What Is the Real Dubai Free Zone Company Setup Cost - and What Does It Take to Start Your Business in Dubai?
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If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to make sense of all the conflicting information online about setting up a business in Dubai. And you’re not alone. At GenZone, we’ve helped over 700 entrepreneurs and business owners (see our Google Reviews) establish their companies in Dubai – so we’ve seen the confusion, misinformation, and price discrepancies first-hand.
Some people are quoted as low as AED 6,000. Others hear numbers like AED 30,000 or even more. The result? Overwhelm, hesitation, and a lot of mistrust. That’s why this guide exists—to clear the air, break down actual government fees, and explain the real costs of business setup in Dubai with no fluff.
Why Only Dubai?
Let’s start with a quick note: GenZone only works with free zones in Dubai, not other Emirates. Why? While the other Emirates (like Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, or Sharjah) can offer cheaper setups, they also come with hidden complexities, stricter banking limitations, and customer service that often falls short. GenZone is focused on long-term value, quality, and reliability—and that’s what Dubai delivers.
1. Free Zone License – The Foundation of Every Company
The business license is the legal document that allows you to operate in Dubai. There are dozens of free zones, and each has slightly different pricing and offerings. However, on average:
Zero Visa License (no visa allocation):
AED 12,900 (~USD $3,500–$4,000) – This is ideal for investors who already have a Golden Visa or property-based residence and don’t need an additional visa through the business.
License with 1 Visa Allocation:
AED 14,900 (~USD $4,100–$4,200) – This allows the business owner to sponsor themselves or one employee with a visa.
Need more visa allocations? Each additional one typically adds:
AED 2,000 (~USD $545)
💡 Important: More visa allocations often require proof of a larger physical office space or “Flexi desk,” depending on the free zone.
2. Visa Costs – Getting That Emirates ID
Once a visa allocation is added, the next step is processing the visa itself. This involves several steps like:
Entry permit
Medical test
Emirates ID biometrics
Visa stamping
Total Cost Per Visa (Standard Processing):
AED 3,750 (~USD $1,000)
This is a one-time cost per visa holder.
3. Immigration Card (Establishment Card)
Every company must have a valid Establishment Card, also known as an Immigration Card. This is what allows the company to sponsor employees or business owners.
Cost: AED 2,000 (~USD $545)
This is a mandatory requirement for every company with visa allocations.
4. Medical & Biometrics – Standard vs. VVIP
Most companies don’t talk about this, but it’s a key part of the timeline. In Dubai, every visa holder must undergo a medical test and biometric scan before the Emirates ID is issued.
At GenZone, we offer three levels of service, but 99% of our clients choose VVIP for a reason.
Options:
Standard: Takes up to 10–14 days (not recommended)
VIP: Faster medical, but biometric appointment is delayed by 3–5 days
VVIP (GenZone exclusive): Both done same day
✅ GenZone provides VVIP processing for AED 3,500 (~USD $800).
This saves you multiple days of hotel stays and reduces downtime.
5. Business Bank Account & Personal Account Setup
Banking in the UAE isn’t as simple as walking into a branch. Your profile needs to be structured the right way, your documents must be presented professionally, and the right bank must be selected based on your nationality and business activity.
At GenZone, we help with:
Personal account setup
Business bank account opening
✅ Combined service: USD $500
Many companies charge $1,000 or more for the same. GenZone delivers high approval rates with transparent pricing.
6. GenZone’s Transparent Service Fee
Setting up a business in Dubai is not just about paperwork—it’s about knowing which free zone suits your case, optimizing visa allocations, handling government liaisons, and doing it all without costly mistakes.
GenZone charges a one-time service fee of USD $2,500 for:
Complete company setup consultation
Free zone selection
Visa handling & coordination
Medical & biometric scheduling
Government documentation & follow-ups
Bank account opening
Ongoing support during setup
✅ No renewal service fee
Many agencies lock you into hidden contracts and charge $2,000+ every year just to renew. GenZone does not. You only pay government renewal fees unless you choose to retain our support voluntarily.
So, What’s the Final Cost to Set Up a Company?
To have a clear idea about the Dubai business setup price is very important before starting your company. The setup costs can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of license, the number of visas, and additional services. Here’s a real-world breakdown of typical packages:
Package 1: Solo Founder – 1 Visa
Free zone license with 1 visa allocation: AED 14,900
Visa processing: AED 3,750
Establishment card: AED 2,000
Medical & biometrics (VVIP): AED 3,500
Bank setup: USD $500
GenZone service fee: USD $2,500
✅ Total all-in: ~USD $9,000
Package 2: Founder + 1 Business Partner (2 Visas)
License with 2 allocations: AED 16,900
2 x Visa processing: AED 7,500
Establishment card: AED 2,000
2 x VVIP medicals: AED 7,000
Bank setup: USD $500
GenZone service fee: USD $2,500
✅ Total all-in: ~USD $11,000
Every additional person adds approximately:
AED 3,750 (visa)
AED 3,500 (medical)
AED 2,000 (allocation)
Why So Many People Get Quoted Lower Prices
It’s not uncommon to see agencies advertise prices like AED 5,000–7,000 for company setup. But what they don’t tell you is:
It’s a zero visa license (not usable if you need an Emirates ID)
Medicals, biometrics, and visa costs are not included
Hidden renewal management fees come later
They use other Emirates with restricted banking access
Your company may be blacklisted from top banks
GenZone focuses exclusively on Dubai free zones to give you access to better services, banking, and long-term scalability.
Why Work with GenZone?
700+ companies set up successfully
10+ Emirates IDs delivered daily
100% transparency in pricing
0 hidden fees or forced contracts
5-star Google & Trustpilot reviews
Dedicated consultants & chartered accountants
No renewal surprises
We treat every client like a long-term partner, not a one-time transaction.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is one of the world’s best destinations to launch and grow a business—but only if it’s done right. Setting up a company here gives you access to:
Tax residency
World-class banking
Global reach
No corporate or income taxes (if structured properly)
But a poorly set-up company can cost you thousands and months of wasted time. That’s why GenZone exists—to make sure your setup is clean, legal, strategic, and long-term.
FAQs
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1. How much does it cost to start a business in Dubai?
For a complete setup with residence visa, expect a price of $8,000 to $12,000. This includes license, visa processing, medical tests, and banking setup. Cheaper quotes usually exclude essential items like visas or medical requirements.
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2. Do I need to visit Dubai to set up my company?
Yes, you need to visit Dubai at least once for medical tests, biometrics, and Emirates ID. The process typically takes 3-7 days depending on which service level you choose.
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3. Are there yearly fees after setting up?
Yes, you'll pay government renewal fees of approximately AED 15,000-20,000 ($4,000-$5,500) annually to maintain your license. Visa renewals happen every 2-3 years and cost around AED 3,750 per person.
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4. Can I get a bank account with my Dubai company?
Yes, but banking approval isn't guaranteed and depends on your nationality, business activity, and initial deposit. Professional assistance significantly improves your chances of approval.
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5. What's the minimum amount I need to invest?
There's no minimum capital requirement for most free zone licenses, but banks typically require initial deposits of $3,000-$10,000 depending on the bank and your profile.
A real estate, company formation, and taxation expert who has secured multiple properties, residencies, and passports across borders. After relocating from Canada to Dubai, Kevin McKenzie co-founded GenZone with Shayan Nasiri to help entrepreneurs and professionals navigate residency, banking, taxation, and global mobility.