One of the most common questions we receive at Enrich Ventures is: How much does it really cost to set up a business in Dubai? The answer depends on several factors — your business type, chosen jurisdiction, office requirements, and visa needs. This guide provides a transparent breakdown of the key costs involved so you can plan your budget confidently.
1. Trade License Fees
The trade license is your primary business document. Costs vary: Mainland License (DED) typically costs AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 depending on activity, while Free Zone License ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 for basic packages. Licenses must be renewed annually, so factor in ongoing renewal costs.
2. Office Space / Registered Address
A registered business address is mandatory for most licenses. Options include Virtual Office at AED 1,500 to AED 5,000 per year (available in some free zones), Flexi-Desk at AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 per year, and Physical Office at AED 20,000 and above per year depending on location and size. Mainland businesses typically require a physical tenancy contract registered with Ejari.
3. Visa Costs
Each residence visa for yourself, partners, or employees costs approximately AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per person (entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping included). Visa costs are per person and recur every 2-3 years upon renewal.
4. Government Registration Fees
These include initial registration fees, name reservation, and initial approval charges. For mainland setups, expect AED 1,000 to AED 3,000. Free zones bundle some of these into their license packages.
5. Notarisation and Attestation
Memorandum of Association, partnership agreements, and other legal documents may need notarisation or attestation, costing AED 500 to AED 3,000 depending on the document type.
Tips to Minimise Costs
To minimise costs: choose a free zone that aligns with your industry for lower initial costs, opt for a virtual or flexi-desk if you do not need a physical office, work with a consultant who offers bundled packages, and apply for the minimum number of visas initially and scale later. At Enrich Ventures, we pride ourselves on finding the most cost-effective solution for every client.
