PRO services in Dubai cost AED 15,000–25,000 all-in for your first year, including trade licence (AED 4,888–18,200), investor visa with medical & Emirates ID (AED 3,500–7,500), office or flexi-desk, and corporate insurance. Real all-in pricing depends on your entity type (free-zone vs. mainland) and location. The Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) regulates licences; MOHRE handles work visas. Consult Dubai Business Services for a free breakdown in your currency.
What Is PRO Services Dubai Cost? Real All-In Pricing for 2026
PRO (Public Relations Officer) services in Dubai handle government liaison, document clearance, and business setup on your behalf. The real cost of setting up a UAE company is not just the headline licence fee—it includes trade-licence registration, investor visa with medical examination and Emirates ID issuance, office space or virtual address, corporate insurance, and banking-setup documentation. A business setup in Dubai typically costs AED 15,000–25,000 all-in for your first 12 months, depending on whether you choose a free zone (Jebel Ali, IFZA, Meydan, SHAMS) or mainland Dubai/Abu Dhabi. The Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) sets licence-fee ranges; MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) oversees residence and work visas. All prices below are in AED unless otherwise stated and are indicative as of 2026—always confirm with your PRO or business-setup partner before signing.
→ Get a free, itemised cost breakdown in your own currency from DBS via WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Itemised All-In First-Year Cost Table: Mainland vs. Free Zones (2026)
| Cost Item | Mainland (DET) | Free Zone (IFZA/Meydan) | Budget (Ajman/SHAMS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence (year 1) | AED 18,200–26,355 | AED 12,500–12,900 | AED 4,888–5,750 |
| Investor Visa + Medical + Emirates ID (1 visa) | AED 3,500–7,500 | AED 3,500–7,500 | AED 3,500–7,500 |
| Office / Flexi-Desk (12 months) | AED 3,600–9,600 | AED 2,000–5,000 | AED 2,000–4,000 |
| Corporate & General Insurance | AED 1,200–3,000 | AED 1,200–3,000 | AED 1,200–2,500 |
| PRO/Clearance & Document Fees | AED 1,000–2,000 | AED 800–1,500 | AED 600–1,200 |
| FIRST-YEAR ALL-IN (AED) | AED 27,500–48,455 | AED 20,000–29,900 | AED 12,188–20,950 |
| ⚠ What These Headline Prices Do NOT Include: Partner/investor tax filings in your home country, VAT (UAE VAT registered above AED 375k turnover—rates 5–10%), legal review of your home-country tax treaties, accountancy software subscriptions, employee recruitment/payroll processing, or customs/import duties. You must consult a licensed tax adviser in your own country for home-country residency & corporate-tax obligations. | |||
Dual-Currency Callout (Indicative at Current Rates): The mainland all-in range of AED 27,500–48,455 equates roughly to USD 7,500–13,200 or EUR 6,800–12,000 at current 2026 rates; free-zone all-in is approximately USD 5,400–8,150 (AED 20,000–29,900). Always convert at today’s live rate—never assume a fixed exchange rate when budgeting. DBS provides a free itemised breakdown in your own currency.
Why the Mainland vs. Free Zone Cost Difference?
Mainland companies (registered with DET, Dubai Chamber, or other emirate authorities) typically carry higher registration and activity-approval fees but offer domestic trading rights and 100% foreign ownership for most sectors. Free-zone companies (Jebel Ali, IFZA, Meydan, SHAMS, etc.) have lower headline licence costs but are restricted to export/import and specific approved activities—and often require a local sponsor or limited partnership for mainland trade. A Dubai free-zone company formation is faster and cheaper if you plan to operate regionally from a UAE base without retail or service activities within the emirate; mainland is essential for hospitality, retail, consulting, or local B2B services. Budget Ajman (Northern Emirate) and SHAMS free zones offer the lowest headline licences (AED 4,888–5,750) but may impose additional visa or partner costs and are best for cost-sensitive importers or regional traders.
→ DBS recommends mainland for most service-based startups; free zones for e-commerce & regional trade. Talk to us on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a tailored recommendation.
3–7 Day Setup Timeline: What Happens When?
Here is a realistic working-day breakdown for a standard mainland Dubai company and investor visa (visa processing varies 3–7 days depending on current MOHRE queue):
- Day 1: DBS submits company name approval, sponsorship/partner docs, & activity classification to DET via ROFR (online portal). Initial visa application & medical-exam appointment booked.
