Published setup prices rarely cover everything. Budget by cost item rather than by headline package, because the licence is often the smaller part of the first-year total.
The cost items to budget for
Licence and registration fees, paid to DET for mainland companies or to the free zone authority. These recur every year at renewal.
Premises: an Ejari-registered tenancy for mainland companies, or a flexi-desk, shared desk or office inside a free zone.
Establishment card and visa quota, then per-visa costs: entry permit, status change, medical fitness test, Emirates ID and residence stamping.
Name reservation, initial approval, notarised memorandum of association and any external approvals your activity requires.
Running costs after launch: corporate bank account minimum balances, mandatory health insurance for employees, accounting, corporate tax registration and VAT registration if you cross the threshold.
Why quotes differ so much
Number of visas is the largest variable. A one-person consultancy and a ten-person trading company with warehouse space are not comparable.
Activity matters. Regulated activities in health, education, finance and food require approvals from the relevant authority, each with its own fee and timeline.
Some packages quote the first year only and exclude renewal, medical tests, Emirates ID or the deposit some free zones require.
Questions to ask before you pay
Ask for the total first-year cost in writing, itemised, including every government fee and every visa.
Ask what the renewal costs in year two, once introductory discounts fall away.
Ask which fees are paid to the authority and which are the consultant's own service fee.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cheapest way to get a Dubai licence?
The lowest entry point is usually a free zone package with a flexi-desk and no visas, or a freelance or professional permit where your activity qualifies. The trade-off is limited mainland access and a small or zero visa quota.
Do I need to deposit share capital in a bank?
Most Dubai structures do not require paid-up capital to be blocked in an account, but some free zones and some regulated activities do. Confirm the requirement for your specific licence before you budget.
What are the ongoing yearly costs?
Licence renewal, premises, visa renewals every two to three years, employee health insurance, accounting, and corporate tax filing. Corporate tax applies to UAE businesses under the federal regime, including many free zone companies that do not meet qualifying-income conditions.