Hi Erik,

I'm Shreya Garg from DhanGuard. DMCC Free Zone can be an option for entrepreneurs planning to establish a consultancy or other permitted business in Dubai. The total DMCC free zone business setup cost with visa depends on your selected package, business activities, workspace, visa requirements and any additional services.

Let's look at the available package options and the expenses you should confirm before applying.

1. What Is the DMCC Free Zone Business Setup Cost with Visa?

DMCC offers different packages for entrepreneurs and businesses. Its published package options include the Basic Biz Package and Jump Start Package.

The Jump Start Package is worth considering if you want a company licence and one residence visa under a bundled package. The Basic Biz Package may suit entrepreneurs who want a lower initial package price and are prepared to check visa costs separately.

Note: These are published package prices and may change under DMCC's terms and conditions. Confirm the selected package's current availability, visa inclusions, medical testing, Emirates ID processing, workspace and any additional charges before making a payment.

2. Can You Get a Company Licence and Investor Visa Together?

Yes, DMCC offers packages that include a UAE residence visa. However, the exact visa category and eligibility depend on the company's arrangements and the applicant's circumstances.

If you own the company and intend to reside in Dubai, ask DMCC to confirm the appropriate owner or investor-related residence visa route for your application.

The following expenses should be checked before you finalise your budget:

• Company licence and registration.
• Establishment card and immigration-related services.
• Residence visa processing.
• Medical fitness examination.
• Emirates ID application.
• Health insurance, where applicable.
• Any refundable deposit or additional service fee.

Note: A package advertised as including one residence visa may have specific inclusions and conditions. Confirm in writing whether medical testing, Emirates ID, insurance and all visa-related processing charges are covered or billed separately. Visa issuance remains subject to the relevant authorities' approval.

3. Is the Establishment Card Included?

The establishment card is an important part of the company's immigration arrangements. DMCC's published standard charges list an annual establishment card fee of AED 1,825, although package inclusions can differ.

These standard fees are provided for comparison and are not an additional bill to be added automatically to a bundled package.

Note: DMCC package prices may already include registration, the licence and the establishment card. Check the itemised package quotation to avoid counting the same expense twice. Additional activities, services or changes to your company structure may incur extra charges.

4. How Long Does the Company Licence and Visa Process Take?

The timeline depends on the completeness of your documents, the selected business activity, DMCC's review and the processing of your residence visa.

Note: These stages do not have one guaranteed combined completion period. Company incorporation and visa processing are separate steps, and actual timelines may vary. Obtain an estimated schedule from DMCC based on your application and current processing conditions before making relocation arrangements.

5. Can You Apply for Your Family's Residence Visas?

You may be able to sponsor eligible family members after obtaining the appropriate UAE residence status, provided you meet the applicable sponsorship requirements.

Requirements may include:

• Valid UAE residence status.
• Proof of family relationship, such as attested marriage or birth certificates where required.
• Suitable accommodation and proof of address.
• Meeting the applicable income or other sponsorship criteria.
• Medical testing and Emirates ID procedures for eligible family members.

Family sponsorship is separate from the company setup package, so you should budget for these additional applications.

Note: Family residence visas are not automatically included when a company package provides one visa for the business owner. Eligibility, documentation and fees depend on the applicable immigration rules and the family members being sponsored. Confirm the current requirements before submitting applications.

6. Which DMCC Package Should You Consider?

For your consulting business, the Jump Start Package may be worth comparing first because it includes one UAE residence visa and a standard flexi-desk option.

Before selecting it, ask for an itemised quotation covering the following:

• Company registration and licence.
• One residence visa and its exact inclusions.
• Establishment card.
• Medical fitness and Emirates ID charges.
• Workspace and any refundable deposits.
• Annual licence and workspace renewal.
• Additional costs for family sponsorship, if required.

You can also review DhanGuard's free zone company formation services in Dubai to understand your available setup options.

Best regards,
Shreya Garg
DhanGuard Consultancy
Dubai, UAE