The short answer
Dubai company setup cost in 2026: free zone from AED 6,900, mainland guidance, visa, banking, accounting, VAT and corporate tax costs explained.
The real Dubai company setup cost is not one line item. You pay for a license, the right jurisdiction, visa and Emirates ID steps if you need residency, bank account preparation, and ongoing compliance. A cheap headline license can still become expensive if visa, office, renewal, accounting, VAT or corporate tax work is excluded.
JustMove prices free zone setup from AED 6,900. The right budget depends on your activity, number of shareholders, visa count, office requirement, banking complexity and whether you choose free zone, mainland or offshore. Use this guide to compare the full operating cost, then estimate your setup cost or review current pricing.
Fast Cost Summary
- Free zone setup: from AED 6,900 with JustMove for eligible setups. Best for many consultants, online businesses, software founders, e-commerce operators and international service businesses.
- Mainland setup: usually higher than a basic free zone setup. Best when you need direct UAE mainland trading rights, certain regulated activities, retail presence or government-facing work.
- Visa and Emirates ID: separate from the license in many quotes. Add this when you need UAE residency, family sponsorship, banking support or tax residency planning.
- Banking: banks review activity, shareholders, contracts, website, invoices and KYC. Budget time and preparation, not only bank fees.
- Compliance: accounting, bookkeeping, VAT and corporate tax registration or returns may apply after the company is formed.
What Changes Your Final Quote
Two founders can ask for "Dubai company setup" and receive very different quotes. The main reason is structure. A one-shareholder consulting company in a cost-efficient free zone is not the same as a mainland trading company with multiple shareholders, visas, office space and bank KYC complexity.
Jurisdiction
Free zones are usually the most cost-efficient route for international founders who sell services online, invoice outside the UAE, run software, consulting, coaching, e-commerce or trading businesses, and do not need a physical retail shop on the mainland. Mainland can be better when the business needs unrestricted UAE market access, a DED license, certain local contracts or activity coverage that does not fit a free zone.
Business activity
Your activity controls which authorities can license you and whether external approvals are needed. Consulting, marketing, software and many online services are usually simpler. Financial services, healthcare, education, food, construction and other regulated areas can require extra approvals, documents or cost.
Visa count
A license without residency is cheaper than a full setup with investor visa, Emirates ID and medical/biometrics steps. Add family visas only after the main residence path is clear.
Office or flexi-desk
Many free zone setups can use a flexi-desk or package address. Mainland companies may need a stronger office or lease setup depending on activity. Office decisions affect both cost and bank account review.
Free Zone vs Mainland Cost
The right choice is not simply cheap vs expensive. Free zone is often faster and cleaner for online and international businesses. Mainland can cost more, but gives broader UAE trading rights and can fit activities that need a DED license.
- Free zone company formation: usually the first route to check for consultants, online services, e-commerce, software, coaching and international trading.
- Mainland company formation: useful when you need direct UAE market access, local contracts, certain activities or a stronger domestic operating base.
- Company formation service: use this when you want JustMove to compare the routes and recommend the correct structure.
Costs People Forget
- License renewal in year two. Ask what renewal will cost before you sign.
- Visa medical, Emirates ID, biometrics and entry permit steps.
- Banking preparation, business proof, contracts, invoices and website readiness.
- Accounting, bookkeeping, VAT registration, VAT returns and corporate tax requirements.
- Changes after setup, such as adding activities, shareholders, visas or office space.
How To Compare Dubai Setup Quotes
Ask every provider to show the full path, not only the license price. The quote should say what is included, what is optional, what is government fee, what is service fee, what renews each year, and what happens if the bank asks for more documents.
- Which jurisdiction and authority is included?
- Is the trade license included?
- Are visa, Emirates ID and medical steps included or separate?
- Is office space, flexi-desk or address included?
- Is bank account preparation included?
- Are accounting, VAT and corporate tax included or quoted later?
- What is the renewal price next year?
JustMove Setup Path
JustMove starts by matching your business activity, visa needs, banking requirements and budget to the right route. You get a transparent quote before you start, with no hidden fees added after the first payment.
If you want a fast estimate, start with the Dubai setup cost calculator. If you already know you want help, book a setup call and we will walk through license, visa, bank account and compliance in one plan.
FAQ
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
With JustMove, eligible free zone setup starts from AED 6,900. The full cost depends on jurisdiction, business activity, visa count, office needs, banking support and compliance. A realistic quote should show license, visa, banking and renewal assumptions separately.
Is free zone cheaper than mainland?
Often yes. Free zone is usually cheaper and faster for online, consulting, software, e-commerce and international businesses. Mainland can cost more, but may be the right choice for direct UAE market access, retail, government contracts or certain activities.
Does company setup include a bank account?
Bank approval is separate from license issuance. JustMove helps prepare the account opening file and match you with suitable banking options such as WIO, Mashreq NeoBiz or RAKBank, but the bank makes the final approval decision.
What should I do before paying for a Dubai company setup?
Confirm the activity, jurisdiction, visa count, renewal cost, bank account plan, accounting needs and what is excluded. If a quote only shows a headline license price, ask for the full operating setup before you decide.
