Quick answer: Dubai company setup packages in 2026 typically range from around AED 12,500 to AED 30,000 for freezone formations and AED 18,000 to AED 45,000 for mainland companies, depending on your activity, visa quota, and office requirement. All-inclusive packages usually bundle the trade licence, registration, and one or more visa allocations into a single fixed price so you avoid surprise government fees along the way.
Key takeaways
- A "Dubai company setup package" is a fixed-price bundle covering your licence, registration, and often visas — priced from roughly AED 12,500 (freezone) or AED 18,000 (mainland).
- Freezone packages are cheaper and 100% foreign-owned; mainland packages give you full UAE market access and unlimited visa scaling.
- Always confirm whether the quote includes the establishment card, e-channel/immigration deposit, and medical + Emirates ID visa costs.
- Cheap "zero-visa" packages exist but limit your ability to sponsor staff or family later.
- Budget for renewal from year two — most packages are first-year deals.
Choosing between the many Dubai company setup packages on the market is where most new entrepreneurs get stuck, because a headline "from AED 5,750" figure rarely reflects what you actually pay to trade and get a visa. This guide breaks down real 2026 pricing for both freezone and mainland options, explains exactly what a genuine all-inclusive package should contain, and shows you where the hidden costs hide.
What is a Dubai company setup package?
A Dubai company setup package is a fixed-price bundle that combines your trade licence, company registration, and often a set number of residence visas into one quoted fee, so you know your total upfront cost instead of paying each government fee separately.
The value of a package is predictability. Instead of juggling a name reservation fee here, an initial approval fee there, and immigration deposits later, a reputable consultancy quotes you one number. The trade-off is that packages are tiered — you pick a level based on how many visas you need and whether you require a physical office or a flexi-desk. Understanding those tiers is the key to not overpaying for capacity you won't use, or underbuying and getting stuck later.
How much do Dubai company setup packages cost in 2026?
Most freezone packages in 2026 sit between AED 12,500 and AED 30,000, while mainland packages typically run from AED 18,000 to AED 45,000 once a visa allocation is included. The exact figure depends on jurisdiction, business activity, number of visas, and office type.
Here is a realistic comparison of common 2026 package tiers:
| Package type | Typical 2026 price (AED) | Visas included | Office | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freezone – zero visa | 12,500 – 16,000 | 0 | Digital/flexi | Freelancers, holding, side businesses |
| Freezone – 1–2 visa | 17,000 – 24,000 | 1–2 | Flexi-desk | Solo founders, small consultancies |
| Freezone – premium | 25,000 – 40,000 | 3–6 | Dedicated desk/office | Growing SMEs, e-commerce |
| Mainland – standard | 18,000 – 28,000 | 1–2 | Flexi/Ejari | Retail, services, local clients |
| Mainland – full office | 30,000 – 45,000+ | 3+ | Physical office | Restaurants, agencies, scaling teams |
These ranges exclude activity-specific approvals (for example, medical, financial, or food licences) and larger visa volumes. For a deeper cost breakdown across both routes, see our guide on the cost of starting a business in Dubai in 2026. If you want to model your own numbers, our cost calculator gives an instant estimate.
What's actually included in an all-inclusive package?
A genuine all-inclusive package covers the licence, company registration documents, and your visa channel setup — but you must confirm each line item, because the word "inclusive" is used loosely across the industry.
A complete freezone or mainland company formation package should include:
- Trade licence issued by the freezone authority or Department of Economy
- Certificate of incorporation / commercial registration
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) where applicable
- Establishment (immigration) card — required before any visa
- E-channel / immigration registration deposit
- Name reservation and initial approval fees
- Flexi-desk or office lease (Ejari for mainland)
- Per-visa costs: entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID, visa stamping
The most common gap is the visa itself. Many advertised prices are for the licence only, then add roughly AED 3,500–6,500 per visa on top. Always ask: "Is this the licence-only price, or does it include one visa fully stamped?" A trustworthy quote states this in writing. Our visa services team handles investor, employment, and family visas end-to-end so nothing is left to a surprise second invoice.
Freezone vs mainland packages: which should you choose?
Choose a freezone package if you want the lowest entry cost with 100% ownership and mostly serve international or online clients; choose a mainland package if you need to trade directly with the UAE market, take government contracts, or scale visa numbers without limits.
