The reality of a new business setup in Dubai is a bit like an iceberg. The "license" is just the shiny tip you see above the water. Beneath the surface lies a complex world of corporate tax registration, residency visas, bank compliance, and office leases. This is exactly why almost every entrepreneur eventually knocks on the door of a business setup company in Dubai. But what do these people actually do, and how much of your hard-earned capital is going to disappear into "fees"? Let’s peel back the curtain and talk about the actual boots-on-the-ground experience of setting up shop in the city of gold.
In the old days, a consultant was basically a person who knew which government window to stand in. Today, a business setup company in Dubai is more like a specialized project manager.
Here is the standard menu of services you should expect:
What Are the Fees?
There is no "one price fits all". Your Dubai business setup cost is a puzzle made of several pieces. If a business setup company in Dubai gives you a flat price without asking about your visa count or office needs, they are hiding something.
1. The Government License Fee
This is what you pay to the Government or the Free Zone for your Dubai business setup.
Free Zone: You can find "starter" packages (no visa) for around AED 5,500 to AED 12,000.
Mainland: A professional or commercial license usually starts around AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 including the virtual office/desk fee for the first year.
2. The Visa Costs
For every partner or employee, you will need around AED 4,000 to AED 7,000 per person. This includes the entry permit and status change, medical check and the physical Emirates ID card.
3. The Office Requirement
Every business set up in Dubai needs an address.
Flexi-Desks: Usually bundled into Free Zone packages.
Physical Office: If you go Mainland, you’ll need an "Ejari" (tenancy contract). Prices vary wildly, but a small "Business Centre" office can cost you AED 25,000+ per year.
4. The "Service Fee" of Business Setup Company in Dubai
This is what you pay the business setup company in Dubai for their expertise. For a standard setup, expect to pay between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000 in professional fees. If you are doing something complex, like a manufacturing plant or a regulated financial firm in the DIFC, these fees can climb much higher.
What to Expect During the Process
Here is a realistic timeline for a business set up in Dubai:
Days 1–3: Strategy and Name Reservation.
You pick the name for your business setup in Dubai, pay the initial fees, and get your "Initial Approval."
Days 4–7: Document Drafting.
Your Memorandum of Association (MoA) is drafted and e-signed. Your new business setup in Dubai is officially "born" on the government registry.
Days 8–14: The Visa Sprint.
You do your medical test (which is a blood test and X-ray) and give your biometrics for the Emirates ID.
Days 15–45: The Banking Battle.
Even in 2026, opening a bank account is the longest part of a business set up in Dubai. You will need to show the bank your source of wealth and potentially your first few contracts or invoices.
Since you are trusting these people with your passport and your startup capital, you need to be careful. Watch out for these three red flags:
CONCLUSION: A great business setup company in Dubai isn't an expense, it’s an investment that prevents you from making expensive mistakes during your business setup in Dubai. They should be the ones worrying about the latest Federal Tax Authority circulars so you can focus on building your business setup in Dubai.
Yes, you can. You can go directly to the "Invest in Dubai" portal or a Free Zone website. However, most people find that once they reach the visa and banking stages, having a business setup company in Dubai to handle the nuances of the paperwork saves them dozens of hours of frustration.
As of 2026, the main "tax" is the 9% Corporate Tax on profits over AED 375,000. There are also "Knowledge" and "Innovation" fees on every government transaction (usually AED 10–20), and a 5% "Housing Fee" (Municipality tax) on your office rent.
For the vast majority of activities in 2026, no. You can own 100% of your company on both the Mainland and in Free Zones. Only a few specific "strategic" sectors (like oil & gas or certain security activities) still require a local Emirati partner.