by business setup consultants in Dubai.
Cheapest Business Setup Options in Dubai
You can start a company legally in Dubai on a budget:
- Free zone with no visa from AED 6,000
- E commerce license Dubai from AED 8,500
- Professional service license from AED 9,000
- Freelancer permit from AED 7,500
If you are looking for a low cost business setup in Dubai, free zones are the smartest choice.
Additional Expenses You Should Plan For
| Expense Type | Cost |
| Company stamp | AED 100 |
| Website and email | AED 1,200 to AED 3,000 |
| Bookkeeping | Starting AED 300 per month |
| VAT registration if required | AED 2,000 to AED 3,000 |
These are operational needs for long term business.
How to Reduce Business Setup Cost in UAE
- To reduce business setup cost in UAE you need to choose a cost effective free zone
- Start without an office and upgrade later
- Apply for visa only when necessary
- Open account in right bank to avoid large deposits
- Use a professional setup advisor to avoid penalties
A Dubai business license cost can be optimized with right planning.
| Step | Time Required |
| Trade name approval | 1 day |
| Initial approval | 1 day |
| License issuance | 2 to 3 days |
| Visa and Emirates ID | 5 to 7 days |
| Bank account opening | 7 to 14 days |
You can start a company in Dubai in 3 to 7 working days.
Why Choose AB Capital for Business Setup in Dubai
The business setup in Dubai cost breakdown can go wrong if you choose the wrong structure or license. AB Capital is led by Bharat Bajaj, a finance expert with 20 years of experience in UAE and India. AB Capital Dubai, which is located at Bur Dubai, simplifies setup, visa, tax, company structuring and free zone license price Dubai guidance.
At AB Capital Business Setup Services, we reduce risk, save cost, and handle paperwork so you focus on business growth.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the business setup in Dubai cost breakdown is the first step to entering the UAE market. The cost starts from AED 6,000 and increases based on license type, visas and banking needs. Dubai is currently one of the best places in the world to start a business thanks to low tax, stability, and global business access.
If you want a customized cost plan, AB Capital can help you choose the best location and license based on your business.
You can also use this Business Setup Cost Calculator and get answers to all your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cheapest business setup in Dubai cost?
Free zone companies start from AED 6,000.
2. Can I start a company in Dubai without an office
Yes, in free zones you can use a flexi desk.
3. Do I need to be in Dubai to open a company
No, setup can be done remotely.
4. What is Dubai mainland license cost
Starts from AED 14,000 depending on activity.
5. Can I open a bank account as a foreigner
Yes, non-residents can open accounts with a business license.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only. Costs and regulations may change. Please confirm with a licensed UAE consultant like AB Capital Services.