UAE Business Setup Cost Calculator

The cost of setting up a business in the UAE typically ranges from around AED 12,000 to AED 40,000 or more, depending on the jurisdiction (Free Zone, Mainland or Offshore), your business activity, the number of residency visas, office requirements and any extra services such as bank account support or tax registration. Use the calculator above for an indicative estimate based on your own selections.

For many founders the most budget-friendly starting point is a Free Zone company with a flexi-desk and no or few visas. Offshore structures can be cheaper still, but they do not provide UAE residency visas and are mainly used for holding or international structuring. The right choice depends on your activity and whether you need residency.

Free Zone setups are often more flexible and can be cheaper to start, especially for consulting, online and trading businesses, because packages frequently bundle licence and visa options. Mainland setups can cost more once physical office and local market requirements are added, but they allow you to trade directly across the UAE. The difference varies by activity and package.

A Dubai business licence is only one part of the total setup cost. Licence fees vary by jurisdiction and activity, and the final figure also includes registration, visas, office and government charges. Because pricing changes and depends on your activity, we show an indicative range rather than a fixed licence price.

No. The calculator provides an indicative estimate only. It is designed to help you understand the typical range and main cost drivers. Final pricing depends on the selected jurisdiction, business activity, current government fees, office requirements, visa quota and the provider package you choose.

The main cost drivers are the jurisdiction, business activity and required approvals, the number of shareholders and residency visas, the office requirement (flexi-desk, shared or physical office), banking support, and optional services such as VAT registration, corporate tax registration and accounting. Higher-risk or regulated activities can require additional approvals that raise the cost.

You do not always need a visa to own a UAE company, but most founders take at least one residency visa to live, open a bank account more easily and manage the business. Free Zone and Mainland structures support residency visas; Offshore companies generally do not.

Yes. A corporate bank account is usually opened after the company is incorporated. Approval depends on your activity, ownership structure and documentation. Bank account support is one of the extra services you can include in the estimate, and verified consultants can guide you through the process.

VAT registration may be mandatory once your taxable supplies exceed the UAE registration threshold, and voluntary registration is possible below it. Whether you need to register depends on your turnover and activity. Confirm current thresholds with the Federal Tax Authority or a qualified consultant.

UAE corporate tax applies to business profits, and companies are generally required to register even if their taxable income is below the taxable threshold. Rates and thresholds are set by the authorities and depend on your status. A consultant can confirm your specific corporate tax obligations.

Yes. After you calculate your estimate you can request verified quotes, and with your consent Emirae.Pro shares your request with verified UAE business setup consultants who can contact you with relevant offers and a detailed breakdown.

Yes. The platform is designed to connect you with multiple verified providers so you can compare packages, inclusions and pricing before deciding. You stay in control of who you choose to work with.