Some UAE free zone licences start below AED 10,000 before visas, while government fees for a Dubai mainland LLC start at about AED 17,000 before visas and office. Your real total depends on where you set up, your activity, how many visas you need and your office, so the smartest way to compare is line by line.
Key facts
- Every setup cost has three parts: government fees, third-party services and the consultancy fee.
- Mainland trade licences for an LLC start from about AED 14,000, depending on the activity.
- Each residency visa adds cost, so a cheap licence without visas can end up more expensive overall.
- Government fees are set by the authorities and can change.
What are the three parts of a setup quote?
At Tajnes, every quotation is open-book. You see three separate parts, so you know exactly where your money goes:
- Government and authority fees. Paid at the official cost, with the authority’s receipts.
- Third-party services. Office or flexi-desk, insurance, translation, attestation and similar services, at our negotiated partner rates and listed line by line.
- Tajnes service fee. One fixed fee for your service plan, agreed in writing before we start.
Many providers quote a single bundled number. That makes it hard to compare offers, and hard to see what you are really paying for.
How much are the government fees for a mainland company?
These are typical approximate fees for a Dubai mainland LLC in AED. Your exact figures depend on your activity and any external approvals.
| Item | Approximate fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Initial approval | 120 |
| Trade name reservation | 620 |
| Trade licence (LLC, depends on activity) | from 14,000 |
| Dubai Chamber membership | 1,200 |
| Memorandum of Association notarisation | about 750 |
| Establishment card | 475 |
| Investor or partner visa (from outside the UAE) | about 2,813 |
| Change of status (if inside the UAE) | + about 675 |
| Employee visa | about 4,844 |
| Family visa per member aged 18+ (incl. refundable deposit) | about 6,706 |
On top of these, a mainland company needs a registered address with Ejari. A flexi-desk is often enough to start, but your visa quota depends on your office size.
How much does a free zone company cost?
Free zones sell packages that usually combine the licence, a flexi-desk and a number of visa allocations. Prices vary widely between zones and packages.
Be careful with headline prices. A licence with no visa can look cheap, but each visa then adds the visa allocation, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and sometimes an establishment card and insurance. Always compare the total cost for the number of visas you actually need.
What else should I budget for?
- Health insurance for each visa holder.
- Attestation and translation of certificates, for example for family visas.
- External approvals for regulated activities, such as health, education or food.
- Accounting, corporate tax and VAT registration once the company is running.
- Annual renewal of the licence and visas.
How can I get an accurate number for my company?
Use our cost calculator. Answer about ten quick questions and you get an itemised estimate in around two minutes, split into government fees, third-party services and our fee. You can also see our plans and pricing. Your final price is confirmed in a written quotation after a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to set up a company in Dubai?
For many small businesses, a free zone package with one visa is the most affordable start. The cheapest option depends on your activity and how many visas you need, so compare the total cost, not just the licence.
Are government fees the same for everyone?
Government fees are set by the authorities, but they depend on your activity, legal form, visas and approvals. They can also change, which is why estimates are always approximate.
Is there a minimum share capital for a mainland LLC?
For most activities there is no fixed minimum, but the capital in your Memorandum of Association should suit your activity and visa plans.
Do I pay VAT on setup costs?
VAT at 5% applies to the Tajnes service fee only. Government fees carry no VAT, and any VAT charged by a third-party provider is shown on its own line in your quotation.
Want your own figures? Book a free consultation or open the cost calculator.
General information as of October 2026. Not legal or tax advice. Fees and rules are set by the authorities and can change. Your exact costs are confirmed in your written quotation.
