Business setup cost in Dubai
The cost of setting up a business in Dubai is the sum of authority fees, premises, visas and any adviser’s service fee, so there is no single price. On the mainland, the fees DET publishes are only part of it: its Al Wajeez Guide (September 2022) lists AED 100 for initial approval and AED 600 to register a commercial, professional or industrial licence, and DET notes these are not the total cost of a licence and exclude other authorities’ fees. Free zones price their own packages. For a current estimate, use DET’s Invest in Dubai platform or ask THAJ for an itemised quote.
Fees DET publishes
| Fee | AED |
|---|---|
| Initial approval | AED 100 |
| Professional licence registration | AED 600 |
| Commercial licence registration | AED 600 |
| Industrial licence registration | AED 600 |
DET states that these fees are not the total cost of a licence, that each procedure has its own fee, and that they exclude other government authorities’ fees. Fees may have changed since September 2022: the Invest in Dubai platform shows the current amounts for your activity.
What you budget for
| Cost block | Mainland | Free zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence and registration | DET fees plus other authorities’ fees for the activity | The free zone’s licence or package fee | Registry and registered agent fees |
| Premises | Ejari-registered lease for a real business address | Office option offered by the zone | Registered office, usually through the agent |
| Visas | Establishment card, then per person: entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and residence | The same, under the zone’s rules | Generally none |
| Every year | Licence and lease renewal, tax filings | Licence renewal, tax filings and audit where required | Annual registry renewal |
Golden Visa fees are separate — see Golden Visa cost.
What changes the price
- The activity: some need approvals from other authorities, each with its own fee
- The legal form and the number of shareholders
- The trade name: DET’s fee list charges more for trademark, franchise and foreign trade names
- Premises: size, location and type of office or warehouse
- The number of visas, now and in the first year
How THAJ quotes
Every quote separates THAJ’s service fee from government, free zone, Ejari, medical, insurance and third-party charges, and is given in writing before work starts. Government fees are passed on at cost. See how PRO services pricing works for ongoing paperwork after formation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
It depends on the structure, activity, premises and number of visas. DET’s published fees (September 2022) include AED 100 for initial approval and AED 600 to register a commercial, professional or industrial licence, but DET notes these are not the total cost. Ask for an itemised quote for your activity.
Is a free zone cheaper than mainland?
Not always. Free zones price their own packages, and the right comparison includes premises, visas and whether you need to sell on the mainland.
Are government fees included in THAJ’s quote?
They are listed separately and passed on at cost, so you can see exactly what goes to each authority.
What are the yearly costs after setup?
Licence and lease renewals, visa renewals as they fall due, and tax compliance. Free zone companies claiming the 0% rate need audited financial statements.
Where can I check current government fees?
DET’s Invest in Dubai platform estimates the cost for your activity, ownership, legal form and premises.
Official sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 27 October 2026. Rules and fees can change; the authority’s current page always prevails.
- Al Wajeez Guide to business registration and licensing (v4, September 2022), section 3: list of fees — Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Invest in Dubai — business set-up platform and cost estimator — Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Establishing business in the UAE (licence types, trade names, premises) — UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism
- Starting a business in a free zone — The UAE Government portal (u.ae)
- Corporate Tax — basic information for Free Zone Persons — Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
Government fees shown are those published by DET in September 2022 and are quoted with that date. The authority’s current fee always applies.
Request an itemised setup quote
Tell us the activity, structure and number of visas.