Most founders who want to set up a business in the Middle East choose Dubai over other emirates. That’s because Dubai offers global access to Asia, Africa, and Europe, making it a perfect location for traders and individuals seeking logistics. The infrastructure of Dubai is on par with that of bigger countries, making it a hotbed for tech and IT firms. These reasons have positioned Dubai as a place where company formation seems easier than ever. But while the promise is clear, the process still feels overwhelming for many first-time founders: 

• Mainland or Free Zone? 

• Which license do I need? 

• Why do setup costs vary so much across different jurisdictions? 

• What does a realistic 2026 budget look like to start a business? 

If you are planning to start your own venture in Dubai, this blog is for you. Here, we will discuss everything you need to know about company formation in Dubai. Let’s start by understanding the Dubai company’s setup cost. 

The Actual Cost of Company Formation in Dubai  

Dubai company setup costs are divided into these components: 

1. Trade License Cost 

Trade license costs vary by jurisdiction. For mainland companies, Dubai company setup costs range between AED 15,000 and AED 35,000 or more, depending on your business activities. Meanwhile, for a free zone, it’s between AED 12,000 and AED 20,000. At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, you can get a trade license starting from AED 12,500.  

2. Office Space 

Office requirements differ significantly between the mainland and free zones. You need a physical office space in the mainland, which can increase overall setup costs. Meanwhile, free zones offer flexible workspace options, such as flexi-desks (co-working spaces) and virtual offices. 

3. Visa Costs 

Visa expenses depend on the number of investors and employees you plan to onboard. At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, employee visas start at AED 3500 and investor, or partner visas start at AED 4000, which covers the medical certificate (if required), Emirates ID, and employment card.

Dubai Business License Types (Explained Clearly) 

Dubai issues many trade licenses. Commercial, professional, industrial, and general trade licenses are some of Dubai’s business license types. Let’s have a quick summary of these license types:  

1. Commercial License for trading, import/export, wholesale, retail, and general trading. 

2. Professional License for consulting, marketing, HR advisory, IT services, education, media, design, and coaching. 

3. Industrial License for manufacturing, packaging, processing, logistics, and assembly. 

4. Tourism License for travel agencies, tour operators, events, hospitality services. 

To know more about business licenses in Dubai, check out our blog: Different Types of Trade Licenses in Dubai. 

How to Start a Business in Dubai in 2026 

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on company formation in Dubai, however, the order of steps may differ between licensing authorities: 

• Step 1: Select Your Business Activities 

When applying for a business license in Dubai, you must choose the specific activities your company intends to carry out. These activities determine what your business is legally authorised to do and form the foundation of your license. Selecting the correct business activities is essential not only for compliance with UAE regulations but also for building credibility, easing the bank account-opening process, and avoiding delays in approvals.  

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers more than 3,500 business activities for startups, small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and companies expanding their presence in the UAE. Click here to learn more about the business activities we offer at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone.

• Step 2: Choose Between Mainland or Free Zone 

Your choice of jurisdiction in Dubai depends largely on the business activities you plan to carry out. If your priority is a streamlined, cost-efficient business setup, a free zone is often the best fit. Many Dubai free zones offer trade licenses starting at around AED 12,500, making them ideal for startups, freelancers, and SMEs. However, if your activities involve trading directly within the UAE market or across multiple regions, a mainland setup may be more suitable, as it allows unrestricted commercial operations throughout the country.

• Step 3: Apply for Your Business License  

Once you have finalised your business activities and chosen the right jurisdiction, the next step is to apply for your business license. If you’re setting up on the mainland, your application will be processed through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). For free zone companies, the licensing process is handled directly by the respective free zone authority.

At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, you can choose from more than 3,500 business activities, and the entire process can be completed digitally. All you need is a valid passport copy to start. Once your documents are verified and no third-party approvals are required, your trade license can be issued within 1 day.

• Step 4: Reserve Your Trade Name

Choosing the right company name is one of the first steps in setting up your business in Dubai. All business names in Dubai must be unique and approved by the relevant authorities. At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, our Company Name Check Tool helps companies confirm whether their preferred name is available and meets UAE naming guidelines.

