If you are planning to start a company in the UAE, the first question you will ask is simple. What is the actual business setup cost in Dubai and how much should you realistically budget for licenses, registration, visas, and all the small things that people often forget? You can use business setup cost calculator to get all the cost of business setup in Dubai.
The truth is that the business setup cost in Dubai depends on several factors. The type of business activity. The structure you choose. The number of shareholders. The number of visas. The jurisdiction. And the type of office or workspace the authority requires.
This guide gives you every answer you need. Every small detail. Every major cost. Every hidden expense. And every rule that affects how much you will pay.
To make it even easier, AB Capital Services created a Dubai business setup cost calculator that gives you an accurate number in under one minute. You can place your details and instantly know your estimated company formation cost in Dubai.
๐ Use the Business Setup Cost Calculator
Why the Business Setup Cost in Dubai Varies
Before you use the Dubai cost calculator, you should first understand what actually affects the total cost. People often assume that business setup is a fixed package, but in reality, several elements change your pricing.
Here are the main factors:
1. Your Business Activity
Every business activity has its own requirements.
- A consultancy activity may cost less.
- A commercial trading activity may require more documents.
- A manufacturing activity requires approvals.
This is why the business setup cost in Dubai changes.
๐ Check your cost based on your activity
2. Free Zone or Mainland
This is one of the biggest factors.
Free Zone
A free zone allows full ownership, simpler setup, and generally lower business setup cost in Dubai for most entrepreneurs. Free zones also offer packages that include the license, registration, and workspace together.
Mainland
Mainland companies allow you to operate anywhere in the UAE, trade locally, and open physical offices freely. The cost may be higher depending on the authority and activity.
๐ Compare free zone vs mainland cost in seconds
3. Number of Visas
The more visas you need, the higher your cost will be. Visa cost includes
- Entry permit
- Medical test
- Emirates ID
- Status change
- Stamping
- Typing fees
- Insurance (depending on the case)
When you enter the number of visas in the Dubai company formation cost calculator, it adjusts automatically.
4. Number of Shareholders
- Single shareholder
- Two shareholders
- Multiple shareholders
More shareholders usually mean additional documentation, which may influence pricing depending on the structure.
๐ Know your cost based on shareholders
5. Office Space Requirements
Some activities allow a virtual office or flexi desk. Others require a physical office. Some even require warehouses.
This affects your business setup cost in Dubai significantly.
The Dubai cost calculator helps you see the difference immediately.
Detailed Breakdown of Business Setup Cost in Dubai
Let us now break down every cost clearly so you understand where your money goes.
1. Trade License Fee
This is the official approval to run your business. Prices vary depending on
- The activity
- The zone
- The authority
This is usually the biggest component of the business setup cost in Dubai.
2. Company Registration Fee
Administrative charges for
- Name reservation
- Initial approval
- MOA or company agreement
- Registry fees
These are mandatory and differ by jurisdiction.
3. Visa Cost
A complete visa cost includes
- Entry permit
- Medical
- Emirates ID
- Stamping
- Insurance
The Dubai company setup cost calculator already includes an estimate.
4. Office or Workspace Cost
- Flexi desk
- Shared desk
- Dedicated desk
- Physical office
- Warehouse
Each option has different pricing. Many free zones include workspace in their packages.
5. Immigration Card and Establishment Card Fees
Every company needs these to sponsor visas.
This is part of the business setup cost in Dubai.
6. Bank Account Opening Support
While bank account opening does not have a fixed government fee, some companies charge advisory fees.
AB Capital Services assists clients with free guidance for selecting the right bank.
7. Additional Approvals if Required
Some activities need special approvals such as
- Education
- Healthcare
- Food trading
- Real estate
- Engineering
- Tourism
- Media
This may increase your total cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Dubai
Here is the general range:
Free Zone Company Setup Cost
- AED 5500 to AED 15000 for basic licenses
- AED 9000 to AED 25000 for visas and add ons
Mainland Company Setup Cost
- AED 9000 to AED 20000 for license
- AED 13000 to AED 35000 for visas and office packages
Your exact number depends on your business structure, which you can check using the Dubai business setup cost calculator.
๐ Calculate your exact cost in 60 seconds
Why You Should Use the Dubai Business Setup Cost Calculator
Most people guess their business setup cost incorrectly. Some expect it to be too low. Others expect it to be extremely high.
The Dubai cost calculator removes all confusion. It gives you
- Realistic pricing
- Clear breakdown
- No hidden charges
- 100% accurate cost estimate
- Tailored results based on your details
It is fast, simple, and only takes one minute.
What the Business Setup Cost Calculator Considers
The calculator evaluates
- Your business activity
- Free zone or mainland
- Number of shareholders
- Number of visas
- Office requirement
- Additional approvals
- Any special conditions
This means your result is custom made.
๐ Get your complete cost instantly
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Setup Cost in Dubai
Here are the detailed answers to every question entrepreneurs usually ask.
1. What is the minimum cost to start a business in Dubai
The minimum cost for a free zone license can start from AED 5500 depending on the authority and activity. For mainland companies, the basic cost starts around AED 9000. Use the Dubai business setup cost calculator to see the accurate number based on your activity.
2. What is included in my business setup cost in Dubai
It normally includes
- License
- Registration
- Name reservation
- Workspace
- Immigration card
- Basic approvals
- Optional visa costs
The calculator gives a full breakdown.
3. Does visa cost extra
Yes. Visa cost depends on
- Status change
- Insurance
- Emirates ID
- Medical
- Stamping
You can add the number of visas in the Dubai cost calculator and see the final cost instantly.
4. Is free zone cheaper than mainland
In most cases, yes. Free zones offer bundled packages which make the business setup cost in Dubai lower for new entrepreneurs. Mainland is flexible for trade but slightly higher in cost.
5. How do I know if my business activity needs extra approvals
This depends on the sector. Activities in food, education, medical, media, and engineering may require additional approvals. The AB Capital team can confirm this before you start.
Why Choose AB Capital Services for Business Setup in Dubai
AB Capital Services FZE has helped more than ten thousand entrepreneurs start their companies smoothly and transparently.
You get
- 100% business ownership
- Fast processing
- Expert advisory
- Honest and clear cost breakdown
- Help choosing the right jurisdiction
- Bank account opening guidance
- Full completion of paperwork
Their cost calculator is one of the most accurate tools available in Dubai.
๐ Use the official AB Capital Business Setup Cost Calculator
