Setting up a business in Dubai isn’t just about paperwork and fees—it’s about unlocking opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. But let’s face it: the question on every entrepreneur’s mind is the same.
“How much is this actually going to cost me?”
The honest answer? It depends. Costs shift depending on what you’re building, where you’re setting up, and how many people you’re bringing on board. In this guide, we’ll unpack the essentials—license, visa, hidden fees—and give you the clarity you need to budget smartly.
Why Knowing the Real Cost Saves Headaches Later
We’ve worked with more than 3,500 entrepreneurs over the past five years, and here’s the pattern: many come in expecting to pay for a license, and that’s it. A few months later, the “extras” catch up—office rent, visa medicals, Emirates ID renewals, even translations. Suddenly, the budget doesn’t stretch as far as planned.
Understanding the full picture upfront means you don’t just survive your first year—you start strong.
What Drives the Dubai Business Setup Cost With License and Visa
Instead of memorizing a long fee chart (that’s outdated the moment it’s published), it’s smarter to focus on the big levers that move your cost up or down:
- Mainland vs Free Zone
Mainland gives you full UAE market access. Free zones give you simplicity, 100% foreign ownership, and often bundled deals. The right choice isn’t about price—it’s about your business model. - License Type
Professional licenses (consulting, freelancing) are usually leaner. Trading, industrial, or sector-specific ones (like food or healthcare) need more approvals and therefore more cash. - Visas
Each investor, partner, or employee needs a visa. Costs rise not just with the number of people, but with extras like Emirates ID, medical fitness tests, and renewals. - Office Setup
Flexi-desks and virtual offices keep things light. A full corporate office or warehouse? That’s when your budget takes a bigger hit. - Approvals and Add-ons
Want to run a restaurant? You’ll need municipality approvals. Healthcare business? Expect DHA clearance. These aren’t “optional,” and they add to your timeline and budget. - Renewals
Licenses and visas aren’t one-time purchases—they come back every year. Many entrepreneurs overlook this until renewal season hits.
The Real Ranges (2025 Snapshot)
Let’s cut to it. What does all this mean in dirhams? Here’s the ballpark:
- Lean Free Zone Setup (license + 1 visa + shared office): usually lands somewhere between AED 15k–25k.
- Mainland Service Business (license + 1 visa + small office): more like AED 30k–50k+.
- Trading Company with multiple visas: easily AED 60k+, depending on scale and location.
Disclaimer: Government fees and free zone packages change regularly. Always check with the relevant authority or a licensed consultant before locking in numbers.
Two Scenarios That Bring It to Life
- Case 1: The Solo Consultant
A marketing specialist sets up in a free zone, picks a flexi-desk, applies for one visa. No heavy approvals. Their setup is straightforward and sits at the lower end of the cost spectrum. - Case 2: The Trading Entrepreneur
A group imports and exports electronics. They need a mainland license, warehouse space, multiple visas, and customs approvals. Their setup naturally climbs higher—because complexity costs money.
Both are “right” choices. It all comes down to your goals.
The Visa Piece (Often Overlooked)
It’s tempting to focus only on the license, but the visa side matters just as much:
- Investor/Partner visas: mandatory for owners and shareholders.
- Employee visas: for staff you want to sponsor.
- Dependent visas: for families moving along with you.
Every visa means medicals, Emirates ID, stamping, and renewals. Add them up, and you’ll see why we tell clients to start lean—get only the visas you absolutely need at first.
Mainland vs Free Zone: The Budget Balancer
If you’re wondering which option saves more—here’s the truth:
- Free zones are fantastic if you don’t need immediate access to the UAE mainland market. They’re predictable, with bundled packages that keep costs contained.
- Mainland is the way to go if you’re setting up retail, restaurants, or services targeting local clients. It’s often pricier upfront but gives you flexibility long-term.
Neither is “cheaper” across the board. It’s about fit.
The Sneaky Hidden Costs
Even the most careful budgets can be caught off guard by:
- Bank account deposits or minimum balances
- Health insurance (mandatory for visa holders)
- Translation and notarization of documents
- Utilities, office fit-out, or warehouse costs
- Annual audits in some cases
These aren’t deal-breakers—but you need to know they’re coming.
Why Picking the Right Partner Changes Everything
Here’s something many don’t realize: setup cost isn’t just about government fees. It’s about strategy.
- Pick the wrong license category, and you’ll reapply (and repay
- Apply for more visas than you need, and you’ll sink money before you hire
- Lease a big office before you’ve scaled, and cash flow gets squeezed
At HA Group, we’ve helped 3,500+ businesses, processed 5,000+ visas, opened 1,500+ bank accounts, and even closed 200+ real estate deals. We don’t just tick boxes—we make sure you’re not paying for things you don’t need.
FAQs: Dubai Business Setup Cost With License and Visa
Q: What’s the cheapest way to set up?
A: Free zone packages with a flexi-desk and one visa are usually the lightest on budget.
Q: How fast can I get my license and visa?
A: Some free zones issue licenses in days, even 24 hours. Visas take longer—think medical, Emirates ID, stamping.
Q: Do I pay everything upfront?
A: Government fees usually, yes. But some free zones and consultants (like us) can structure payments.
Q: Are renewals cheaper than first-time setup?
A: Not always. Renewals often match the license fee, though some zones give discounts or offers.
Q: Can I start in a free zone and later move to mainland?
A: Absolutely. Many entrepreneurs start lean in free zones and expand once demand in the UAE market grows.
Disclaimer
Costs and regulations mentioned are accurate as of 2025. They change—sometimes faster than expected. Always verify with the Department of Economic Development, Immigration authorities, or your chosen free zone before making decisions.
Wrapping It Up
So, what’s the real cost of setting up a business in Dubai with license and visa?
- If you’re starting small, AED 15k–25k gets you moving.
- For more established operations, expect AED 30k–60k+.
- Beyond that, it depends on how ambitious (and complex) your setup is.
At HA Group, we simplify this maze. We don’t just tell you what it costs—we show you where you can save, where you shouldn’t cut corners, and how to scale smartly.
Want to know your exact numbers? Let us prepare a free, personalized cost breakdown for your business plan. Contact HA Group today and start your Dubai journey with clarity and confidence.
Recommended Articles:
