The cost of setting up a company in the UAE, for example in Dubai, is approximate and may vary depending on various factors. Get a personalised commercial offer and a detailed cost calculation by contacting us.
Company Formation and Maintenance Pricing
When considering the costs of setting up a company in Dubai or other Emirates, entrepreneurs must take into account many nuances. This section will help you understand the key expenses involved in registering a company in the UAE and launching your business in this region.
Free Zone Companies
| Free Zone Company Registration | ||
|---|---|---|
| Uniwide Professional Services | from 6,000 AED (≈ $1,630) |
Please confirm the exact fee amount with us, as it depends on various factors. See information regarding fees in specific Free Zones. |
| Official Free Zone Fees | from 6,000 AED (≈ $1,630) | |
| Total | from 12,000 AED (≈ $3,260) | |
| Annual Company Renewal | ||
| Uniwide Professional Services | from 4,900 AED (≈ $1,330) |
Includes document submission and renewal process support. Preferential rates for annual renewal apply to the company’s first three renewals. |
| Official Free Zone Fees | from 6,000 AED (≈ $1,630) | Please confirm the exact fees with us, as they depend on various factors. |
Official Fees in Selected Free Zones
| Free Zone | No Visa Quota | 1 Visa Quota | 2 Visa Quotas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA | 12,900 AED (≈ $3,500) | 14,900 AED (≈ $4,050) | 16,900 AED (≈ $4,600) | Residence visa processing costs are charged separately. |
| Meydan | 12,600 AED (≈ $3,430) | 14,350 AED (≈ $3,900) | 16,200 AED (≈ $4,400) | Residence visa processing costs are charged separately. |
| RAKEZ | 6,000 AED (≈ $1,630) | 12,000 AED (≈ $3,260) | 18,000 AED (≈ $4,900) | Official visa fees are included in the package, while Uniwide’s visa processing services are billed separately. |
The list provided is not exhaustive. We work with the majority of free zones in the UAE. Please request a bespoke quotation tailored to your specific requirements.
Mainland Companies
| Mainland Company Formation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Uniwide Professional Services | from 9,000 AED (≈ $2,450) | Includes consultation and document preparation. |
| Official Fees | from 10,100 AED (≈ $2,750) | Municipal fees are payable in addition: 5% of the annual rent for the office or warehouse. |
| Total | from 19,100 AED (≈ $5,200) | |
| Annual Services | ||
| Annual Company Renewal | from 6,000 AED (≈ $1,630) | Includes registration renewal and submission of annual documents. Official fees are payable in addition. |
Resident Visa Processing
| Service Name | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Resident Visa Processing (Professional Services) | from AED 2,800 (≈ $760) | Official fees payable separately. |
| Employee Resident Visa Processing (Professional Services) | from AED 2,400 (≈ $650) | Official fees payable separately. |
| Annual Resident Visa Renewal (Uniwide Professional Services) | from AED 2,200 (≈ $600) | Official fees payable separately. |
| Official Fees and Charges | Upon request | Include entry permit, medical examination, biometrics, visa issuance, medical insurance, and other expenses. |
Additional Services
| Service Name | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Opening a Corporate Bank Account in the UAE | from AED 12,000 (≈ $3,260) | Bank fees payable separately. More details: Banks in the UAE. |
| Opening an Account with Selected Digital Banks in the UAE | Free of charge | Assistance with completing bank forms included. Bank fees payable separately. |
| Freelancer Visa Processing | Upon request | For details, see our article on the Freelancer Visa in Dubai. |
| Registration of the Company as a Corporate Taxpayer | AED 1,500 (≈ $400) | Includes preparation and submission of required documentation. |
| Registration of the Company as a VAT Taxpayer | from AED 1,800 (≈ $500) | |
| Accounting Services | Upon request | Comprehensive accounting services. See details on the page: Accounting Services in the UAE. |
| Document Legalisation in the UAE | Upon request | Preparation of documents and process support. More details on the page: Document Legalisation in the UAE. |
Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Company Formation Costs
How much does it cost to start a business in Dubai?
The cost of setting up a business in Dubai varies significantly based on several factors. These include the type of your business, the choice between establishing in a free zone or on the mainland, and the number of visas and shareholders involved. Setting up a mainland company in Dubai starts from AED 19,100 (≈ $5,200), excluding visa processing fees and office rental costs.
The registration costs for free zone companies vary by zone. For example:
- Company registration in RAKEZ without visas – from AED 12,000 (≈ $3,260);
- Company incorporation in IFZA without visas – from AED 18,900 (≈ $5,150);
- Company registration in DMCC without visas – from AED 41,000 (≈ $11,200).
What additional costs may arise when registering a company in the UAE?
Additional costs typically include office rental (particularly for mainland companies), residency documentation for shareholders (required by some banks), and registration for corporate tax and VAT. These expenses will be detailed in our commercial offer.
What does the cost of registering a free zone company include?
The cost consists of two parts: Uniwide’s professional services and the official free zone fees. The fees depend on the specific zone, the licence type, and the number of visa quotas. Residence visa processing, office rent, and bank account opening are not included in the registration cost and are charged separately.
What makes up the annual renewal cost of a UAE company?
As with registration, two parts: professional services covering the renewal process and the official fees of the free zone or the registration authority. For free zone companies, preferential service rates apply to the first three renewals. Residence visa renewals and office rent are charged separately.
What is included in the cost of a residence visa?
Professional support is priced separately for investor and employee visas. In addition, official fees are payable: the entry permit, medical examination, biometrics, visa issuance, and medical insurance. The amount of the official fees depends on the emirate, the visa type, and its duration, so it is calculated individually.
Is it cheaper to open an account with a traditional or a digital bank?
A digital bank is cheaper: we assist with completing the bank forms free of charge, and only the bank’s own fees are payable. Support with opening an account at a traditional bank is a paid service, as it covers bank selection, document preparation, and arranging the meeting with the bank manager; the bank’s fees are also payable separately.
What does tax registration for a UAE company include?
The service covers preparing and filing the documents to register the company as a corporate taxpayer with the Federal Tax Authority. VAT registration is arranged separately and is required once the company’s taxable supplies exceed the statutory threshold. Both registrations can be ordered together with company formation.