I'm planning to start a small consulting and e-commerce business in the UAE. I'm considering Fujairah Free Zone because I want to keep my initial costs under control. How much should I realistically budget for company formation in 2026?
Hi Ryan,
I'm Shilpa, and Fujairah Free Zone can be an attractive option for entrepreneurs who want to start a UAE company without the higher costs associated with some of the premium free zones.
In 2026, a basic Fujairah Free Zone setup generally starts at around AED 12,000–AED 15,000 for a zero-visa package with a flexi-desk or virtual workspace. Once you add a residency visa, establishment card and related registration costs, a more realistic first-year budget is around AED 20,000–AED 25,000.
a
|
Cost Component |
Estimated Cost |
|
Trade License & Registration |
AED 5,000 – AED 15,000 |
|
Flexi-desk / Virtual Workspace |
AED 3,000 – AED 15,000/year |
|
Establishment Card & Immigration |
AED 1,500 – AED 2,500 |
|
Residence Visa |
AED 3,200 – AED 5,500 per person |
The exact cost depends on your business activity, workspace requirement and number of visas. A service or e-commerce company may have a different licensing cost from a general trading business.
What Should You Budget For?
If Ryan only needs a license and does not require UAE residency immediately, he could consider a zero-visa package, keeping the initial investment closer to the AED 12,000–AED 15,000 range.
If he needs a UAE residence visa, the budget should increase to approximately AED 20,000–AED 25,000 for the first year, depending on the package and additional government charges.
One important point is not to compare free zones solely on their advertised license price. Before choosing Fujairah Free Zone, ask for the complete first-year cost, including workspace, establishment card, visa, medical examination, Emirates ID and any activity-specific approvals.
That way, you can compare the actual cost of setting up and maintaining the company rather than just the headline license fee.
