Hi, I'm Lorenzo from Malta. I'm planning to register a mainland company in Dubai, but I'm struggling to understand the actual setup costs. Could you give me a breakdown of the first-year expenses?
Hi Lorenzo,
This is one of the first questions almost every entrepreneur asks before starting a business in Dubai. The total investment depends on factors such as your business activity, office requirements, visa allocation, and whether your business needs approvals from additional government authorities.
As a general estimate, the first-year cost of a Dubai mainland company formation usually ranges between AED 25,000 and AED 60,000+.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
|
Expense |
Estimated Cost (AED) |
|
Trade Name Reservation |
AED 620 – AED 2,000 |
|
Initial Approval |
AED 150 – AED 500 |
|
Commercial / Trading License |
AED 10,000 – AED 20,000 |
|
Professional License |
AED 10,000 – AED 18,000 |
|
Industrial License |
AED 15,000 – AED 25,000+ |
|
Office Space (Ejari Registered) |
AED 5,000 – AED 50,000+ per year |
|
Residence Visa (Per Person) |
AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 |
|
MOA Drafting & Notarization |
AED 1,000 – AED 3,000 |
|
External Government Approvals (If Applicable) |
AED 1,000 – AED 10,000+ |
What Influences the Final Cost?
The total investment varies based on several factors, including:
- The type of business activity you select.
- Whether you need a commercial, professional, or industrial licence.
- The size and location of your office.
- The number of investor or employee visas you require.
- Whether your business needs approvals from authorities such as Dubai Municipality, DHA, RTA, or other regulators.
The figures above are approximate estimates intended to help you plan your budget. The exact government fees and setup costs can vary depending on your business activity, licensing authority requirements, and current regulations.
If you'd like an accurate quotation based on your business activity and visa requirements, feel free to get in touch with me. I'd be happy to help you calculate the exact setup cost before you begin your company formation.
