"How much will it actually cost?" is the first question every founder asks — and the one that gets the vaguest answers. Here's the transparent breakdown we give our own clients, including the extras many consultants leave out of the headline price.
The Headline: License Costs
| Setup Type | Typical 2026 Range |
|---|---|
| Northern emirates freezone (no visa) | AED 5,500 – 9,000 |
| Northern emirates freezone (1–2 visas) | AED 9,000 – 14,000 |
| Dubai freezone (IFZA, Meydan, etc.) | AED 12,000 – 20,000 |
| Dubai mainland (DED) | AED 15,000 – 25,000+ |
| Offshore (RAK ICC / JAFZA) | AED 8,000 – 15,000 |
These are all-in first-year figures for straightforward activities. Regulated activities (healthcare, education, financial services) carry additional approval fees.
What the Headline Usually Hides
Per-visa costs. Each residence visa adds roughly AED 3,500–6,000 covering the entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID and stamping. An investor visa for yourself plus two staff can add AED 12,000+ to year one.
Office costs. Freezone flexi-desks are usually bundled. Mainland companies need an Ejari-registered tenancy — realistically AED 15,000–40,000/year for a small office in Dubai, more on Sheikh Zayed Road or in DIFC-adjacent areas.
Bank account opening. Opening itself is free, but most UAE business accounts require a minimum balance of AED 25,000–50,000 to avoid monthly fees.
Health insurance. Mandatory for every visa holder — from about AED 700/year for basic plans to several thousand for comprehensive cover.
Year-two renewals. Budget roughly 60–80% of your first-year license cost annually. Renewals skip one-time incorporation fees but repeat license, facility and visa-related charges.
A Realistic All-In Example
A solo consultant taking a Dubai freezone license with one visa and a flexi-desk should budget:
- License package: AED 15,000
- Visa (all steps): AED 5,000
- Health insurance: AED 1,000
- Bank minimum balance parked: AED 25,000 (your money, but committed)
Total first-year outlay: ~AED 21,000 plus the banking float.
Where Founders Overspend
- Buying more visas than needed — quotas can usually be increased later.
- Choosing a premium zone for prestige the business doesn't yet need.
- Wrong activity codes — amendments and fines cost more than getting it right up front.
- Ignoring renewal economics — a cheap year one with expensive renewals is a trap.
Get an Exact Quote, Not a Range
Ranges are honest, but your business needs a number. DBM prices your exact setup — activity, zone, visas, office — in a free consultation, with every government fee itemised so there are no surprises.
Get your free, itemised quote or message us on WhatsApp: we'll respond today.