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Emirae.Pro UAE Business Services Platform
Free UAE Business Tool

UAE Business Setup Cost Calculator

Estimate the approximate cost of setting up a UAE company based on jurisdiction, business activity, shareholders, visas, office requirements and additional support services.

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Indicative estimate only. Final pricing depends on jurisdiction, business activity, government fees, office requirements, visa quota and provider package.

Quick answer

The cost of setting up a UAE company usually depends on setup route, business activity, number of visas, office requirements and extra services such as bank account support, VAT, corporate tax and accounting. Use this calculator to create an indicative planning range before requesting consultant offers.

Guided estimate

Estimate your setup cost in five steps

Answer a few practical questions about your company. Your indicative range updates live as you go.

ProgressStep 1 of 5

Step 1 of 5 · Setup route

Which setup route are you considering?

Your jurisdiction is the single biggest driver of cost. Not sure yet? Pick “Not sure” and we'll suggest a route.

Step 2 of 5 · Business activity

What will your company mainly do?

Activity affects licence type and approvals. Some activities (e.g. real estate, food) usually need extra review.

Step 3 of 5 · Team & visas

How many shareholders and visas?

Visas are one of the largest cost drivers. Choose the number you expect in your first year.

Shareholders · how many owners
Visas · first-year residency visas

Step 4 of 5 · Office

What office setup do you need?

Office type can change your cost significantly and, on the Mainland, may be required for your licence.

Step 5 of 5 · Extra services

Any extra services you'll need? (optional)

Select all that apply. These are added to your indicative range.

How the estimate works

Assumptions & what can change your quote

The calculator adds an indicative range for each choice. It's built for planning - a verified consultant confirms the exact figure for your case.

Indicative base ranges by route

  • Free ZoneAED 12,000 - 24,000
  • MainlandAED 18,000 - 42,000
  • OffshoreAED 9,000 - 18,000
  • Not sure (blended)AED 14,000 - 38,000

Activity, shareholders, visas, office and extras are added on top of the base range.

What can change the final quote

  • Current government & authority fees, which can change over time
  • The specific free zone or emirate and your exact activity code
  • Visa quota, office size and any special approvals
  • The provider package and which services are bundled

Figures shown are indicative planning ranges, not a quote or a guarantee. Always confirm the final cost with a verified consultant or official source.

Keep going

Related services & guides

Explore the services behind your estimate, or read up before you request offers.

Service

Company Formation

Free Zone, Mainland and Offshore setup handled end-to-end by verified consultants.

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UAE setup & cost guides

What drives UAE setup pricing - licence type, visas, office and government fees.

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FAQ

Setup cost questions

How the estimate works, what drives cost, and how it connects to verified consultant offers.

Ready for a real quote?

Run your estimate, then submit one request and compare structured offers from verified consultants.

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How much does it cost to set up a business in the UAE?
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.
What is the cheapest way to start a company in the UAE?
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.
Is Free Zone company setup cheaper than Mainland?
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.
How much does a Dubai business license cost?
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.
Does the calculator show the final government 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.
What affects the cost of UAE company formation?
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.
Do I need a visa to open a company in the UAE?
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.
Can I open a UAE business bank account after company setup?
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.
Do I need VAT registration after setting up a company?
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.
Do UAE companies need corporate tax registration?
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.
Can Emirae.Pro connect me with business setup consultants?
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.
Can I receive several offers from different consultants?
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.
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Turn your estimate into verified quotes

Run the calculator to understand your range, then submit one request and receive structured offers from verified UAE consultants.

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Your next stepFree
  1. 1Estimate costAnswer five quick questions for an indicative range.
  2. 2Submit requestSend your case and estimate in one structured request.
  3. 3Compare offersReview structured offers from verified consultants.