Dubai business Setup cost calculator
Calculate your Dubai business setup costs in 60 seconds. Free instant calculator for mainland, freezone & offshore company formation costs in UAE 2026. Get accurate pricing now!
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Abu Dhabi Free Zones: Complete List, Benefits & How to Choose
Abu Dhabi has established itself as one of the Middle East’s most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs, multinational companies, startups, and investors. While the emirate offers excellent opportunities for mainland businesses, many entrepreneurs choose Abu Dhabi Free Zones because of its business-friendly regulations, industry-focused ecosystems, and streamlined company formation process. Whether
Do You Still Need a Local Sponsor in Abu Dhabi in 2026?
If you’re planning to start a business in the UAE’s capital, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is whether you still need a local sponsor in Abu Dhabi. For many years, foreign investors establishing mainland businesses in Abu Dhabi were required to partner with a UAE national who
Dubai Free Zone Visa: Types, Costs & Application Process
Dubai has become one of the world’s leading destinations for entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and startups. One of the biggest advantages of establishing a company in a Dubai Free Zone is the ability to obtain a Dubai Free Zone visa, allowing business owners and eligible employees to live and work legally
Frequently Asked Questions
Dubai company setup costs start at AED 5,500 for a basic free zone trade licence at RAKEZ, IFZA, or SHAMS. Adding one investor visa and Emirates ID brings the total to AED 13,000 to AED 20,000. Full first-year costs including advisory fees range from AED 20,000 to AED 35,000 for a free zone setup, and AED 45,000 to AED 80,000 for a mainland DED-licensed company with office lease. AB Capital’s cost calculator generates an itemised 2026 estimate based on your specific business activity, structure, and visa requirements.
A Dubai free zone company cost for the first year typically breaks down as: trade licence AED 5,500 to AED 12,000, establishment card AED 300 to AED 500, investor visa Entry Permit AED 500 to AED 1,000, medical fitness test AED 300 to AED 700, Emirates ID AED 100 to AED 370, visa stamping AED 200 to AED 600, and corporate bank account facilitation AED 1,500 to AED 3,000. AB Capital’s packages bundle these into all-inclusive quotes with no post-commencement additions.
A Dubai mainland DED-licensed company first-year cost typically includes: DED trade licence AED 15,000 to AED 30,000, Ejari-registered office lease AED 15,000 to AED 40,000 per year, investor visa AED 5,000 to AED 8,000, and formation advisory fees. Total first-year investment for a standard mainland setup with one investor visa and a small commercial office ranges from AED 45,000 to AED 80,000 depending on business activity, location, and office size.
A UAE investor visa for a free zone or mainland company costs AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 for the complete process. This covers the Entry Permit (AED 500 to AED 1,000), medical fitness test (AED 300 to AED 700), Emirates ID (AED 100 to AED 370), and visa stamping (AED 200 to AED 600). These are government-fixed fees — they do not vary between formation agents. AB Capital quotes all visa fees as a single line item with no post-commencement additions.
VAT registration with the UAE Federal Tax Authority is free of government charge — there is no authority fee for registering on the EmaraTax portal. Professional fees for an FTA Approved Tax Agent to prepare and submit the application typically range from AED 500 to AED 1,500. AB Capital is an FTA Approved Tax Agency (Tax Agent Number 30008239) and includes VAT registration in post-formation compliance packages. Registration is mandatory for UAE businesses with annual taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000.
Corporate tax registration with the Federal Tax Authority is free of government charge. Professional fees for an FTA Approved Tax Agent to manage the registration typically range from AED 500 to AED 1,500. Annual corporate tax return preparation and filing costs AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 per year depending on computation complexity. AB Capital completed 300+ corporate tax registrations in 2025 and provides fixed-fee corporate tax packages for newly formed UAE companies.
Yes — significantly so for the first year. A basic free zone company including licence and one investor visa costs AED 13,000 to AED 20,000. The equivalent mainland setup — DED licence, office lease, and one investor visa — costs AED 45,000 to AED 80,000. Mainland companies allow unrestricted trading with UAE customers and government entities, which may justify the higher cost for specific business models. AB Capital recommends free zone for remote and consulting businesses, and mainland for those requiring a UAE commercial presence.
Total cost for an Indian national to start a business in Dubai — covering free zone formation, one investor visa, and Emirates ID — starts from approximately AED 20,000 to AED 25,000. The licence costs AED 5,500, the investor visa process costs AED 6,000 to AED 8,000, and advisory fees cover the balance. Indian nationals require no additional documentation beyond a valid passport and bank statement for most free zone activities. AB Capital has completed 100+ formations for Indian expat founders and NRIs, including fully remote setups.
Annual ongoing costs for a UAE free zone company with one investor visa typically include: licence renewal AED 5,500 to AED 12,000, accounting and bookkeeping AED 6,000 to AED 18,000, VAT return filing (if registered) AED 2,000 to AED 6,000, corporate tax return filing AED 3,000 to AED 8,000, and investor visa renewal every 2 to 3 years at AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 per visa. Total annual running costs for a lean free zone company typically range from AED 18,000 to AED 40,000.
Most online cost estimates quote only the base licence fee, excluding government fees, visa costs, and office requirements. True first-year cost is typically 2x to 4x the headline licence price. AB Capital’s cost calculator is built on real 2026 government fee schedules from RAKEZ, IFZA, SHAMS, and Dubai DED. It generates an itemised estimate including licence, visa, Emirates ID, and advisory fees. Every estimate is confirmed in writing before any payment is committed.
