How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?

Setting up a company in Dubai costs between AED 5,500 and AED 50,000+ depending on the free zone and package. The cheapest option is Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) from AED 5,500. RAKEZ starts from AED 8,500, IFZA from AED 12,900, Meydan from AED 14,500, DMCC from AED 18,500, JAFZA from AED 22,000, and ADGM from AED 28,500. Mainland company formation starts from around AED 15,000. These costs typically include the trade license but exclude visa fees and office rent.

What is the cheapest free zone in UAE?

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is the cheapest free zone in UAE, with packages starting from AED 5,500 for a basic trade license. RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is the second most affordable at AED 8,500, followed by SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) at AED 11,500 and IFZA at AED 12,900. These budget-friendly zones offer full 100% foreign ownership, zero tax, and fast setup.

How much is a trade license in Dubai?

A Dubai trade license costs between AED 5,500 and AED 50,000+ depending on the type and jurisdiction. Free zone licenses start from AED 5,500 (Ajman Free Zone) to AED 28,500 (ADGM). Mainland DED licenses range from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000+ depending on your business activity. Annual renewal costs are typically 60–80% of the initial license fee.

What is the cost of DMCC license in Dubai 2026?

DMCC company formation starts from AED 18,500 for a basic Flexi Desk setup with 1 activity and 2 visas. A standard Business package with 3 activities and 4 visas costs around AED 26,900. An Elite package with unlimited activities, private office and 6+ visas costs AED 44,500. These prices include the trade license, registered address and company documents.

How much does an IFZA license cost?

IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) license packages start from AED 12,900 for a Flexi package with 1 activity and virtual office. The Growth package with 3 activities and flexi desk costs AED 19,500. The full Corporate package with unlimited activities and private office is AED 34,500. IFZA is one of the most cost-effective free zones in Dubai.

What are the hidden costs of UAE company formation?

Beyond the license fee, common additional costs in UAE company formation include: visa fees (AED 3,500–6,000 per visa), Emirates ID fees (AED 200–370), medical fitness test (AED 300–500), office or flexi desk rent (AED 5,000–50,000/year), bank account opening (sometimes with minimum deposit requirements), PRO service fees, and license renewal costs annually. Always request a full cost breakdown before proceeding.

How long does it take to set up a company in UAE?

UAE free zone company formation takes between 2 and 21 business days depending on the free zone. The fastest is Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) at 2–5 days, followed by RAKEZ at 3–7 days and IFZA at 3–7 days. DMCC takes 7–14 days and ADGM takes 10–21 days due to its regulated financial activities. Visa processing adds an additional 14–21 days after the license is issued.

What documents are required to set up a company in Dubai?

To set up a company in Dubai, you typically need: a valid passport copy (all shareholders and managers), passport-sized photographs, a business plan or activity description, the proposed company name (3 options), your residential address proof, and UAE entry stamp or visit visa copy. For regulated activities (finance, healthcare, etc.), additional approvals and qualifications may be required. INCOZONE handles all document preparation and submission.

Can I set up a UAE company without visiting Dubai?

Yes, most UAE free zone companies can be set up 100% remotely without visiting Dubai. Documents are submitted and signed digitally. The trade license and corporate documents are delivered electronically. However, UAE residence visa applications and Emirates ID collection require a physical visit to the UAE. INCOZONE manages the full remote process for companies including power of attorney arrangements.

What is the process to register a company in Dubai?

The UAE company registration process has 5 steps: (1) Choose your business activity and free zone or mainland jurisdiction, (2) Select and reserve your company name, (3) Submit passport copies and application forms, (4) Pay the license fee and receive your trade license (3–14 days), (5) Apply for investor visa, Emirates ID and open a corporate bank account. INCOZONE manages all 5 steps end-to-end.

How do I start a business in Dubai as a foreigner?

As a foreigner, you can start a business in Dubai through either a free zone (100% ownership, no local sponsor needed) or mainland (now 100% ownership in most sectors). Choose a free zone matching your business activity, select a company name, submit documents, pay the license fee, and receive your trade license in 3–14 days. You can then apply for an investor residence visa, open a bank account, and begin operations.

Can foreigners own 100% of a business in UAE?

Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a UAE business both in free zones and, since 2021, in most mainland sectors without a local sponsor. Free zones have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. The UAE Companies Law amendment in 2021 extended full foreign ownership to mainland companies across most business activities, with only a few strategic sectors still requiring UAE national partners.

INCOZONE

UAE Company Formation — Free Zone & Mainland

Set up your UAE company from AED 5,500 in 2–14 days. Expert advisory for free zone and mainland company formation, investor visa, corporate banking and PRO services. 3,200+ companies incorporated since 2012.

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UAE Free Zone Company Formation

Choose from 8 premium UAE free zones — each offering 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax and full profit repatriation. Packages start from AED 5,500 with setup in 2–14 business days.

DMCC — From AED 18,500

World's most connected free zone. 23,000+ companies. 7–14 days setup.

IFZA — From AED 12,900

UAE's most flexible free zone for startups and SMEs. 3–7 days setup.

RAKEZ — From AED 8,500

Ras Al Khaimah's most competitive zone for trading & industrial. 3–7 days.

SHAMS — From AED 11,500

Sharjah Media City. UAE's leading media and content free zone. 5–8 days.

JAFZA — From AED 22,000

World's largest free zone. Jebel Ali port access. Logistics & trade. 7–14 days.

AFZ — From AED 5,500

Ajman Free Zone. UAE's most affordable option. 2–5 days setup.

Meydan — From AED 14,500

Premium Dubai address. Ideal for tech and consultancy firms. 5–10 days.

ADGM — From AED 28,500

Abu Dhabi Global Market. Financial services and fintech hub. 10–21 days.

All UAE Business Setup Services

Free Zone Company Formation — DMCC, IFZA, ADGM, JAFZA, RAKEZ, SHAMS, AFZ, Meydan
Mainland Company Formation Dubai — DED-licensed LLC with 100% foreign ownership
UAE Golden Visa — 10-year renewable residency for investors and entrepreneurs
Offshore Company Formation — RAK ICC and JAFZA offshore structures
Corporate Bank Account Opening UAE — Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, FAB, Wio
UAE Investor & Employee Visa — End-to-end residence visa processing
PRO Services Dubai — Government liaison, license renewals, attestation
Trademark Registration UAE — Ministry of Economy brand protection
Company Amendments & Renewals — Shareholder changes, activity additions, name changes
Company Liquidation UAE — Orderly deregistration and closure

Why Choose INCOZONE?

3,200+ companies incorporated since 2012 across all UAE jurisdictions
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required
Zero personal and corporate tax for qualifying free zone companies
Full profit repatriation — transfer earnings internationally with no restrictions
Advisory-first approach: we recommend the right zone, not the most profitable for us
End-to-end service: trade license, visa, Emirates ID, bank account, PRO services
Same-day response and free initial consultation

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