- Day 2: DET confirms availability; name is issued. Financial statements, bank proof, & passport copies uploaded to MOHRE for visa pre-screening.
- Day 3: Trade-licence issued (DET). Medical exam completed (authorized clinic). Visa decision & approval in principle.
- Day 4–5: Emirates ID application lodged (GDRFA). Visa stamping (if physical passport required). Office/desk lease agreement signed; insurance policy activated.
- Day 6–7: Emirates ID card received. Final banking introduction package compiled by DBS. Company & visa fully operational.
→ Exact timelines depend on visa queue, medical-appointment availability, & document completeness. DBS guides you through each step & flags delays early.
Banking Approval Documents Checklist for Your UAE Company
UAE banks (FAB, Emirates NBD, RAK Bank, Mashreq, etc.) require consistent documentation before opening a company current account. This is where many startups stumble—banks refuse incomplete or unclear packages. DBS prepares your banking introduction package to meet current bank standards (2026):
- ✓ Trade licence (original colour copy)
- ✓ Memorandum & Articles of Association (M&A) or equivalent shareholder/partner deed
- ✓ Company registration certificate (from DET or free-zone authority)
- ✓ Director & shareholder passports (clear copy, bio page & visa page)
- ✓ Director & shareholder Emirates ID (colour scan, both sides)
- ✓ Proof of residential address (home country: utility bill or bank statement, < 3 months old)
- ✓ CDD (Customer Due Diligence) form & beneficial-ownership declaration (bank-specific template)
- ✓ Certificate of Good Standing / Tax Clearance (from your home country’s tax authority—e.g., IRS, HMRC, CRA; some banks waive for new startups)
- ✓ Business plan or activity description (1–2 pages: what the company will do, projected turnover, key clients/suppliers)
- ✓ Proof of capital injection (bank statement or director’s personal account showing initial funding transfer)
- ✓ Bank reference letter from your home-country bank (optional but recommended; confirms your personal banking history)
Note: Banks may also request apostilled versions of some home-country documents (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable). Apostille must be obtained from your home-country authority before sending to the UAE. DBS will brief you on exactly which documents your chosen bank requires; banks’ standards shift in 2026, so always confirm requirements at the time of application.
Investor Visa & Residence Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
A UAE investor visa (also called a “business owner visa” or “freezone investor visa”) is issued by MOHRE and allows a foreign national to reside and work in the UAE as a company shareholder or director. Eligibility typically requires:
- ≥ 51% ownership (or full ownership, depending on activity) of a UAE-registered company
- Paid-up capital or investment ≥ AED 250,000 (or free-zone minimum, typically AED 100,000–AED 250,000)
- Clean personal criminal record (verified via home country’s police clearance or good-conduct certificate)
- Valid passport with ≥ 6 months’ remaining validity
- Proof of financial solvency (home-country bank statements, no minimum balance specified but banks typically expect ≥ USD 15,000–30,000 personal liquidity)
- Medical fitness (chest X-ray, blood test, & full medical exam at an authorized clinic, cost AED 500–1,500)
The investor visa is valid for 3 years and is renewable. Once you hold the visa, you can also sponsor family members (spouse, children up to age 25 if unmarried & dependent) on family visas, which simplifies relocation. DBS handles the entire visa application; MOHRE’s processing time is typically 3–7 working days from submission of complete documents.
Real Renewal Cost: Year 2 & Beyond
Many guides publish only the first-year cost and bury renewal expenses. Here’s what to budget from year 2 onwards:
- Licence renewal (annual): AED 7,000–20,000 (mainland) or AED 8,000–12,500 (free zone), depending on activity & emirate. Budget a 5–15% annual increase.
- Investor visa renewal (3-yearly): AED 2,500–4,500 per person. If you sponsor family, add AED 1,500–3,000 per dependent visa.
- Office/desk (annual): AED 2,400–9,600 (or renew your lease at market rates).
- Insurance (annual): AED 1,200–3,000 (may increase if claims history or inflation-adjusted).
- Banking fees & compliance: AED 500–2,000 (account maintenance, FATCA/CRS reporting, audit fees if VAT-registered).
- TOTAL ANNUAL RENEWAL (Year 2+): AED 13,600–32,600 (mainland) or AED 14,200–23,600 (free zone), excluding home-country tax-filing costs or accountancy fees.
