PLAN YOUR BUSINESS SETUP BUDGET WITH CONFIDENCE
One of the biggest frustrations entrepreneurs face when setting up in Dubai is the gap between the “headline” licence fee advertised online and the real total cost once office space, visas, and mandatory registrations are included. Our Cost Calculator gives you a clear, itemized estimate upfront — so there are no surprises once you’ve already committed.
Why Most Cost Estimates Are Misleading
Many providers quote only the base licence fee — often as low as AED 12,000–13,000 — without including the additional costs that are mandatory for almost every business:
- Office or flexi-desk arrangement (required for every licence)
- Visa allocation and immigration card fees
- Establishment card
- Corporate tax registration (mandatory for every free zone entity, regardless of revenue)
- Bank account opening–related costs
- Activity add-on fees if your business needs more than one activity
The real first-year total is typically 1.5x to 2x the advertised headline licence fee. Our calculator accounts for this from the start.
What Our Calculator Includes
Use the calculator to get an itemized estimate covering:
- Free zone or mainland licence fee, based on your chosen jurisdiction
- Business activity classification, since some activities carry additional approval costs
- Office package, from flexi-desk to a dedicated physical office
- Visa quota, priced per visa based on your team size
- Mandatory registrations, including corporate tax and VAT where applicable
- One-time vs. recurring costs, so you understand your first-year total versus your annual renewal cost
How It Works
- Select your preferred jurisdiction — free zone or mainland.
- Choose your intended business activity or activities.
- Select your office requirement and number of visas needed.
- Receive an itemized cost breakdown instantly, covering both one-time setup costs and recurring annual fees.
FAQs
Is the cost calculator estimate binding or final?
No, it’s a planning tool that gives you an accurate range based on current government and free zone fees. Your final quote is confirmed once we understand your exact activity list and requirements.
Why is my estimate higher than prices I've seen advertised elsewhere?
Most advertised prices show only the base licence fee. Our calculator includes office, visa, and mandatory registration costs upfront, which is why our estimate reflects your true first-year total rather than a partial figure.
Does the calculator account for both mainland and free zone setups?
Yes. You can compare estimated costs across both structures to see which fits your budget and business model better.
What ongoing costs should I expect after the first year?
Annual renewal typically includes your licence renewal fee, office renewal, and visa renewal costs, generally lower than your first-year total since one-time setup costs (like establishment cards) aren’t repeated.
Can I get a more precise quote after using the calculator?
Yes, once you have an estimate, you can book a free consultation where we finalize your exact activity list and provide a confirmed quote based on your specific business needs.
