Company Formation Costs in the UAE (2026 Breakdown)
Line-by-line: licence, immigration card, visas, office, and hidden fees.
Licence fees
Free Zone: AED 5,750–15,000. Mainland (DED): AED 15,000–30,000 depending on activity and emirate.
Visa costs
Approximately AED 3,500–5,500 per employment visa including medical, Emirates ID and stamping.
Office & establishment
Flexi-desk: AED 1,500–7,500/yr. Physical office: from AED 25,000/yr depending on emirate.
The hidden costs
Bank account minimum balances (AED 25,000–500,000), attestation fees, and PRO service retainers add up. Budget 15–20% headroom.
Continue exploring
Related services
- Company FormationMainland, Free Zone, Offshore, branch and representative office setup across the UAE and GCC.
- Corporate AdvisoryStructuring, M&A, shareholder restructuring and expansion advisory for boards and founders.
- Banking and PRO ServicesCorporate bank accounts, payments, visas, Emirates ID and government liaison.
Country guides
Related articles

Business Setup in Dubai Cost 2026: Complete Price Guide
What business setup in Dubai really costs in 2026: the cost drivers, mainland vs free zone comparison, licence, visa and office components, example scenarios and FAQs.

UAE Free Zone Company Setup Cost (2026): License, Visa & Complete Cost Guide
Understand the UAE Free Zone company setup cost in 2026, including license fees, visas, workspace, immigration, renewal costs and other expenses investors should consider.

Dubai Business License Cost (2026): Complete Breakdown of Setup, Visa & Renewal Fees
Discover the Dubai business license cost in 2026, including Mainland and Free Zone setup expenses, visas, office requirements, government approvals, renewal fees and other costs investors should consider.
Stay ahead with UAE business insights
Monthly briefings from our advisory team: regulatory updates, tax alerts, growth strategies and market opportunities across the UAE and GCC.
- • Business updates and regulatory news
- • Corporate Tax and VAT insights
- • Growth strategies and market opportunities
