| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Mainland LLC licence and registration, first yearFlexi-desk or small registered office. Government fees only; the consultant is extra. | AED 12,000–25,000 |
| Free zone package, no visa (lower-cost zones)Licence and a registered desk. Often an introductory price for year one. | AED 5,750–9,500 |
| Free zone package with one visaMedical, Emirates ID and insurance are normally on top. | AED 9,500–15,000 |
| Premium free zone licence (DMCC-type)Higher fees buy a bigger network and audited-accounts requirements. | AED 20,000–30,000 |
| Flexi-desk with registered tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai)Only where the licensed activity allows it. Check the activity list first. | AED 3,000–8,000 |
| Employment visa, per person, two yearsEntry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping. Health insurance extra. | AED 3,500–6,000 |
| MOHRE establishment cardNeeded before the first work permit. Includes the Tasheel centre fee. | AED 1,500–3,000 |
| Consultant fee, mainland set-upAsk for government fees and the consultant's fee in two columns. | AED 2,000–6,000 |
Indicative market ranges in AED, excluding 5% VAT unless stated. Not government tariffs and not quotes: always ask for a written quote.
What moves the price
- Legal form and activity. A consultancy licence costs less than trading, and restaurants, health and education add approvals and fees.
- Mainland or free zone. Free zones bundle a desk and a visa quota. Mainland adds a registered tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai) and a chamber membership.
- Number of visas. Each visa adds AED 3,500 to 6,000, and a larger visa quota can push you into a bigger office.
- Office size and location. A private office in a prime district such as Dubai's Business Bay costs several times a flexi-desk in a business centre.
- Renewal pricing. Some zones raise the licence price after the introductory year. Ask for the renewal price in writing.
How to read these prices
These are indicative ranges compiled by the Moathaq editorial team from published rate cards, public tariffs and typical market prices. They are not government tariffs and they are not quotes. Last reviewed: October 2026. Your quote will differ, so always ask for a written quote before work starts.
Every figure here is a first-year cost to get licensed and able to trade, quoted in 2026 dirhams. Totals depend on the combination, which is why the guide on business setup cost in the UAE in 2026 shows three worked examples.
Bank minimum balances and audit fees are not on this table because they are not part of the licence, but they decide your real first-year spend. Add them before you compare quotes.
These are typical Dubai prices. Licence fees and free zone packages in the other emirates differ by authority and zone, and are often similar or somewhat lower.
How to get a fair quote
Ask each consultant for a written quote with government fees in one column and its own fee in the other. Fix the same assumptions across quotes: activity, number of shareholders, number of visas and office type.
Check the consultant's trade licence before you pay a deposit, and pay a company account in the licence holder's name. Our guide to verifying a trade licence explains how to run the check.
Red flags
A quote that lists only the licence and leaves out the visa, medical, office and bank costs has not been prepared for your case.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, mainland or free zone?
A free zone package usually costs less in year one, from about AED 5,750 to 15,000, against AED 12,000 to 25,000 for a mainland licence. The gap narrows once you add visas and an office.
Do consultants charge on top of government fees?
Yes, typically AED 2,000 to 6,000 on a mainland set-up. Many free zone packages already include the zone's own service fee.
