Business Setup in Dubai 2026: Costs & Easy Steps

Business Setup In Dubai: what you need to know

Business Setup In Dubai in 2026 is straightforward when you know the steps, costs and the authorities involved.

Business Setup in Dubai 2026: Cost & Steps (AED 15,000–18,000)

Business setup in Dubai costs AED 15,000–18,000 for a mainland company in 2026, inclusive of licence fees, local sponsor, and professional services. Dubai Business Services offers two packages—Professional Company (AED 15,000) and Commercial LLC (AED 18,000)—both approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Investor and employment visas incur additional fees (AED 3,700–5,500 per person). Free-zone setup may differ. Contact DBS on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a tailored quote.

How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai in 2026?

A mainland business in Dubai starts at AED 15,000 for a Professional Company licence and AED 18,000 for a Commercial LLC, both inclusive of all setup fees. The Professional Company package covers an estimated AED 6,000 licence fee, AED 1,000 name approval, AED 2,000 professional fees, and AED 6,000 local sponsor (all plus 5% VAT where applicable). Commercial LLC adds approximately AED 3,000 to the licence cost. These are 2026 prices; visa costs (investor or employment) are separate and charged annually or every two years. DBS collaborates with the Department of Economic Development to save you up to 75% on typical costs.

Compare packages and get a free consultation: contact DBS on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com.

What is included in the AED 15,000 Professional Company package?

The AED 15,000 package includes a trade licence, initial company name approval (AED 1,000), professional service fees (AED 2,000 plus 5% VAT), a UAE local agent (AED 6,000 plus 5% VAT), and one investor visa. You also receive a free business consultation and free VAT consultation. Optional add-ons include investor visas (GDRFA card AED 580 yearly; 3-year visa AED 3,700 every three years) and employment visas (MOHRE labour card AED 153 once; 2-year visa AED 5,500 every two years). All visa processing incurs a professional fee of AED 200 (plus 5% VAT) once.

What documents do I need to register a business in Dubai?

You will need: a passport and UAE residence visa copy (if UAE resident) or passport plus visit visa (if non-resident); a tenancy contract and Ejari registration if renting an office (DBS can arrange a virtual office or instant licence option instead); a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor if you are a UAE resident; and three to four suggested company names (the first available will be registered). Once submitted to the Department of Economic Development (DED), approval typically follows within days.

Unsure what you need? Speak to our business consultants in the UAE for guidance.

What are the differences between mainland and free-zone business setup?

Mainland setup via DBS starts at AED 15,000; free-zone alternatives like Ajman Free Zone may suit import–export or niche sectors. DBS advises both routes depending on your business model.

How long does business setup take in Dubai?

Business setup typically takes 5–10 working days once you submit all required documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED). DBS handles document preparation, name approval (AED 1,000), licence issuance (AED 6,000–9,000), and local sponsor registration (AED 6,000). Investor visas (3 years, AED 3,700) and employment visas (2 years, AED 5,500) are processed separately and may take 2–4 weeks. Ejari tenancy registration, if needed, adds 1–2 days.

Do I need to hire a local sponsor for mainland setup?

Yes, a UAE local sponsor (or local agent) is required for mainland business setup and costs approximately AED 6,000 (plus 5% VAT). The sponsor holds a minority stake and ensures compliance with UAE regulations. DBS provides the local sponsor as part of both the Professional Company (AED 15,000) and Commercial LLC (AED 18,000) packages. Alternatively, free-zone setup (e.g., Ajman Free Zone) typically waives the local sponsor requirement, allowing 100% foreign ownership.

What are the visa costs for business owners and employees?

An investor visa costs AED 3,700 per person every three years (plus AED 200 professional fee and 5% VAT, once). A GDRFA immigration card (annual renewal) is AED 580 yearly. An employee visa costs AED 5,500 per person every two years (plus AED 200 professional fee and 5% VAT, once). A MOHRE labour establishment card is a one-time AED 153. All visas require a valid passport and company documentation. DBS handles visa applications as part of your setup service.

Need visa advice? Our business consultants can guide you through options and costs.

Can I set up a business in Dubai without renting an office?

Yes. DBS offers two alternatives: a virtual office (no physical space; ideal for consulting, IT, or online services) or an instant licence (registered to DBS’s office temporarily). Both eliminate the need for a tenancy contract (Ejari), saving you office rental costs and simplifying setup. If you later rent an office, you can update your trade licence and provide the new Ejari. Virtual and instant options are included in the AED 15,000–18,000 packages.

How do I apply for accounting and audit services after setup?

Once your business is registered with the Department of Economic Development, you must comply with UAE accounting and auditing standards under MOHRE and the UAE Ministry of Finance. DBS offers accounting and auditing services tailored to your licence type and turnover. Annual financial statements, VAT compliance (if turnover exceeds AED 375,000), and audit reports are mandatory. Engage DBS early to ensure your accounts meet FTA (Federal Tax Authority) and DED requirements.

What industries require a special licence in Dubai?

Certain sectors—beauty salons, healthcare, food and beverage, real estate—require additional approvals and higher licence fees. For example, a beauty salon licence in Dubai costs more than a standard trade licence due to health and safety inspections. DBS can advise on industry-specific requirements and help you navigate sector regulators. Consult our team before finalising your business plan.

Does DBS offer free consultations and what is included?

Yes, DBS includes a free business consultation and free VAT consultation with every setup package. During the business consultation, our business consultants assess your industry, structure, visa needs, and financial setup. The VAT consultation clarifies your registration obligations if turnover is forecast to exceed AED 375,000. Request your free consultation by WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846, email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com, or visit our blog for recent updates on 2026 regulations.

Official resource: for the latest rules and fees, see the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).

Dubai licence costs by business activity

Transparent, all-in 2026 cost breakdowns by activity:

• Mainland company formation Dubai cost
• Restaurant licence Dubai cost
• General trading licence Dubai cost
• Consultancy licence Dubai cost
• E-commerce licence Dubai cost
• Cleaning services licence Dubai cost
• Real estate brokerage licence Dubai cost
• Logistics & freight licence Dubai cost
• Beauty salon licence Dubai cost

Frequently asked questions

Ready to start? Talk to Dubai Business Services on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a transparent, all-inclusive quote.