Starting a company in Dubai requires careful budgeting and understanding of all associated costs. This comprehensive guide breaks down every expense you'll encounter in 2025, from government fees to service charges, helping you plan your business setup budget accurately. Whether you're setting up a mainland company, choosing a free zone setup like DMCC or DIFC, or considering offshore company formation, understanding the true cost to register a business in UAE is critical for your financial planning.
In this complete Dubai company formation cost guide, we'll compare DMCC cost 2025, DIFC pricing, and other cheapest free zone options, while showing you hidden costs that many entrepreneurs overlook. Use our business setup cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your specific business needs.
2025 Cost Overview: How Much Does It Cost to Start a Company in Dubai?
The total cost of company formation in Dubai varies significantly based on your chosen business structure, license type, and additional services required. Understanding the breakdown between mandatory government fees and optional professional services is essential for accurate budgeting.
π’ Mainland
AED 15,000 - 35,000
Complete setup with license, visas, office
π¦ Free Zone
AED 12,000 - 25,000
Cheapest options: DMCC, Dubai South, Ajman
π Offshore
AED 8,000 - 18,000
RAK ICC, Jebel Ali, ADGM options
βοΈ Professional
AED 20,000 - 40,000
Consulting, legal, medical, accounting
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Ahmed Al-Mansouri
Tech Innovations LLC
Excellent service! Setup completed in just 3 days. The team was professional and answered all my questions. Highly recommended!
Fatima Al-Kaabi
Fashion Imports Hub
I was worried about visa requirements, but they explained everything clearly. Now I have 5 employees and business is booming!
Mohammed Al-Maktoum
Consulting Plus
They saved us AED 8,000 by choosing the perfect free zone for our business. Worth every dirham!
Layla Al-Rashid
Digital Marketing Agency
The consultation was so valuable. They helped us avoid common mistakes. Best investment for our business!
Khalid Al-Sawari
Import/Export Business
Professional, quick, and transparent. No hidden costs. They walked me through every step of the process.
Noor Al-Najjar
Event Management Co.
Best decision ever! The whole team is so helpful and responsive. They made company formation stress-free.
Based on verified client reviews from Google, Trustpilot, and direct feedback
Mainland Company Formation Costs in Dubai 2025
Mainland companies offer 100% foreign ownership and direct access to the local UAE market without restrictions. If you prefer to compare options, check out our guide to the best free zones in Dubai as an alternative. These costs are based on official DED (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism) fee schedules and professional service provider rates as of October 2025.
Additional Mainland Business Costs to Budget For:
- π’ Office space rental: AED 20,000 - 100,000+ annually (depends on location and size)
- π€ Local service agent fee: AED 5,000 - 15,000 annually (51% partner requirement)
- π¦ Bank account opening: AED 3,000 - 10,000 (includes deposit requirements)
- π Professional services: AED 8,000 - 20,000 (accounting, legal consultation, PRO services)
- πΌ Software & systems: AED 2,000 - 5,000 (accounting, point of sale systems)
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Free Zone Company Setup Costs: The Cheapest Options in Dubai
Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and streamlined setup processes. For a detailed comparison of all options, read our complete best free zones comparison guide. If you're looking for the cheapest free zone setup in UAE, this section compares popular options including DMCC, DIFC, Dubai South, and budget-friendly alternatives in Ajman and RAK.
