UAE Business Setup Cost Calculator 2026: Estimate Your Formation Costs
UAE business setup cost calculator guide 2026: estimated costs for UAE mainland LLC, free zone company, DIFC, ADGM, offshore, and branch formation —.
UAE business setup cost by structure
| Structure | First-year cost (est. AED) | Includes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAK ICC offshore | 8,000–15,000 | Licence, registered agent | No visas, no physical office |
| Ajman FZ (flexi) | 10,000–18,000 | Licence, flexi desk, 1 visa | Budget option, limited activities |
| DMCC (flexi desk) | 20,000–35,000 | Licence, flexi desk, 2 visas | Commodities, trading, crypto |
| Dubai mainland LLC | 20,000–40,000 | DED licence, notarisation, 2–3 visas | Full mainland trading rights |
| Abu Dhabi mainland | 15,000–35,000 | ADDED/DED licence, 2 visas | Abu Dhabi market access |
| DIFC (Category 4 firm) | 50,000–150,000 USD | DFSA licence, DIFC fee | Regulated financial services |
| ADGM | 40,000–120,000 USD | FSRA licence, ADGM fee | Abu Dhabi financial services |
| Branch of foreign company | 25,000–50,000 | Notarisation, licence, 2 visas | Foreign HQ liability extension |
Hidden and recurring costs to budget for
- Annual renewal costs: UAE trade licences must be renewed annually. Renewal costs are typically 60–80% of first-year formation costs. Build annual renewal into your business plan from day one.
- Office / physical presence: Virtual or flexi-desk addresses are included in basic packages but may not satisfy bank account opening requirements or QFZP substance tests. Dedicated office space adds AED 15,000–100,000+ per year depending on size and location.
- Bank account setup: UAE business bank accounts require AML/KYC documentation, in-person meetings, and sometimes a minimum deposit. Some banks charge AED 500–2,000 for account opening; all charge monthly maintenance fees. Budget 4–8 weeks for account opening.
- Visa costs per person: Residence visa for owner/employees: AED 3,000–5,000 per person (medical, Emirates ID, visa stamping). Dependent visas (spouse, children): AED 1,500–3,000 per person. Annual renewal applies.
- Professional fees: Formation agent, legal review of articles of association, notarisation and MOFA attestation of foreign documents, translation: AED 3,000–15,000 depending on complexity.
Accurate UAE setup cost estimate for your business
We provide a detailed cost breakdown for your specific structure, activity, and emirate — before you commit. Fixed fee.
See company formationFrequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to set up a company in UAE?
The cheapest UAE company structure is an offshore holding company through RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre) — total annual cost from approximately AED 8,000–15,000. This is suitable for holding investments, IP, or shares in other companies. It does not come with UAE residence visas, a physical office, or the right to trade on UAE mainland. For a minimal-cost operating structure with visas, Ajman Free Zone and IFZA are often the most affordable options at AED 10,000–20,000 per year.
How much does a Dubai mainland LLC cost in 2026?
A Dubai mainland LLC typically costs AED 20,000–40,000 for the first year, including DED trade licence fees, Memorandum of Association notarisation, and 2–3 employee/investor residence visas. The range depends on business activity (some activities require additional regulatory approvals with their own fees), office space (mandatory for most activities), and professional formation fees. Annual renewal is typically AED 15,000–30,000.
Do I need a physical office to set up a UAE company?
It depends on the structure. Free zone flexi-desk packages and virtual office arrangements (offered by DMCC, IFZA, and others) allow companies to use a shared desk address without a dedicated office. UAE mainland DED licences typically require a physical office with a valid Ejari (tenancy registration) — though some activities allow home offices. DIFC and ADGM require a dedicated office for regulated entities. Banks generally prefer businesses with a physical UAE address when opening accounts.
How long does UAE business setup take?
Formation timelines: RAK ICC offshore — 3–5 business days. UAE free zone (DMCC, IFZA, Ajman) — 1–3 weeks including visa processing. UAE mainland LLC — 2–4 weeks (DED approval, notarisation, and office Ejari). DIFC/ADGM regulated entity — 3–6 months (DFSA/FSRA application and review). Bank account opening adds 4–8 weeks to any of the above timelines. Total time from decision to fully operational: typically 6–10 weeks for a standard free zone or mainland setup.
Official UAE Government Sources