UAE Business Setup Cost Calculator
Estimate the first-year cost of setting up a company in the UAE. Compare Free Zone vs Mainland jurisdictions, setup types, and visa requirements for 2026.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
Select your company setup preferences and click Calculate to view your estimated first-year costs.
⚠️ Mandatory Upgrade: Mainland companies cannot use Virtual Offices. Adjusted to minimum required (Sustainability/Flexi desk).
⚠️ Capacity Limit: Virtual Offices typically do not allow multiple visas. You may need to upgrade to a Flexi-desk.
- Total Estimated First Year Cost
- AED 0
- Estimated Annual Renewal (Year 2+)
- AED 0
Estimates are based on 2026 market averages. Actual costs vary significantly by specific Free Zone authority, exact activity, and real estate market rates. Always verify with official authorities or a licensed setup consultant.
About Business Setup in the UAE
Setting up a company in the UAE involves choosing between two main jurisdictions: Free Zone and Mainland. Historically, Mainland required a local sponsor, but recent UAE laws now permit 100% foreign ownership for thousands of commercial and industrial activities on the Mainland.
Free Zones are designated economic areas offering tax exemptions and simplified setup, ideal for businesses trading internationally or providing services. However, Free Zone companies cannot trade physical goods directly within the local UAE market without a local distributor.
Mainland companies, licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED), have no territorial restrictions and can bid on government contracts. They generally require a physical office (Ejari), whereas many Free Zones permit virtual offices or cost-effective flexi-desks for startups.