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.
What are the main fees for setting up a business in Dubai?
1. Company registration fee: From AED 9,000
The Company Registration Fee is a one-time payment to the free zone authority. The exact fee will be determined according to the company’s legal structure.
2. Business licence fee: AED 10,000 – AED 50,000 per year
The Business Licence Fee is a recurring annual cost required to legally operate. Unlike the one-time registration fee, this amount is paid yearly and depends on whether you hold a Service, Trading, or Industrial licence.
3. Office fee: AED 15,000 – AED 20,000 per year
A physical office is a prerequisite to setting up your business in Dubai. Most startups choose a Flexi-desk package, which is the most cost-effective option compared to full physical offices.
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: Average of AED 50,000 (Refundable)
Share Capital is the funds you must invest to demonstrate financial standing. While some free zones have no requirement (AED 0), the standard for a credible Dubai free zone entity is typically AED 50,000, which is refundable or usable for business expenses after setup.
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. 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
|
Setup package |
Price |
Package Duration |
|
Basic Biz Package Suitable for company applicants with an individual shareholder, and a maximum 3 business activities from the same activity group. |
AED 35,484 |
1 year |
|
Jump Start Package - Standard Flexi Desk Suitable for startups, SMEs. |
AED 43,780 |
1 year |
|
AED 81,881 |
2 years |
|
|
AED 120,000 |
3 years |
|
|
Jump Start Package (Co-working Space) Suitable for startups, SMEs and international companies. |
AED 49,941 |
1 year |
|
Prime Plus Package Tailored for medium to large enterprises. |
AED 40,145 |
1 year |
Company setup standard pricing
|
Setup particulars |
Price |
|
Application |
AED 1,035 per application |
|
Registration |
AED 9,020 per application |
|
Articles of Association (AoA) |
AED 2,020 per application |
|
Licence |
AED 20,285 per year |
|
Establishment Card |
AED 1,825 per year |
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.
|
Ecosystem package |
Price |
|
DMCC Crypto Centre Package |
AED 31,000 |
|
DMCC Gaming Centre Package |
AED 31,000 |
|
DMCC AI Centre Package |
AED 31,000 |
|
Nook Package |
AED 10,345 |
|
AstroLabs Package |
AED 1,925 |
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. The company setup process is 100% digital, meaning you can complete every step remotely, from anywhere in the world, without needing to visit Dubai in person. From submitting your application to receiving your e-licence, the entire process takes just 2–3 weeks.
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 26,000 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.
For the full list of services and charges offered by DMCC, view the schedule of charges here.
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