The cost of setting up a business in Dubai varies. Depending on your requirements, the fees paid to various governmental agencies and all other expenses, including rent can go upwards of $25000.

The business set up in Dubai can be of three types. They are setting up a business in the Dubai Mainland, Starting a new business in one of the free zones, and forming an offshore company.

The licences you require are different for each type of business setup. Other departments will need to process documentation from their end for specific business needs, and they will charge a separate fee. For example, you have to get your trade name approved by the ministry by paying a small fee. Names in Arabic are free, but you will have to pay an additional annual fee for using a foreign name.

Breakdown of the general cost of setting up a business in Dubai

Get initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED)

Cost: AED 115/- typing & AED 141/- Initial Approval Certificate.

Get permission to start your business operations right away. This is a one-time license and allows you six months to submit the complete documentation for licensing.

Get Memorandum of Association Attestation

Cost: AED 500/- typing AED approx.

The fees vary, and this is a one time cost included in setting up a business in Dubai.

Get approval on Trade name

Cost: AED115 for Trade Name typing and AED620 for the Trade Name Certificate + AED 2000 (yearly fee for foreign names)

This can be a one time charge or an annual fee depending upon the name selected for the company. Arabic names are free to use.

Fee for the Economic Development department

Cost: AED 6,000/- and above for professional License. AED 10,000 and above for commercial license. AED25,000 and above for general trading License. AED 30,000 and above for industrial Licenses.

The fee will depend upon the business activity. This is a fee paid per annum as per the payment voucher issued by the DED for your License. Additional fees may be charged yearly according to your business type. Fees paid to other departments like mainland trade license, 2.5% of your ejari fee and other market fees are included in the payment voucher.

Rent on the premises

Cost: AED 5,000 virtual office and AED 25,000/- annum and upwards.

The rent depends upon the company located in the mainland, on the type of free zone and other factors. Negotiate for an annual lease or a term for a mutually agreed period than monthly.

Sponsorship fee

Cost: AED 10,000/- upwards per annum (Sponsorship fee may differ from activity to activity)

You have to pay a sponsorship fee to get an Emirati service agent.

Limited Offer

Start up Business Commercial licence package

AED 13,500.

Annual renewal: AED 13,500.

Activities: Either up to 3 different OR up to 10 similar (in the same category). If the activity is (E-Commerce), no more activities can be added in the licence.

Includes a Business Centre Unit of 2 hours of usage per week.

2 visas eligibility:

Visa cost (Investor/Employee – 3 years): AED 2,500 plus the medical test and the Emirates ID card expenses plus the Ministry of Interior E-Channel fees (E-Channel fees “onetime payment”: AED 2,400. Annual E-Channel renewal fees: AED 1,400).

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