How Much Does it Cost to Set Up a Company In Dubai?

Are you thinking of starting a business in Dubai? Before beginning the process of setting up your company, you have to choose which free zone you want to set up your business in, and that may come as quite a challenge given that there are close to 30 free zones in Dubai.

With such an abundance of free zones, the most frequently asked question we get at DMCC is: ‘How different are the company set up costs between the different free zones in Dubai?’ This, of course, is a key determinant of choosing which free zone to set up your company.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how much it will cost to set up and run your business in Dubai by breaking down the expected expenditure before or after your company is set up.

Four biggest fees incurred with Dubai business set up

1. Company registration fee

The company registration fee is a one-time payment to the free zone authority at the early stages of registering your company. The exact fee will be determined according to the company’s legal structure, and of course, the chosen free zone. The costs for registering a company with DMCC starts at AED 9,000.

2. Licence fee

When operating in one of Dubai’s free zones, one of the critical steps is to choose your business licence. The three most popular business licence types are for trading, services and industrial sectors. Unlike the company registration fee, licence fees are a recurring cost, and can cost around AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 per year.

3. Office Fee

Renting an office space in Dubai is a prerequisite to getting your business licence. Each free zone in Dubai offers a variety of desk spaces to fit your business needs, including serviced, smart, and flexi-desks – which will typically cost around AED 15,000 to AED 20,000.

At DMCC, we have a wide range of office solutions perfect for new businesses and start-ups. Located in the vibrant community of Jumeirah Lakes Towers, DMCC offers flexi- and serviced desks, co-working spaces, and business centres equipped with a selection of facilities to help set up and expand your business in Dubai. Other office solutions include Almas Tower, Jewellery and Gemplex, and Uptown Tower, first of two supertall structures in DMCC’s Uptown Dubai district,

4. Share capital

The minimum share capital amount differs significantly for each free zone and can range from as little as AED 1,000 to as much as AED 1,000,000 depending on the business activities and licences. Generally speaking, the average share capital requirement for free zones in Dubai is set at AED 50,000.

Business set-up costs at DMCC 

DMCC offers a variety of business setup packages tailored to meet the needs of companies of all sizes and industries. Whether you are a startup, a growing business, or an established enterprise, DMCC provides comprehensive packages that cater to your specific requirements. Below is a summary of the primary costs involved in setting up a business at DMCC, along with a list of available packages:

Company setup packages pricing

Source

Company setup standard pricing

Source

Industry-specific packages pricing

Industry-specific (ecosystem) packages are applicable to specific industries businesses operate in. The packages are applicable for first time sign-ups, and last for a year.

Source

Freelance packages pricing

Freelance packages starting as low as AED 4,000, designed for freelancers working as influencers, designers, Web3 consultants, and more.

Source

Comparing Business Set-Up Costs: DMCC Against Other Dubai Free Zones

The cost to set up your company in DMCC Dubai is comparatively high compared to other free zones in Dubai; however, the value-added services and business support provided to member companies has established DMCC as one of the leading free zones in the world.

Over the years, DMCC has worked hard to create a seamless company set up process, making it easy and fast for businesses to set up their presence in Dubai. It only takes a matter of 2-4 weeks for your company to be fully up and running, of which, half the process can be done remotely.

The range of business opportunities DMCC offers is expansive, encompassing over 900 distinct business activities across 20 sectors. As a recognised global hub for business, trade, and commerce, DMCC hosts over 25,000 companies, including start-ups and multinational corporations. DMCC is a major contributor to Dubai's economy, accounting for 15% of its FDI. It has proven to be one of the world’s most interconnected business districts, known for its smart, sustainable, and vibrant environment that features world-class offices, residential, leisure, and retail facilities, serving over 100,000 professionals, residents, and visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it easy to set up a business in Dubai?
Yes, setting up a business in Dubai is relatively straightforward, especially with the help of experienced business setup consultants. The process can be streamlined and efficient, particularly in free zones like DMCC.

2. What are the steps to set up a business in DMCC?
The steps include choosing your business activity, selecting a company name, applying for a business licence, finding office space, and registering with the relevant authorities. DMCC provides comprehensive support throughout this process.

3. How long does it take to set up a business in DMCC?
Typically, it takes between 2-4 weeks to fully set up a business in DMCC, with several steps that can be completed remotely.

4. What is the cost of a business licence in DMCC?
The cost of a business licence in DMCC ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 per year, depending on the type of licence and business activity.

5. Can I get a visa for my employees through DMCC?
Yes, DMCC provides visa services for business owners and their employees. The number of visas you can apply for depends on the size of your office space and the type of business licence.

6. Are there any specific legal requirements for setting up a business in DMCC?
Yes, businesses must comply with UAE laws and DMCC regulations, which include obtaining necessary approvals, meeting share capital requirements, and adhering to specific business activity guidelines.