The Real Cost of Business Setup in Dubai: A 2026 Line-by-Line Breakdown

In 2026, Dubai remains the “City of Gold” for entrepreneurs, but the price of admission has evolved. With new corporate tax regulations and updated visa structures, a “ballpark figure” is no longer enough to protect your investment.

If you’re looking for the most transparent Business Setup Services in Dubai, you need to know exactly where every dirham goes. Here is the true, line-by-line cost breakdown for a standard Dubai startup in 2026.

1. The License & Initial Approvals

This is the “DNA” of your business. In 2026, the cost varies significantly between a Mainland (DED) license and a Free Zone license.

2. Visas and Residency (Per Person)

Your residency status is your most valuable asset. In 2026, the move toward digital “stamping” has streamlined the process, but government fees remain a fixed cost.

• Establishment Card: AED 2,000 – 2,500 (Initial registration with Immigration).

• Entry Permit (Inside UAE): AED 1,100 – 1,500 (Status change from tourist to residency).

• Medical Fitness Test: AED 320 (Standard) or AED 850 (VIP/Express).

• Emirates ID (2-Year): AED 370.

• Visa Stamping/Issuance: AED 500 – 800.

3. The 2026 Tax & Compliance Layer

Don’t let the 9% Corporate Tax surprise you. Even if your profit is below the AED 375,000 threshold, compliance is mandatory.

• Corporate Tax Registration: AED 1,000 – 2,000 (Professional filing service).

• VAT Registration (If applicable): AED 1,500 (If turnover exceeds AED 375,000).

• Small Business Relief (SBR): Available until Dec 31, 2026, for revenue under AED 3 million—this requires an “election” form in your tax return.

• Accounting/Bookkeeping: Budget at least AED 500/month for a basic cloud-based system.

4. Office and Infrastructure

While “Flexi-desks” are common in Free Zones, Mainland companies still require a physical space or a “Sustainability Contract” (Estidama).

• Flexi-Desk (Free Zone): AED 5,000 – 8,000/year.

• Small Office (Mainland): AED 25,000+ (Depends on location; e.g., Business Bay vs. Al Qusais).

• Ejari/Tawtheeq Registration: AED 220 (The official registration of your lease).

5. Professional Service Fees

This is where Business Setup Services in Dubai prove their worth. A professional consultant ensures you don’t overpay for unnecessary “add-on” activities or choose a jurisdiction that doesn’t fit your long-term goals.

• Service Agent/Sponsorship Fee: AED 5,000 – 10,000 (Annual fee for Mainland LLCs).

• Consultancy/PRO Service Fee: AED 3,000 – 7,000 (Handling all government interactions).

Total Realistic Budget for 2026

The Solo Consultant (Free Zone): Expect to pay AED 18,000 – 22,000 all-in for the first year (License + 1 Visa + Flexi Desk).

The Trading Company (Mainland): Expect to pay AED 35,000 – 45,000 all-in for the first year (excluding office rent deposit).

Why Bizzrost?

At Bizzrost, we don’t just give you a license; we give you a roadmap. Our Business Setup Services in Dubai include a “No Hidden Cost” guarantee. From opening your corporate bank account to ensuring your first Corporate Tax filing is correct, we are your partners in growth.