Dubai business setup costs vary by license and jurisdiction

Starting a business in Dubai involves varying costs depending on the business model, license type, and jurisdiction. For solo service providers or freelancers, costs can range from approximately AED 5,000 to AED 15,000. Specifically, Dubai South offers freelance permits starting at AED 5,000, while other specialized free zones provide licenses around AED 7,500.

Establishing a typical free zone company generally requires a budget between AED 15,000 and AED 40,000. Some packages, such as the Jump Start option from DMCC, can cost between AED 43,780 and AED 51,129, which may include workspace and a residence visa.

Mainland companies typically face higher initial costs, ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 60,000 or more during the first year. These businesses are required to maintain a physical workspace, with official guidance specifying a minimum size of 100 square feet.