I'm planning to establish a new company in Umm Al Quwain and want to understand the actual first-year budget. How much should I keep aside for the mainland licence, office and basic registrations?
Hi Taylor,
I'm Shreya, and Umm Al Quwain can be an economical option for entrepreneurs who want a UAE mainland company without the higher setup costs often associated with larger emirates.
For 2026, a new Umm Al Quwain mainland company typically costs around AED 10,000–AED 30,000 for the first year. The final amount depends on your business activity, office requirement and whether you need visas.
UAQ Mainland Licence Cost Breakdown
|
Cost Component |
Estimated Cost |
|
Trade Name & Initial Approval |
AED 1,000 – AED 2,500 |
|
Base Mainland Licence |
AED 4,000 – AED 12,000 |
|
Office / Lease Space |
AED 4,000 – AED 15,000+ per year |
|
Chamber & Establishment Card |
AED 1,500 – AED 3,500 combined |
|
Investor / Employee Visa |
AED 3,000 – AED 5,500 per person |
|
Medical & Emirates ID |
AED 700 – AED 1,500 per person |
The base licence fee varies according to whether you're applying for a professional, commercial or industrial activity. So, a small consultancy may have a lower setup cost than a trading or industrial company.
Another important expense is the office or approved local lease. Mainland businesses generally need appropriate premises, so the cost of your location should be included when calculating your actual first-year investment.
If you only needs a basic company with limited visa requirements, she may remain closer to the lower end of the AED 10,000–AED 30,000 range. Adding employees, visas, larger premises or activity-specific approvals can push the cost higher.
My advice is to first finalise your business activity and number of visas, then obtain a complete quotation covering the licence, office, registrations and immigration costs. This avoids underestimating your actual startup budget.
