Cost to open a company in Dubai: what you will really pay.
A Dubai company can cost from AED 4,499 in a free zone or from AED 12,999 on the mainland. The licence is only the start, so here is what makes up the total.
The two main routes and their cost
| Route | Starting price (AED) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Free zone licence, no visa | from 4,499 | Holding companies, remote and international business |
| Free zone licence + 1 visa | from 8,000 | Founders who will live and work in the UAE |
| Dubai mainland licence | from 12,999 | Trading directly with the UAE market |
| Mainland package with visa | from 18,885 | Mainland owners who need a residence visa |
Algomeda package prices as of November 2026. The final price depends on your activity, office and visas.
What the cost is made of
- Licence. The trade licence for your activity, issued by the free zone or by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism for the mainland.
- Visas. Each residence visa for you, a partner or an employee is an extra cost, with the medical test and Emirates ID.
- Office. Free zones offer flexi desks and offices. Mainland companies usually need a registered office address in Dubai.
- Bank account. Opening a corporate account has its own process, and approval is the bank's decision.
- Accounting and tax. Bookkeeping, VAT and corporate tax registration and filing.
- Renewals. The licence and visas renew every year, so ask for the renewal cost in advance.
Free zone or mainland: how to choose
A free zone fits most service, consulting and online businesses that want 100% foreign ownership at a lower cost, and many free zones outside Dubai are the cheapest way to start. A mainland licence lets you trade directly with the UAE market and take on local contracts, and costs more.
Choose by where your customers are, not by the licence price. If you sell mostly inside Dubai, the mainland is usually simpler. If you sell abroad or online, a free zone is often enough.
Costs people forget
- Corporate tax registration. UAE companies, including free zone companies, must register with the Federal Tax Authority. Late registration carries a fixed AED 10,000 penalty. Our registration service starts from AED 399.
- VAT registration. Mandatory once taxable sales pass AED 375,000. Our registration service starts from AED 399.
- Accounting. Our accounting and tax package starts from AED 899.
- Audit. Some licences and banks ask for an audit report. Ours start from AED 1,299.
How to avoid overpaying
Ask for an itemised quote that separates government fees from the service fee, and ask what renewal costs. Compare more than one free zone for your activity, and confirm the number of visas you really need in year one. A low first-year price that leaves out renewal or banking support can cost more over two years.
Your questions, answered.
How much does it cost to open a company in Dubai?
A free zone company starts from AED 4,499 for the licence, and from AED 8,000 with one visa. A Dubai mainland licence starts from about AED 12,999, and the mainland package with a visa from AED 18,885. Your total depends on your activity, visas and office.
What is the cheapest way to open a company in the UAE?
A free zone licence with no visa is the lowest cost route, from AED 4,499. It suits businesses that do not need residence visas or direct UAE mainland trading.
Is it cheaper to open a free zone or a mainland company?
A free zone is usually cheaper at the start. The mainland costs more but lets you trade directly with the UAE market, so the right choice depends on your customers.
Are there yearly costs after setup?
Yes. The licence and visas renew every year, and you will have accounting, VAT and corporate tax compliance. Ask for the renewal cost before you start.
Do I need to pay corporate tax as a new company?
You must register for corporate tax and file a return even if no tax is due. The rate is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that.
Do I need to be in Dubai to open a company?
Some steps can be done remotely, but visa medicals, Emirates ID and bank onboarding usually need you in the UAE. We confirm what applies to you.
Want your exact setup cost?
A 15-minute intake call. We send an itemised quote within one working day.