Dubai serves as an international hub for entrepreneurs and businesses, and it offers unique opportunities for business growth. Over the years, the Emirate has transformed its economy, gaining a reputation for its business landscape. The World Bank’s most recent Ease of Doing Business Index ranked the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai as its commercial hub) 16th out of 190 nations. This shows that there have been big improvements in areas like starting a business, protecting investors, trading across borders, and enforcing faster contracts.
Today, starting a business depends on the type established, the visas allocated, and the choice of a free zone setup partner. The cost of opening a company in Dubai typically starts around AED 12,500 and varies based on your company structure. While the licensing fee is easy to get, it is the added operational charges that often go unnoticed. These may include government approvals, visa fees, and corporate support services.
Dubai South Business Hub provides a clear cost model, putting an end to common misconceptions. You can use our cost calculator to estimate the total cost of starting a business in Dubai while creating a budget. Let us explore a complete breakdown of company formation costs and how to make the most informed choice when starting your business in Dubai.
Have a business idea?
There are several government and administrative steps involved in starting a business. This is what to expect:
| Step | Cost Range (AED) | Timeframe |
| Expert Advisory | Included | Day 1 |
| Application & Payment | AED 12,500 onwards | Same day |
| Online ID Verification | Included | Within hours |
| License Issuance | Included | Within 2 hours |
Different company structures affect your licensing and visa costs. Here’s a quick overview of an approximate Dubai license cost for new company:
Business license fees are expected to remain consistent across free zones with adjustments based on added services when a business scales. Dubai South Business Hub offers transparent pricing with no surprise increases during renewal.
These additional costs often catch first-time founders off-guard:
Dubai South Business Hub offers smart savings through:
While some providers promise ultra-low fees, they often come with limited support, legal exclusions, or no visa eligibility. Dubai South Business Hub balances affordability with structure and compliance, ensuring long-term viability.
Every venture is different. To get an accurate estimate, use our Cost Calculator. Most startups spend between AED 12,500 and AED 25,000 based on structure, visas, and services.
Ready to begin?
In Dubai, setting up a business is straightforward with no hidden costs. Entrepreneurs at Dubai South Business Hub can make informed decisions since they have access to a standardised, completely transparent cost model. You can focus on establishing your business with confidence and oversight since you have access to expert guidance, built-in support services, and flexible licensing solutions.
The average cost of a license is AED 12,500 depending on the business structure and visa needs.
Yes, such as visa deposits, insurance, and attestation fees. Dubai South Business Hub provides advisory services offering transparency on pricing.
The business license, Emirates ID support, advisory services, PRO services, and e-channel registration are included within your setup cost.
No, there is no paid-up capital requirement at Dubai South Business Hub.
Use the Dubai South Business Hub Cost Calculator to get a clear estimate for your company setup in Dubai.
Yes, the cost of the license depends on the activity group and visa requirements.
Yes, the full process can be completed online with remote support.
Reliability, full-service support, and long-term operational readiness.
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