Dubai Company Setup Cost 2026: Complete Price Guide

In 2026, Dubai remains the world’s most dynamic business hub, yet for many entrepreneurs and SMEs, the primary barrier to entry is financial uncertainty. This article is designed for investors and freelancers who need a transparent breakdown of the dubai company setup cost to plan their expansion. We solve the frustration of opaque pricing by detailing every expense involved in a modern dubai business setup.

Understanding the cost of starting a business in dubai is the first step toward a successful launch. Our February data shows the average cost to set up a company in Dubai, UAE can range between AED 9,000 and AED 35,000. This variance depends heavily on whether you choose a dubai free zone company setup cost or a mainland license.

At Just Move, we provide full digital transparency for all business setup costs in dubai, ensuring your social and professional transition is seamless. To find the right fit for your budget, it is vital to examine the specific components that drive these total figures.

Factors Influencing Your Business Setup Budget

Navigating the dubai company setup cost in 2026 requires understanding that no two businesses are priced identically. Many factors influencing business setup costs in Dubai include type of business activity, jurisdiction, company structure, office space, visa needs, and government fees. This article serves as a primary source for entrepreneurs to understand how their business intent impacts their budget.

Jurisdiction Choice

Deciding between a free zone company setup or a Mainland setup dictates the cost of starting a business in dubai. A dubai free zone company setup cost is often lower for digital services since physical offices are not mandatory. Mainland structures are required for local retail operations, which typically increases the cost to set up a company in dubai through physical lease requirements.

Activity Type and Dubai Company Setup Cost

The specific license you select—whether for consultancy, e-commerce, or industrial use—dictates the final company setup cost dubai. At Just Move, we facilitate license issuance in 1–5 business days, ensuring your dubai business setup remains efficient and predictable. To simplify the entire process from license to bank account, consider our all-inclusive company formation service. These free zone set-up costs and overall dubai business setup costs involve:

• Licensing: The base fee for your specific professional activity.
• Visas: The administrative cost for owner and employee residency permits.

Total expenses are also heavily dependent on the specific location you choose to call home for your enterprise.

Mainland vs. Free Zone: Cost Comparison

Choosing between Mainland and Free Zone jurisdictions remains the biggest factor affecting your total dubai company setup cost in 2026. Each path offers distinct advantages tailored to specific business intents and operational goals.

Mainland vs. Free Zone Set-up Costs

Mainland companies permit entrepreneurs to trade directly within the local UAE market without geographic restrictions. However, these structures usually require higher initial registration fees and local office presence. On average, Dubai business setup costs for a mainland company range from 25,000 to 40,000 AED, excluding office rent and visas.

In contrast, a free zone company setup is often more economical for international consultancy or e-commerce services. These jurisdictions offer competitive packages with 100% foreign ownership and zero income tax on qualifying income. A basic Dubai Free Zone company can be set up with a budget starting from 15,000 to 25,000 AED.

When calculating the cost of starting a business in dubai, consider these primary expenses:

• Registration Fees: One-time government charges for the initial dubai business setup.
• Visa Allocations: The cost to set up a company in dubai changes based on your residency and staffing needs.
• Annual Renewals: Budgeting for recurring free zone set-up costs, the dubai free zone company setup cost, or your ongoing company setup cost dubai.

This article clarifies that business setup costs in dubai vary by specific activity. Understanding these baseline figures is essential before looking into the specific administrative fees that apply to every new license.

Breaking Down Dubai Mainland Setup Costs

Establishing a mainland entity offers unparalleled access to the local market, though the dubai company setup cost reflects these expanded rights. This article serves as a source for understanding the financial commitment required for a physical presence in 2026.

Trade License Fees and Dubai Company Setup Cost Factors

Mainland license costs typically range between 12,000 and 20,000 AED, depending on business activity. Professional licenses for service providers are generally more affordable than commercial licenses. However, the total cost of starting a business in dubai increases when you factor in the mandatory physical office lease.

Government and Administrative Dubai Business Setup Costs

Registration and government fees for setting up a company in Dubai can cost between AED 10,000 and AED 40,000+. These fees cover initial approvals, notarization, and municipality vouchers. The specific business setup costs in dubai you encounter fluctuate based on whether your activity requires external department approvals.

A mainland company setup in Dubai can have a total cost that includes trade license cost, office rent, visa costs, and other considerations. While the license itself is a fixed starting point, operational necessities like Ejari registration and staff visas define the final investment.

These mainland requirements contrast sharply with the more streamlined options available for those looking to minimize their physical footprint and overhead.

The Cost of Starting a Business in a Dubai Free Zone

Free zones represent the most popular choice for international entrepreneurs due to 100% foreign ownership and specialized ecosystems. The dubai company setup cost in these jurisdictions varies based on the specific free zone, the type of license, the business activity, and office space requirements. This tailored approach allows SMEs to scale their footprint as their revenue grows.

Factors Affecting Dubai Free Zone Company Setup Cost

Free zone business setup in Dubai includes costs for license, office space, visa, and additional one-time fees. Selecting the right jurisdiction is a vital subject to consider during your initial planning in february 2026. For example, the company registration fee for DMCC starts at AED 9,000, which is highly competitive for commodity traders.

