Estimated Setup & Support Costs
Thanks for sharing. Here’s an indicative cost estimate for setting up and supporting your UAE Free Zone business. Final pricing will depend on your chosen structure, activity, and jurisdiction.
Free Zone Trade License
Estimated Cost Range: AED 5,500 – AED 12,500 per year
What this includes:
- Trade license issuance within a UAE Free Zone
- Business activity registration
- A shared or dedicated workspace (package dependent)
What affects cost:
- Freezone selected – premium zones vs cost-efficient zones
- Number of business activities – single vs multiple activities
- Facility type – flexi-desk vs private office
- Authority fees & approvals – varies by jurisdiction
In practice:
Lower-cost options provide speed and flexibility. Higher-tier licenses offer stronger credibility, better facilities, and scalability.
Visa Processing
Estimated Cost Range: AED 4,999 – AED 5,999 per visa
What this includes:
- Entry permit, medical testing, Emirates ID
- Residency visa stamping
- Government processing & PRO support
What affects cost:
- Visa type – investor, employee, partner
- Medical & processing speed options
In practice:
Standard processing meets most needs. Expedited options reduce lead time but increase cost.
Bank Account Opening (Optional)
Estimated Cost Range: AED 1,500 – AED 10,000
What this includes:
- Bank selection guidance based on your business model
- Documentation preparation & submission support
- Coordination with banking partners
What affects cost:
- Business activity & risk profile
- Number of shareholders/structure complexity
- Bank requirements & compliance checks
In practice:
Structured preparation significantly improves success rates. However, approval is subject to the bank’s criteria.
Corporate Tax Registration (Optional)
Estimated Cost Range: AED 1,500 – AED 2,000
What this includes:
- Registration with the Federal Tax Authority
- Entity classification and compliance setup
What affects cost:
- Entity structure & ownership model
- Financial readiness and documentation
In practice:
All UAE businesses must register, regardless of profitability. Early compliance avoids penalties and operational disruption.
VAT Registration (Optional)
Estimated Cost Range: AED 1,500 – AED 2,000
What this includes:
- VAT eligibility assessment
- Registration with the Federal Tax Authority
- Documentation preparation & submission
What affects cost:
- Business turnover & structure complexity
- Availability and quality of financial records
In practice:
Registration is mandatory if annual taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000. Early registration can support input VAT recovery where applicable.
Outsourced HR Services (Optional)
Estimated Cost Range: Requirement-dependent
What this includes:
- Employment contracts aligned with UAE Labor Law
- HR documentation, policies, and compliance support
- Ongoing advisory and employee lifecycle management
What affects cost:
- Number of employees (headcount)
- Level of support required (eg, compliance vs advisory)
- Inclusion of HR systems and automation tools
In practice:
HR management is critical, even for small businesses. Expert advice, on demand, ensures compliance, strengthens operations, and enables sustainable growth.
AML Compliance Services (Optional)
Estimated Cost Range: AED 1,500 – AED 2,500
What this includes:
- AML applicability assessment (DNFBP &/or regulated activities)
- Policy & procedure setup
- GoAML registration & reporting support
What affects cost:
- Business activity (regulated vs non-regulated)
- Complexity of transactions & risk exposure
- Level of ongoing monitoring required
In practice:
AML reporting is mandatory for specific business types from day one. Structured setup reduces risk and protects bank relationships.
Next Step
One of our business setup advisors will be in touch shortly to provide expert guidance and answer any questions you may have.
Your free consultation will help you:
- Confirm the right license and visa structure
- Refine your cost model
- Avoid common setup and compliance risks
- Accelerate your time to launch