Popular Free Zones with 2025 Pricing
- β’ DMCC: AED 14,500 - 28,000 (most popular choice)
- β’ DIFC: AED 45,000 - 85,000 (premium financial services)
- β’ Dubai South: AED 12,500 - 22,000 (cheapest after Ajman)
- β’ JAFZA: AED 18,000 - 32,000 (trading & logistics)
- β’ Dubai Airport Free Zone: AED 16,000 - 30,000 (cargo & trade)
- β’ Ajman Free Zone: AED 10,000 - 18,000 (most affordable)
Typical Free Zone Setup Costs Breakdown
- β’ License fee: AED 8,000 - 15,000
- β’ Registration fee: AED 2,000 - 5,000
- β’ Visa processing: AED 4,000 - 8,000
- β’ Office space rental: AED 6,000 - 25,000
- β’ Service charges: AED 3,000 - 8,000
- β’ Additional services: AED 1,000 - 5,000
| Free Zone | License Cost (AED) | Office Annual (AED) | Total First Year | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMCC | 14,500 | 12,000 | AED 28,000 | Trading, jewelry, commodities |
| Dubai South | 12,500 | 8,000 | AED 22,000 | Budget option, logistics |
| JAFZA | 18,000 | 15,000 | AED 35,000 | Trading, manufacturing |
| DIFC | 45,000 | 35,000 | AED 85,000 | Financial services, premium |
| Ajman Free Zone | 10,000 | 6,000 | AED 18,000 | Most affordable option |
β οΈ Important Notes on Free Zone Pricing 2025:
- β Prices shown are based on official free zone authority announcements (Q4 2025)
- β License fees may vary by activity type and company size classification
- β Office rent depends on space size, location within free zone, and payment terms
- β Additional visa processing: AED 4,000-8,000 per visa (not included above)
- β Service charges and PRO fees: AED 3,000-8,000 annually
- β Renewal costs typically 60-80% of initial setup cost annually
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Offshore Company Setup Costs: Budget-Friendly International Business Solutions
Offshore companies are ideal for international business, asset protection, and tax optimization. If you're looking for the cheapest company formation option in UAE, offshore structures in RAK, Jebel Ali, and ADGM offer significantly lower costs compared to mainland and free zone alternatives. Learn how to setup an offshore company and the actual costs involved in 2025.
Offshore Company Registration Cost Breakdown (Most Affordable Options):
- β RAK ICC License: AED 8,500 (cheapest option)
- β Jebel Ali Offshore: AED 12,000
- β ADGM Offshore: AED 15,000 (premium jurisdiction)
- β Registered agent: AED 3,000
- β Government fees: AED 2,000
- β Documentation & notarization: AED 1,500
When to Choose Offshore Company Formation:
- β’ International clients and operations outside UAE
- β’ Asset protection and wealth management
- β’ Tax planning for non-UAE business income
- β’ Faster setup with minimal compliance requirements
- β’ No office space or physical presence required
Professional License Costs & Professional Services Registration in Dubai
Professional licenses are required for consultancy, legal services, medical practice, and other professional services. The cost to register a professional license in Dubai varies significantly based on the service type, location, and professional qualifications. This guide shows how much it costs to setup a professional services business with all licensing requirements.
Professional Services Licensing Cost Comparison
βοΈ Legal Services
AED 25,000 - 45,000
Includes Bar registration, office setup, government approvals
π₯ Medical Practice
AED 30,000 - 55,000
Clinic license, DHA registration, insurance, documentation
πΌ Consultancy Services
AED 20,000 - 35,000
Business license, professional accreditation, office space
Other Professional License Options in Dubai 2025:
π¨ Hotel & Tourism Services: AED 18,000 - 40,000
π Education & Training: AED 15,000 - 30,000
π§ Engineering Services: AED 22,000 - 38,000
π Accounting & Bookkeeping: AED 18,000 - 28,000
π» IT & Software Services: AED 12,000 - 22,000
ποΈ Architecture Services: AED 25,000 - 45,000
Additional Setup Costs: Mandatory vs Optional Business Registration Fees
π΄ Mandatory Costs (Must Pay)
π’ Optional Services (Highly Recommended)
Cost Comparison Summary
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Money-Saving Tips: How to Reduce Your Dubai Business Setup Cost
Γ°ΕΈβΒ° Choose the Right Free Zone
Different free zones have varying cost structures. Compare packages and choose based on your specific business needs.
Γ°ΕΈββΉ Bundle Services
Many service providers offer package deals that can save 20-30% compared to individual services.
Γ’ΒΒ° Plan for Renewals
Budget for annual renewal costs which typically range from 70-90% of initial setup costs.
