“How much does it actually cost to start a business in Dubai?” is the most frequent question we receive at ThinkBiz Pro. While the UAE offers one of the world’s most attractive tax environments, the initial setup involves a series of government fees, administrative costs, and mandatory compliance expenses that vary significantly based on your jurisdiction.

In 2026, with the full integration of Corporate Tax and updated Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) fee structures, transparency is more important than ever. Here is the definitive breakdown of the real costs you can expect.

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1. The Core Licensing Fees

The license is your primary entry cost. Depending on your choice between Mainland and Free Zone, the prices vary:

• Mainland (LLC/Professional): Expect to pay between AED 15,000 and AED 25,000 for the license itself. This includes the trade name reservation, initial approval, and the virtual office/desk requirement for the first year.
• Free Zone: Entry-level packages (often called “Freelance” or “Zero-visa” packages) start as low as AED 10,000. However, a standard “Business Setup” with 1–2 visa eligibility typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000, depending on the prestige of the zone (e.g., IFZA vs. DIFC).

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2. Office Space and “Ejari” Costs

In 2026, “Economic Substance” is a priority. You must have a physical address to open a corporate bank account.

• Flexi-Desks: Standard in Free Zones; usually included in the license package (Value: AED 4,000 – AED 8,000).
• Physical Office: If you opt for Mainland, you must lease a physical space. A small office in areas like Business Bay or Al Qusais starts at roughly AED 30,000 per year, plus a 5% security deposit and 5–10% agent commission.
• Ejari Fee: The mandatory registration of your lease with the Land Department costs approximately AED 220 – AED 500.

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3. Visa and Immigration Expenses

Don’t forget that the license is only half the battle; you also need residency.

• Investor/Partner Visa: Approximately AED 3,500 – AED 5,000. This is valid for 2 years (or 5–10 years if you qualify for a Golden Visa).
• Medical Fitness & Emirates ID: Roughly AED 1,200 per person.
• E-channel Registration: Mandatory for most immigration files; expect a one-time fee of AED 2,500 and an annual renewal of AED 1,200.

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4. Mandatory Compliance & Professional Costs (New for 2026)

Since 2024–2025, the UAE has introduced mandatory registrations that are now a fixed part of your Year 1 budget:

• Corporate Tax Registration: While the registration itself is through a portal, professional assistance to ensure your “Tax Group” or “Small Business Relief” is correctly filed ranges from AED 2,000 – AED 5,000.
• AML (Anti-Money Laundering) Registration: Mandatory for certain sectors (Real Estate, Gold, Auditing). Failure to register carries heavy fines.
• Corporate Bank Account Opening: While banks don’t charge an “opening fee,” many require a minimum average balance ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 200,000.

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5. Summary Table: Estimated Year 1 Budget (AED)

Category	Mainland (Approx.)	Free Zone (Approx.)
License & Approvals	18,500	12,500
Office/Desk Space	30,000 (Physical)	0 (Included in package)
Visa (1 Person)	5,000	5,000
Establishment Card	2,000	1,500
Professional/PRO Fees	5,000	3,000
Total Estimated Start	AED 60,500	AED 22,000

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Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

1. Attestation Fees: If you are bringing a degree from abroad, MOFA attestation can cost roughly AED 500 – AED 1,000 per document.
2. Health Insurance: Mandatory for visa issuance. Basic plans start at AED 600, but comprehensive plans for investors can exceed AED 5,000.
3. Vat Registration: If your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000, you must register.

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Why Use ThinkBiz Pro to Manage Your Costs?

The “cheapest” setup often becomes the most expensive when you factor in fines for missed deadlines or rejected bank applications. At ThinkBiz Pro, we specialize in Fixed-Fee Setup. We provide a line-item quote with zero hidden surprises, covering:

• Pre-approval of your activity to avoid application rejections.
• PRO Services to handle the bureaucracy while you focus on sales.
• Direct assistance with Corporate Tax compliance to protect your 2026 profits.

Eliminate the guesswork in your business budget.

Get a detailed, 100% transparent cost breakdown from ThinkBiz Pro today.