UAE business setup cost in 2026
The headline licence fee is rarely the real number. Here is everything that goes into a first-year setup cost, with realistic 2026 ranges and a calculator to price your exact case.
Last updated: July 2026 · Verified against 2026 fee schedulesKey facts
- ●Free zone, two visas, Dubai zone, all-in: roughly AED 20,000 to 30,000 year one.
- ●Northern Emirates equivalent: roughly AED 14,000 to 18,000.
- ●Per visa cost (medical, Emirates ID, stamping): about AED 3,500 to 5,500.
- ●Renewal is a recurring annual cost; budget for it from day one.
Your first-year cost is the licence, plus visas, plus the establishment card, plus medical and Emirates ID for each person, plus any office or flexi-desk, plus a bank minimum balance you should keep in mind. Add renewal from year two.
The line items
Licence: from about AED 5,000 (Ajman, SHAMS) to AED 12,900 (IFZA) or higher for premium Dubai zones. Visas: roughly AED 3,500 to 5,500 each including medical and Emirates ID. Establishment card: around AED 1,500 to 2,000. Office: zero for a flexi-desk up to tens of thousands for a fitted office.
Estimate your case
Use the setup cost calculator to get an itemised, indicative figure for your jurisdiction, emirate and visa count, then have it reviewed before you commit. For choosing the zone itself, the free zone matcher ranks your best options.
What inflates the number
Activity amendments, extra visa quota tied to office upgrades, external approvals for regulated activities, and document attestation all add cost after the headline. Ask for a three-year total cost of ownership, not just the launch price.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in the UAE in 2026?
What is the cheapest way to set up?
Sources
- Free zone authority fee schedules 2026
- Tasees setup cost calculator (indicative)
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