What Is the Minimum Investment for Business Set Up Dubai?
One of the most common questions people ask when they land at Dubai International Airport with a dream in their pocket is: "How much is this actually going to cost me?" If you are looking into a business setup in Dubai in 2026, you probably already know that this city isn’t exactly a "budget" destination. However, it is also not as impossibly expensive as the tall skyscrapers might make it seem.
The truth is that the "minimum" investment isn't a single number. Depending on whether you want to trade locally, offer consulting services online, or open a physical cafe in the Marina, your business set up Dubai costs will look very different.
The Two Main Paths: Mainland vs Free Zone
This choice is the biggest factor in your business set up in Dubai.
Free Zones: If you are a freelancer, a tech startup, or a consultant, a Free Zone is usually your best for a dubai business setup. In 2026, some of the more affordable zones like Meydan or IFZA offer packages that are incredibly competitive. You can often get a license for as little as AED 12,500 to AED 15,000.
Mainland : If you want to sell products directly to people in Dubai or bid for big government contracts, you need a Dubai business setup on the Mainland. This path is more expensive because it requires a physical office and more government approvals. You should expect to start with at least AED 25,000 to AED 50,000 here.
Breaking Down the Initial Costs
When you talk to a business setup company in Dubai, they will give you a quote. This quote usually covers a few key "must-haves".
The Trade License: Think of this as your "permission slip" from the government. For a new business setup in Dubai, this is an annual fee. On average, you’re looking at AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 just for the piece of paper that says you are a legal business.
The Virtual Office vs Physical Space: In 2026, many Free Zones offer a "virtual desk" or "flexi-desk" for a Dubai business setup. This is the cheapest way to handle the office requirement. It costs around AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 a year. If you go Mainland, you need a real lease (called an Ejari), and that depends on Dubai’s real estate market.
The Visa Costs: If you want to live here, you need an Investor Visa. This isn't included in the license fee of your Dubai business setup. Budget about AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 for your own residency, which includes your medical test and Emirates ID.
The "Hidden" Costs People Forget
This is where most people get caught off guard during their business setup in Dubai. The license is just the beginning.
One of the biggest surprises for newcomers is the Establishment Card (around AED 2,000) and the E-Channel registration (another AED 2,000 or so). These are basically fees you pay to the immigration department so you can actually apply for visas. Also, keep in mind that in 2026, health insurance is mandatory. A basic plan for yourself will cost at least AED 1,000 to AED 1,500 a year.
Then there is the bank account. While opening an account for your Dubai business setup doesn't technically "cost" a fee from the government, most banks in Dubai require a minimum balance. Some will ask you to keep AED 25,000 in the account at all times, while others might ask for AED 50,000.
Is It Possible to Start with "Zero" Capital?
Actually, no. You cannot legally trade in Dubai without a license. If you are a single owner entrepreneur, you can find "freelance" permits that are even cheaper than a full Dubai business setup license, sometimes starting around AED 6,000 or AED 7,000.
For a new business setup in Dubai, the safe minimum investment is usually around AED 25,000 to AED 30,000. This covers your license, your visa, your basic office desk, and a small buffer for the paperwork. If you have less than that, you might find yourself struggling to pay for the "extras" that always pop up in the first three months.
Why Work with a Business Setup Company in Dubai
You might think you can save money by doing it all yourself. And you can! The "Invest in Dubai" portal is great. But many people still use a business setup company in Dubai because they know the shortcuts.
A good consultant can tell you which Free Zone is having a "flash sale" or which one is currently the fastest at processing visas. Sometimes, spending AED 3,000 on a consultant's fee saves you AED 10,000 in mistakes and weeks of wasted time. For a business set up in dubai, time is literally money.