Freezones like IFZA, Meydan Free Zone, and SPC Free Zone offer competitive bundled pricing and fast digital setup. Mainland, licensed through the Department of Economy, historically required a local partner for many activities, but most commercial and professional activities now allow full foreign ownership — removing the old reason people avoided it.
The practical decision usually comes down to your customers and your visa plans. A freezone flexi-desk caps how many visas you can hold (often 1–6), while mainland scales with office size. For a full side-by-side breakdown of both structures, read our detailed comparison of mainland vs freezone. If cost is your single biggest constraint, our roundup of the cheapest freezone licence in the UAE shows where the genuine value sits.
How to choose and buy a Dubai company setup package: step by step
Follow a structured process so you buy the right tier the first time rather than upgrading mid-way, which is more expensive.
- Define your business activity. Your licensed activity determines which authorities must approve it and whether it's professional, commercial, or industrial. Some activities carry extra approval fees.
- Decide your visa count. Count yourself plus any staff or family you'll sponsor in year one. This is the single biggest price driver.
- Pick freezone or mainland. Match this to your customer base — UAE-facing clients usually point to mainland; international/online to freezone.
- Choose the jurisdiction. Compare authorities such as RAKEZ, Shams Sharjah, or a Dubai freezone on price, prestige, and visa allowance.
- Get the full written quote. Confirm licence, establishment card, immigration deposit, and per-visa costs are itemised.
- Submit documents and pay. Once approved, the licence is typically issued in 3–10 working days depending on jurisdiction.
- Complete visa and banking. Apply for residence visas, then open your account — our guide to opening a UAE business bank account explains what banks require.
Document checklist for your application
Have these ready before you apply to avoid delays:
- Passport copy (valid 6+ months) for each shareholder and visa applicant
- Passport-size photo with white background
- Emirates ID / residence visa copy if you're already in the UAE
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Business plan or activity description (some activities only)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you hold a current UAE employment visa
- Tenancy contract / Ejari for mainland physical office
What ongoing costs come after year one?
Beyond the setup package, budget for annual licence renewal, office or flexi-desk renewal, visa renewals every 2 years, and tax compliance from year two onward.
Renewal is usually 10–20% cheaper than the first-year package but is not free — expect broadly AED 10,000–20,000 annually depending on jurisdiction and visas. You'll also need to consider corporate tax (9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000) and VAT registration if turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Handing renewals to a PRO services provider keeps you compliant without chasing deadlines, and our licence renewal team manages the whole cycle.
FAQ
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai in 2026?
Setting up a company in Dubai in 2026 costs roughly AED 12,500 to AED 30,000 for a freezone with one visa, and AED 18,000 to AED 45,000 for a mainland company. The final price depends on your activity, number of visas, and whether you need a physical office or a flexi-desk arrangement.
What is the cheapest Dubai company setup package?
The cheapest genuine packages are zero-visa freezone licences starting around AED 12,500, suitable for freelancers, holding companies, or online businesses that don't need residence visas immediately. Just remember a zero-visa package can't sponsor you or staff, so factor in visa upgrade costs if you plan to live in the UAE.
Are all-inclusive Dubai setup packages really all-inclusive?
Not always — many advertised prices cover the licence only, then add AED 3,500 to AED 6,500 per visa plus the establishment card and immigration deposit. Always request an itemised written quote confirming exactly what is bundled so the headline figure matches your true total cost.
Can I get a residence visa with a freezone package?
Yes, most freezone packages include one to six visa allocations, and each visa covers the entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and stamping. A single investor visa within a package typically adds AED 3,500 to AED 5,000, and your total quota depends on your chosen office or flexi-desk tier.
Do I need an office to buy a company setup package?
No — most freezone packages include a flexi-desk or digital office that satisfies licensing requirements without a physical lease. Mainland companies generally need Ejari-registered space, though shared and virtual office solutions are available; explore choices through our office spaces service.
How long does Dubai company setup take?
Most Dubai company formations complete in 3 to 10 working days once documents and approvals are in order, with the trade licence issued first and visas following over the next one to three weeks. Straightforward freezone activities are fastest; regulated activities requiring external approvals take longer.
Ready to compare the right package for your business and budget? DBM has formed 1,000+ companies over 10+ years and holds a 5.0-star rating from 120+ reviews. Get a transparent, itemised quote with no hidden fees — contact us or message our team on WhatsApp at +971 50 504 6228 for a free consultation.