- Company Setup
- Mainland
- Free Zones
- Industry Licenses
- Visas
- Banking & Tax
- Resources
Transparent, accurate pricing for Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore company setup. No hidden fees. Get your exact cost calculated based on your business needs, visa requirements, and jurisdiction preferences.
Different websites quote different numbers – most don't explain what's actually included. Here are the real numbers based on daily investor guidance.
Most affordable option for international business
For UAE market operations & retail
Full legal entity with office space
International trading & asset holding
Per person residence visa cost
Annual workspace costs
The final cost depends on multiple variables. Tell us your activity and we can calculate your exact cost within 2 minutes.
Trading, consulting, manufacturing, or services
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore
Investor, employee, and dependent visas
Flexi-desk, dedicated office, or warehouse
DHA, KHDA, Municipality, or other authorities
More activities increase license cost
Free zones offer the most affordable licenses in the UAE – perfect for international business operations.
The gap between low-cost and premium free zones is significant, and the cheapest option isn't always the best fit for your activity or visa needs. Our free zone license cost comparison breaks down what each major zone actually includes in their packages so you can compare like for like.
Mainland setup is more flexible and allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE – slightly more expensive but with unlimited market access.
These line items vary considerably depending on your activity, location, and whether external approvals are involved. For a detailed, item-by-item breakdown of what drives mainland costs up or down, read our full mainland license cost breakdown in Dubai.
Limited Liability Company setup with full legal structure and corporate standing in the UAE.
Offshore companies cannot operate inside UAE but are ideal for international business structures.
💰 Jurisdiction Affects Cost:
RAK Offshore → Affordable | Ajman Offshore → Mid-range | JAFZA Offshore → Premium
Visa prices depend on whether the applicant is inside or outside the UAE.
Renewals are similar in cost.
Visa costs add up quickly once you factor in multiple shareholders, employees, and dependents. Use our UAE visa cost calculator to get an accurate total based on your specific headcount and visa types before you finalise your budget.
📌 Important: Most free zones allow flexi-desk setups. Mainland companies often require a physical office (depends on activity).
Here's the reality that most consultants hide until it's too late:
Choose the right jurisdiction based on your business needs and budget:
| Feature | Free Zone | Mainland | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ⭐ Cheapest | Moderate | Cheap–Mid |
| Operate inside UAE | ❌ No | ✔ Yes | ❌ No |
| Visa quotas | Limited | Unlimited | None |
| Office required | Optional | Required | No |
| Ideal for | Online, global services | Retail, contracting | Global trading |
These are realistic mid-range estimates. If your budget is tight, there are legitimate ways to reduce each of these figures significantly. See our guide to the cheapest business setup options in Dubai before deciding which scenario applies to you.
Most investors overspend because they make these common mistakes:
Matched to your specific business activity
No unnecessary expenses or add-ons
All regulatory requirements handled correctly
Complete breakdown with no hidden fees
End-to-end assistance until you're operational
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