UAE Business Setup Cost Calculator 2026

Most first-year budgets fall between AED 6,000 and AED 65,000. A zero-visa free zone licence in Sharjah, Ajman or Ras Al Khaimah can start from around AED 5,000–6,000, Dubai free zones such as Meydan and IFZA start from about AED 12,500–13,000, and a Dubai mainland company with an office and visas usually costs AED 25,000–65,000 in the first year. Use the calculator above for a quote based on your activity, visas and office.

A free zone licence with no visa and a flexi-desk is usually the cheapest option. Zones such as SPC Free Zone, RAKEZ and Ajman offer entry packages from roughly AED 5,000–6,000. If you need a Dubai address, Meydan Free Zone and IFZA are the most affordable Dubai free zones.

A free zone company is normally cheaper in year one because packages bundle the licence, flexi-desk and registration. A mainland company costs more because of Ejari-registered office space, Dubai Chamber membership and market fees, but it lets you trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE and bid for government contracts.

An investor or partner visa typically costs about AED 3,500–6,000 per person, covering the entry permit, status change, medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping. Employee visas cost a similar amount. Each visa you add increases your total setup cost, so the calculator asks how many you need.

Your quote covers the trade licence, government and registration fees, establishment card, visa and Emirates ID fees, office or flexi-desk, and First Base PRO service charges. Optional services such as corporate bank account opening, VAT and corporate tax registration and accounting are listed separately so you can choose what you need.

There are no hidden fees in a First Base quote, but every UAE company has recurring costs: annual licence renewal, visa renewals every two years, office rent, bank account minimum balance, bookkeeping and corporate tax filing. We list these in your quote so you can plan year two as well as year one.

Yes. Most free zones offer flexi-desk or virtual office packages that satisfy the registered-address requirement. On the mainland, Dubai's Instant Licence lets eligible activities defer the Ejari lease for the first year, after which a physical or approved business-centre office is needed.

Yes. Free zone companies are 100% foreign owned, and since the Commercial Companies Law changes foreign investors can also own 100% of a mainland company for more than 1,000 activities, with no local sponsor required.

Many free zone licences are issued in 1–5 working days, and some Dubai mainland activities qualify for an instant licence. A standard setup including visas and Emirates ID typically takes 2–4 weeks, and bank account opening can take a further 2–6 weeks.

All UAE companies must register for corporate tax. The rate is 0% on taxable profit up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Qualifying free zone companies can benefit from 0% on qualifying income. VAT registration is mandatory once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 a year.

Yes. The calculator and your detailed quote are completely free with no obligation. A First Base specialist reviews your answers and sends an itemised cost breakdown, usually within 30 minutes during working hours.