• Step 5: Secure Office Space

The next step in company formation in Dubai is to secure office space. You can choose between a physical space, virtual office, or a flexi-desk option. Mainland companies must secure a physical office with an Ejari-registered lease. On the other hand, free zones offer more flexibility, allowing businesses to choose between flexi-desks and dedicated office spaces. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers flexi-desk options for businesses.

• Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Opening a corporate bank account is essential for compliance and smooth company operations in the UAE.  You cannot use a personal bank account to manage business transactions, as your company is considered a separate legal entity, and its finances must be kept distinct from your own. Mixing personal and business funds can also create complications during tax assessments. A corporate bank account is also necessary for the mandatory Corporate Tax registration.

• Step 7: Register for Corporate Tax

All businesses operating in the UAE are required to register for corporate tax, regardless of their jurisdiction or annual revenue. Corporate tax applies based on your taxable profits for the financial year.

• If your taxable profits are below AED 375,000, you will pay 0% corporate tax. 

• If your taxable profits exceed AED 375,000, a 9% corporate tax will apply to the amount above that threshold.

However, certain types of income are exempted from corporate tax:

• Dividend income earned by a company from its qualifying shareholdings 

• Capital gains 

• Profits generated from the approved group restructuring

• Income from intra-group transactions 

These exemptions ensure that corporate tax applies only to business profits, while personal income and qualifying investment returns remain unaffected.

• Step 8: VAT Registration

Businesses in the UAE must register for VAT once their taxable revenue exceeds AED 375,000 within 12 months. Companies with VAT-applicable expenses between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000 may choose to register voluntarily. You can register for VAT by visiting the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and downloading the VAT registration form.

Conclusion

Dubai’s openness, infrastructure, tax benefits, and global positioning make it one of the best business destinations in the world. But the clarity that businesses need doesn’t come from generic information. It comes from understanding what each jurisdiction offers, what each license means, and what each cost component really accounts for. With this blog, we have covered the costs, steps of setting up a business in Dubai, and more. 

For companies looking for a fast, simple, and cost-effective way to start a business in Dubai, choose Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. We provide one of the most streamlined setup experiences. Just choose your business activities, reserve your trade name, use the cost calculator to understand your fees,make the payment, submit your documents, complete identity verification, and your business license can be issued within 1 day. For more information, you can book a free consultation with our experts. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. How much does it cost to start a company in Dubai in 2026? 

Company formation costs in Dubai vary based on your chosen jurisdiction, business activity, and visa requirements. But the cost typically ranges between AED 12,500 and AED 35,000 or more.  

2. What is the cheapest free zone in Dubai for company formation? 

Many affordable free zones offer licenses starting around AED 10,000–AED 15,000. 
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone remains one of the most cost-effective options with licenses starting from AED 12,500, offering 100% ownership, a Flexi-desk, and over 3,500 business activities to choose from - all through a streamlined digital setup process. 

3. Which license is best for my business - commercial, professional, or industrial?

The right license depends on the nature of your business:

• Commercial License is ideal for trading, import/export, and retail activities.

• Professional License is best suited for service-based businesses such as consultancy, design, marketing, and IT.

• Industrial License is required for manufacturing, production, and industrial operations. 

4. What documents are required to open a company in Dubai?

Documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction, but most free zones keep the process simple. Generally, you will need:

• A passport copy of the shareholder(s)

• A trade name for reservation

• Basic contact details 

• A passport-size photograph (for some jurisdictions) 

At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, you just need a passport to get started.  

5. Can I set up a Dubai business from outside the UAE?

Yes. Many free zones, including Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, offer a fully remote setup process. You can complete your application, submit documents, and receive your license digitally.  

6. How long does the company formation process take in Dubai? 

It takes 1 to 15 days, or more, to start a business in Dubai. This is dependent on the nature of your business, third-party approvals (if applicable), and additional services rendered.

7. Do all Dubai companies need a corporate bank account? 

Yes, every Dubai business must open a corporate bank account to manage transactions, receive payments, remain compliant, and file for corporate tax under UAE regulations.