Business Setup Cost in Dubai & UAE – A Complete Breakdown
byShethana Feb 24, 2025 5 MIN READ
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Business setup cost in Dubai
Dubai has become one of the key international business destinations, with people from across the globe coming as entrepreneurs and investors.
Its geography, investor-supportive policies, and international-class infrastructure make Dubai one of the preferred destinations to set up businesses.
However, the business setup cost in Dubai plays a crucial role. It is essential to understand the expenses involved in setting up or expanding a business.
There are various factors that determine the business setup expenses, such as jurisdiction, license category, office area, and visa fees.
This guide walks you through a comprehensive analysis of the different expenses to enable entrepreneurs to plan their budget correctly and make the right choices regarding setting up their business in Dubai.
Understanding Business Setup Costs in Dubai
1.1 Why Dubai is an Attractive Business Destination
Dubai provides a strong economy, tax benefits, and an easy business setup procedure, which makes it extremely appealing to investors. The city has a large number of free zones, which enable foreign investors to maintain 100% ownership of the business. Moreover, Dubai’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, connectivity, and business-friendly laws create a perfect platform for startups as well as established businesses.
1.2 Major Cost Components of Business Setup
Establishing a business in Dubai has several cost elements, such as:
Establishing a business in Dubai has several cost elements, such as:
Business license charges (Professional, Commercial, Industrial)
Rental or purchase of office space
Visa and immigration fees
Government and regulatory charges
Other operational expenses like banking, insurance, and marketing. Knowing these elements is important to approximating the overall expenditure needed for business setup.
Types of Jurisdictions and Business setup Cost in Dubai
A mainland company enables businesses to conduct business within the UAE market and overseas. It gives business flexibility and exposure to government tenders. Licensing Options
Professional License: For service-related businesses like consultancy companies.
Commercial License: For general trading and business operations.
Industrial License: For industrial and manufacturing activities.
Cost Breakdown
Trade license fees: AED 10,000 – AED 50,000
Office space rent: AED 15,000 – AED 100,000 (varies by location and size)
Visa costs: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 per visa
Government and registration fees: AED 10,000 – AED 20,000
Free zones are specific zones that provide tax incentives and enable 100% foreign ownership without the requirement for a local sponsor. Benefits
100% repatriation of profits and capital
No corporate or personal income tax
No customs duty on imports and exports
Cost Breakdown
License and registration fees: AED 5,000 – AED 20,000
Office space: AED 10,000 – AED 50,000
Visa fees: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 per visa
Additional fees based on business activity
2.3 Offshore Company Formation Costs
An offshore company is a company incorporated in a jurisdiction where there are tax exemptions and no requirement for physical presence. Key Benefits
No tax on corporate profits
100% foreign ownership
No need for office space in Dubai
Cost Breakdown
Registration fees: AED 5,000 – AED 15,000
Annual renewal fees: AED 3,000 – AED 10,000
Additional legal and administrative costs
Key Factors Affecting Business Setup Cost in Dubai
Business Nature and License – Business nature and licensing have an important influence on costs. Extra approvals and payments may be demanded for high-risk activities.
Requirement of Office Space – Office rental charges are subject to location, space, and government jurisdiction. Cost-effective shared space solutions are found in free zones, while prestigious areas in the Dubai mainland could be pricey.
Number of Visas Required – The cost of visas is relative to the number of employees, nature of the business, and government jurisdiction and impacts total business setup costs.
Government and Regulatory Fees – More government fees for approvals, licenses, and municipal fees need to be factored into the cost.
Low-Budgeting Methods of Business Setup Cost in Dubai
Selecting the Ideal Free Zone – Various free zones differ in terms of cost and advantage. The right free zone selection can save on setup costs.
Setup Packages – Most free zones and service companies provide affordable setup packages, which package necessary services at discounted prices.
Shared or Virtual Office Space – Using shared office space or virtual offices can save a lot on office rental fees.
Pivoting Towards Government Incentives and Offers – Dubai regularly grants business incentives like reduced license costs, visa exemptions, and taxation relief for SMEs and startups.
Further Factors for Entrepreneurs
Setting Up a Business Bank Account – Setting up a corporate bank account also entails extra charges in the form of initial deposit amounts and upkeep fees.
Professional Consultation and Legal Advice – Engaging business consultants or legal professionals can guide the setup procedure cost-effectively and sidestep expensive errors.
Annual Renewal Charges and Long-Term Expenses – It is important to comprehend long-term expenses like license renewals, visa renewals, and operational costs in order to plan finances.
Establishing a business in Dubai offers many opportunities but demands prudent financial planning. By knowing setup expenses and adopting cost-cutting measures, business owners can set up their businesses effectively and achieve high profitability. This guide offers an in-depth overview to enable business owners to make sound decisions and thrive in Dubai’s booming economy.
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