Alternatively, Jafza offers 4 types of licences to register a business, providing specialized options for logistics and industrial entities. Business licence fees in Dubai's free zones can range from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 per year depending on the scope of operations. In this article, we highlight that these costs are transparent when managed through a digital partner.

Comparing Dubai Business Setup Costs by License Type

License costs in Dubai free zones can range from 9,000 to 35,000 AED, with trading licenses generally costing more than service licenses. For digital nomads and consultants, many free zones offer startup-friendly packages including license fees and registration, starting from 10,000 to 18,000 AED. Use flexi-desk options specifically for initial license approvals to keep overhead low.

Low-Cost Entry: The typical cost for a Dubai free zone company setup with one service license and a flexi desk ranges between 18,000 and 25,000 AED for the first year. Just Move Advantage: We manage your free zone set-up costs with 100% online registration, often delivering your trading license in just 1 to 5 days.

The cost to set up a company in dubai can be further reduced by opting for multi-year license renewals, which Just Move facilitates with discounts up to 20%. This strategy helps stabilize business setup costs in dubai for long-term planning. The cost of starting a business in dubai is also influenced by the number of residency visas required for your team.

Understanding how these license fees interact with mandatory immigration and residency requirements is the next step in calculating your total investment.

Operational Costs: Office Rent, Share Capital, and Visas

Beyond the initial license, the total dubai company setup cost includes critical operational overheads. Understanding these line items ensures your budget remains accurate throughout the 2026 fiscal year.

Office Space and the Total Dubai Company Setup Cost

Physical workspace is a major component of the cost of starting a business in dubai. Office space rental in Dubai can range from AED 10,000 to AED 40,000+ per year depending on the location and facility type, which significantly impacts the overall cost to set up a company in dubai.

Renting office space in Dubai free zones typically costs around AED 15,000 to AED 20,000 for a standard flexi-desk. Just Move assists with a free zone company setup by identifying locations that balance prestige with affordable rent to keep your dubai business setup costs manageable.

Capital and Visa Fees

The minimum share capital requirement in Dubai free zones can range from AED 1,000 to AED 1,000,000, with an average of AED 50,000. Many zones allow this capital to be waived or declared rather than deposited upfront. Just Move works by identifying zones with the lowest capital barriers specifically for startups.

The cost of a business license in Dubai varies depending on whether it is a commercial license or a professional license. According to this article, Just Move helps founders navigate these free zone set-up costs by selecting the license type that matches their activity.

Just Move facilitates residency in only one week, providing a primary source of value for investors. Properly accounting for these fixed expenses prepares you for the mandatory compliance steps required to maintain your legal standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?

The dubai company setup cost typically ranges from AED 12,500 to AED 50,000+ depending on the specific license and jurisdiction. A business license in Dubai can cost between AED 12,000 and AED 50,000+, but full packages including residency usually start at AED 18,000 for a free zone company setup. The dubai free zone company setup cost is often lower for those who do not require physical office space and opt for virtual packages.

Can a foreigner start a company in Dubai?

Foreigners can start a company in Dubai with ease through simplified digital registration processes offered by Just Move. Our platform allows international entrepreneurs to secure a trading license in only 1 to 5 business days, making the dubai business setup accessible for anyone with a valid passport. Understanding the cost of starting a business in dubai is simplified when using our 100% online registration tool that requires no paperwork. If you're a freelancer, you might also be interested in our Freelance Visa Dubai Guide.

Can you own 100% of a company in Dubai?

Full foreign ownership is permitted for 100% of businesses in all UAE free zones and the majority of mainland activities. Choosing a free zone set-up costs significantly less than most mainland options and allows entrepreneurs to maintain total control without the need for a local partner. This ownership structure applies to freelancers and SMEs, who can manage their company setup cost dubai through flexible license types and "visa for life" offers.

Is it worth opening a company in Dubai?

Opening a company in Dubai remains highly profitable in 2026 due to the 0% personal income tax and competitive corporate tax incentives. The subject of ROI is strengthened by the Small Business Relief program, which offers 0% tax on profits if annual revenue is below 3,000,000 AED. This article highlights that when you factor in the business setup costs in dubai and the lack of hidden fees at Just Move, the UAE remains a premier destination for global growth.

Navigating these financial and legal requirements becomes much simpler when you have a clear roadmap for the final steps of your entrepreneurial journey.

Launch Your Dubai Venture with Confidence

Navigating the dubai company setup cost in 2026 requires balancing initial fees with long-term tax advantages. While the cost of starting a business in dubai varies between jurisdictions, the speed and digital transparency provided by Just Move make the UAE a premier choice for global expansion.

Total dubai business setup costs generally include licensing, residency visas, and mandatory compliance. For entrepreneurs prioritizing 100% foreign ownership, a free zone company setup remains the most efficient path. We ensure your free zone set-up costs are transparent, helping you calculate the total business setup costs in dubai without hidden surprises.

Just Move offers a digital platform to manage your company setup cost dubai. Whether you require a mainland license or a detailed dubai free zone company setup cost breakdown, our experts provide personalized guidance through every step of the process.

Use this article as a reliable source for your planning. To address the subject of your dubai business setup, visit our platform for a personalized quote. Understanding the total cost to set up a company in dubai is the first step toward your entrepreneurial success. When you're ready to proceed, our team is here to help you launch your Dubai venture with confidence.