Next Steps
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Cost Optimization Strategies
π‘ Smart Savings Tips
- β’ Choose package deals for multiple services
- β’ Consider shared office spaces initially
- β’ Start with minimum visa requirements
- β’ Bundle PRO services with setup
- β’ Plan for quarterly payment schedules
β οΈ Hidden Costs to Watch
- β’ Document attestation fees
- β’ Translation and notarization
- β’ Banking requirements and deposits
- β’ Ongoing compliance costs
- β’ Additional visa processing fees
Return on Investment Analysis
Expected ROI Timeline
*Based on average performance of businesses with annual revenue between AED 200K - 1M
Success Stories
Tech Consulting Firm
DMCC Free Zone
"We invested AED 28,000 in our DMCC setup and generated AED 400,000 in revenue within 8 months. The tax benefits alone saved us over AED 50,000 in Year 1."
E-commerce Startup
Ajman Free Zone
"Starting with just AED 15,000 in Ajman Free Zone, we scaled to AED 2M revenue in 18 months. The low setup costs allowed us to invest more in inventory and marketing."
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π Comparison
| Category | π’ Mainland | π¦ Free Zone | π Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Cost (AED) | 15,000 - 35,000 | 12,000 - 25,000 | 8,000 - 18,000 |
| Setup Timeline | 5-10 days | 3-5 days | 2-4 days |
| Initial Visa Cost (AED) | 3,000 - 5,000 | 3,000 - 5,000 | 0 - 2,000 |
| Annual Office Rent (AED) | 30,000 - 100,000 | 6,000 - 15,000 | Not Required |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% Allowed | 100% Allowed | 100% Allowed |
| Tax Benefits | 0% Corporate Tax | 0% Corporate Tax (50 yrs) | 0% Corporate Tax |
| Bank Account | Easy (AED 5K-25K deposit) | Easy (AED 5K-25K deposit) | Challenging |
| Trade License | DED License | Zone License | IBC License |
| Market Access | Direct UAE Market | Limited UAE Market | No UAE Market |
| Best For | Local B2C Business | Import/Export Trading | Asset Protection |
π Note: Mainland for B2C, Free zones for trading, Offshore for asset protection.
Data Sources & Accuracy Verification 2025
All pricing information in this guide has been verified against official government sources and free zone authority announcements. We update this page quarterly to reflect the latest fees and changes.
ποΈ Official Government Sources
- β DED (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism) - License fee schedules and mainland regulations
- β DMCC Official Authority - License and service fees, activity classifications
- β DIFC Registry - Premium free zone pricing and requirements
- β Dubai South FZE - Budget free zone offerings
- β GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) - Visa and Emirates ID fees
- β Dubai Land Department (DLD) - Ejari registration fees
π Update Schedule & Accuracy
- π Last Updated: October 16, 2025
- π Update Frequency: Quarterly (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct)
- β Verification Process: Cross-referenced with 3+ official sources
- π Real-time Updates: Subscribe for regulatory change alerts
- β οΈ Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change without notice. Always verify current fees with official authorities before starting your setup
π Important Pricing Notes for 2025:
- β’ Prices shown include government fees + typical professional service charges
- β’ Actual costs may vary based on business activity type and location
- β’ Office space pricing varies significantly by free zone, location, and size
- β’ Visa costs depend on number of visas needed (typically 1-5 visas for startup)
- β’ Some fees are fixed by government, while professional service charges are negotiable
- β’ Package deals from service providers may offer 10-20% discounts on total costs
- β’ First-year costs are typically higher; renewal costs are 60-80% of initial
π― How We Maintain Accuracy:
1. Monthly Reviews: We monitor all official government and free zone announcements for price changes
2. Provider Network: Regular feedback from 50+ setup service providers keeps us updated on real-world costs
3. Direct Verification: Our team directly contacts free zone authorities to verify current fee schedules
4. Community Feedback: Recent client experiences and reported actual costs are analyzed quarterly
5. Regulatory Tracking: We track all ministerial orders and official gazette announcements affecting company formation fees
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