Setting up a company in a Dubai free zone can cost from around AED 12,500 for a basic zero-visa licence. The final amount depends on the free zone, business activity, visa allocation and workspace. However, the licence fee is only part of the overall cost. You also need to account for registration, visa processing, office space and ongoing compliance expenses when estimating your budget.
Below, we break down the costs of setting up a company in three popular Dubai free zones, the additional expenses to consider and how to choose an option that suits your business.
What Determines Dubai Free Zone Setup Costs?
Each free zone has its own fee structure. Your budget may include:
- Trade licence and registration: Charges vary according to the authority, legal structure and activities selected.
- Visa allocation and processing: A package may include a visa allocation without covering the full cost of issuing a residence visa.
- Workspace: Some packages include a flexi-desk, while other activities or visa requirements may call for a dedicated office.
- Immigration fees: Establishment cards, medical examinations, Emirates ID and status changes may be charged separately.
- Additional services: External approvals, document attestation, accounting and professional support can increase the total.
Each of these costs can vary according to the authority, licence, activity and office requirements.
Setup Costs in Popular Dubai Free Zones
Setup costs vary across Dubai free zones depending on the licence, business activities, visa allocation and office requirements.
Here is a comparison of three popular options.
1. Meydan Free Zone
Meydan Free Zone setup cost starts from:
- AED 12,500 per year for a zero-visa package.
- AED 14,350 per year with one visa allocation.
The package includes general trading and trading-plus-consulting activities at no additional charge.
You should also confirm whether the package includes additional visas, workspace and other services.
2. IFZA Free Zone
IFZA free zone company formation starts at:
- AED 12,900 per year for a zero-visa package.
- AED 14,900 per year with one visa allocation.
General trading requires an additional AED 10,000 per year. However, businesses opting for multi-year packages may qualify for discounts of up to 20%.
Your final cost depends on your activities, visa allocation and workspace. Confirm registration, immigration and renewal charges before proceeding.
3. DIFC Free Zone
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a financial free zone suited to businesses in financial services, wealth management, fintech and related sectors.
Company formation for a non-financial business may require a first-year budget of approximately USD 45,000 (AED 165,000). The final amount depends on:
- Office requirements
- Visa allocation
- Professional fees
The DIFC free zone fees vary depending on the type of company you register. Some business activities may also require additional regulatory approvals and compliance measures, so review the relevant requirements before proceeding.
What Other Costs Should You Budget For?
The licence package is only one part of the total cost. You should also consider these additional expenses:
- Annual renewals: Licences, office arrangements and immigration services may need yearly renewal.
- Residence visa expenses: Medical tests, Emirates ID, insurance and visa processing may be separate from the allocation fee.
- Corporate banking: Banks may apply account maintenance charges or minimum balance requirements.
- Tax and accounting: Companies must assess corporate tax registration, filing, bookkeeping and audit obligations. VAT registration may also apply when the legal threshold is met.
- Activity-specific approvals: Certain regulated activities require permission from other authorities.
Before committing to a free zone, make sure you understand the full cost of setting up and maintaining your company. InZone business setup specialists can help you compare package inclusions, identify additional expenses and find a free zone that suits your business requirements.
How Can You Choose the Right Free Zone?
The cheapest package may not always be the right fit for your business. Consider the following factors when comparing free zones:
- Check your activity: Confirm that the authority permits your intended business activities.
- Decide on visa needs: Establish how many owners or employees require UAE residence visas.
- Review workspace requirements: Check whether a flexi-desk is sufficient or a physical office is necessary.
- Compare renewal costs: Look at ongoing fees, not only the first-year promotion.
- Understand market access: Free zone companies generally need the appropriate licence, permit or mainland branch arrangement to conduct business directly in the UAE mainland.
A suitable jurisdiction should support your business model while keeping licensing and compliance costs manageable.
Get Help With Your Dubai Free Zone Company Setup
Comparing business setup costs in Dubai can be difficult when packages include different services and exclusions. InZone helps entrepreneurs assess free zone options and understand licensing requirements.
With experience supporting businesses in jurisdictions such as Meydan Free Zone, IFZA and DIFC, InZone’s business setup specialists can help you compare options and obtain a clearer cost breakdown.
