The cost of a UAE company is the trade licence, plus each residence visa, plus office space, plus any services you add such as bank account support. At Nexobiz, licence estimates start from AED 12,000 for Mainland and AED 10,500 for a Free Zone, and a flexi desk from AED 4,000. Government fees change, so treat any figure as an estimate until your advisor confirms it in writing.
What you pay for
| Cost item | What it covers | When you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Trade licence | Company registration and the licence for your activity | At setup, then every year on renewal |
| Establishment or immigration card | Lets the company sponsor residence visas | At setup, then on renewal |
| Residence visas | Entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and the visa itself, per person | Per visa, renewed every few years |
| Office space | Flexi desk, shared office or private office; Mainland leases are registered (Ejari) | At setup, then yearly |
| Activity approvals | Extra approvals some activities need from other authorities | At setup, if your activity requires them |
| Bank account support | Preparing your file and supporting the application | Once |
| Ongoing services | Accounting, VAT and corporate tax filing, PRO work | Monthly or yearly |
Mainland or Free Zone: how the cost differs
Free zone packages often bundle the licence and a desk, which can make the starting price lower. Mainland setups usually cost more at the start but let you trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE. The cheaper option is not always cheaper over time, because the wrong choice can mean extra permits or a second licence later. Compare both on our business setup page.
Costs founders often miss
- Activity approvals for regulated activities, which add time and fees.
- Visa quota: the number of visas you can get is often linked to the size of your office.
- Foreign documents: attestation and legal translation for corporate shareholders.
- Renewal: the licence, office and establishment card renew every year.
- Tax compliance: corporate tax registration is required for every company, and VAT once you pass the threshold.
- Bank minimum balance, which varies by bank.
How to keep the cost down
- Decide the number of visas you need at the start, so the office and licence fit.
- Group related activities in one licence where the authority allows it.
- Use a flexi desk if your activity and visa needs allow it.
- Ask for an itemised quote that separates one-time and recurring costs.
Get an itemised estimate for your case in a minute with our cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to set up a company in the UAE?
A free zone licence with no visa and a flexi desk is usually the lowest starting cost. Whether it is right depends on who you sell to and how many visas you need.
Are government fees included in the estimate?
Our estimates include the main licence, visa and office costs. They are indicative because government fees change; your advisor confirms the final amount in a written proposal before you pay.
How much does the yearly renewal cost?
Renewal covers the licence, office and establishment card, and is often a large part of the first-year cost. Ask your advisor for the renewal figure alongside the setup quote.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Government fees and rules change; your advisor confirms what applies to your company.
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