Pro tip: Many owners underestimate year-2 costs because they assume licence + visa = total cost. In reality, office lease, insurance renewals, and bank maintenance stack up quickly. Always budget a 15–20% annual contingency for regulatory changes or CPI inflation on office & insurance premiums.
DBS Advantage: Free Itemised Quote + Direct Banking Answer
The gap between cheap headline prices and reality catches most entrepreneurs off guard. DBS exists to close that gap:
- Free fully-itemised cost breakdown in your own currency (USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, etc.), tailored to your business type, location, & visa requirements.
- Straight answer on banking: We’ll tell you exactly which banks accept your entity type & home country, and we’ll introduce you directly—no guessing.
- No hidden renewal costs: We show you year 1, year 2, & 3-yearly visa renewal in advance, so no surprises.
- Transparent FX: We convert at the real live rate on the day of quotation, not a guessed-up fixed rate.
- 3–7 day setup guarantee: We own the DET & MOHRE relationships & chase approvals daily.
→ Book a free consultation or chat with us on WhatsApp to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What is the real all-in first-year cost for PRO services & a UAE company setup?
Real all-in first-year cost ranges from AED 12,188–48,455 depending on entity type. Budget Ajman/SHAMS (AED 12,188–20,950) is cheapest; free zones (AED 20,000–29,900) are mid-range; mainland Dubai/Abu Dhabi (AED 27,500–48,455) is costliest. All-in means licence + visa + medical + Emirates ID + office + insurance. Always exclude home-country tax obligations & accountancy, which you must handle separately with a local adviser.
What is the cheapest legitimate option?
SHAMS free zone (Abu Dhabi) or Ajman offer headline licences from AED 4,888–5,750. Add investor visa (AED 3,500–7,500), office (AED 2,000–4,000), & insurance (AED 1,200–2,500) for an all-in cost of ~AED 12,188–20,950 in year 1. These are real companies with UAE passports & tax numbers; they are simply geographically restricted to import/export & specific activities. Not suitable for retail or local service delivery.
What does the headline licence price exclude?
Headline licence prices (e.g., ‘AED 5,000 licence!’) exclude investor visa, medical exam, Emirates ID, office/address, insurance, PRO clearance fees, & banking-setup support. They also ignore home-country tax filings, accountancy costs, VAT (if turnover > AED 375k), & any compliance or audit fees. These add AED 7,000–26,000+ to year 1. DBS breaks down every item so you see the real cost upfront.
What does licence renewal cost in year 2 & beyond?
Licence renewal (annual) costs AED 7,000–20,000 (mainland) or AED 8,000–12,500 (free zone). Investor visa renews every 3 years for AED 2,500–4,500. Office & insurance renew annually for a combined AED 3,600–12,600. Total annual renewal (year 2+) is approximately AED 13,600–32,600 on mainland or AED 14,200–23,600 in a free zone. Budget a 5–15% annual increase due to inflation & regulatory fee changes.
Does the investor visa cost include medical & Emirates ID?
Visa fees (AED 3,500–7,500) typically cover MOHRE visa processing & visa stamp. Medical exam (AED 500–1,500) & Emirates ID issuance (AED 300–600) are separate line items, totalling an additional AED 800–2,100. Full investor-visa package with medical & ID is therefore AED 4,300–9,600 per person. Some PRO packages bundle these; DBS itemises each cost so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
How long does setup really take?
Standard timeline is 3–7 working days for a complete setup (company + visa + Emirates ID) if all documents are in order & there is no MOHRE queue. Day 1–2: name approval & visa pre-screening. Day 3: licence issued & medical exam. Day 4–5: Emirates ID & visa stamping. Day 6–7: banking package ready. Delays occur if documents are incomplete or medical/visa appointment slots are full. DBS chases approvals daily & flags any slowdowns immediately.
Can I set up a UAE company if I am not a UAE resident?
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most activities (services, trading, e-commerce, consulting, etc.). You do not need to be a UAE resident beforehand. The investor visa is issued after company registration, allowing you to move to the UAE as a business owner & director. Some activities (retail, hospitality) may require a UAE national partner or limited sponsor role; DBS will advise on your specific sector. Visa eligibility requires a clean passport, proof of funds (AED 250,000+ investment), & medical clearance.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Talk to DBS on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free, fully itemised cost breakdown in your own currency — and a straight answer on banking and tax.
