Dubai business setup packages range from about AED 5,000 for a licence-only package in a budget free zone to AED 35,000 and more for a premium Dubai free zone with a visa and office. What separates them is not just the price but what is included: the number of residence visas, the office or desk, the licence type and activities, and whether government fees such as the medical test, Emirates ID and establishment card are in the price or charged on top. Comparing packages fairly means comparing the full first-year and second-year cost for the visas you actually need.
This guide compares business setup packages by price tier using prices the zones publish themselves, explains the two ways consultants price their packages, lists what a good package should include, and sets out the red flags. Zone prices are from our UAE Business Setup Cost Index, checked on 17 October 2026. Prices change, so always get a written, itemised quote.
Business Setup Packages by Price Tier
| Tier | Typical published price | What you usually get | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence only, budget zone | About AED 5,000 to AED 6,000 | Trade licence and co-working access, no visa | Ajman Media City Business Club (AED 4,999), UAQ FTZ LYTE (AED 5,500), SPC e-commerce (AED 5,750) |
| Licence only, Dubai zone | About AED 10,000 to AED 13,000 | Dubai free zone licence and desk, visa options vary | DMCC Nook (AED 10,345), Meydan (from AED 12,500), IFZA (about AED 12,900 quoted) |
| Licence plus one visa, budget zone | About AED 12,500 to AED 13,000 | Licence, one residence visa and immigration services | UAQ FTZ START (AED 12,500), Ajman Media City Visionary (AED 12,999) |
| Licence plus one visa, Dubai zone | About AED 20,000 and up | Dubai licence, one visa and a flexi desk | Meydan with one visa (about AED 20,100 from itemised fees) |
| Premium Dubai zone with visa | About AED 35,000 to AED 44,000 | Premium address, flexi desk, visa allocation | DMCC Basic Biz (AED 35,484), Jump Start (AED 43,780) |
Mainland packages are priced differently, because they depend on the activity, the office lease and approvals from the Department of Economy and Tourism. Expect them to cost more than budget free zones in the first year. See our guide to opening a mainland company.
All-Inclusive vs Advisory-Plus-Government-Fees Pricing
Business setup consultants price packages in one of two ways:
- All-inclusive: one price that bundles government fees and the consultant's fee. Simple to compare, but check what "all-inclusive" really covers, especially visa costs, medical tests, Emirates ID and insurance.
- Advisory fee plus government fees: the consultant's fee is fixed, and government fees are paid at cost and shown separately. This is more transparent, because you can see exactly what goes to the authority and what goes to the adviser.
SMS Consulting uses the second model: our Freezone Starter advisory package is AED 11,999 and our Mainland Pro package is AED 15,999, one-time, with government fees disclosed upfront before you commit. See our setup packages.
What a Good Business Setup Package Should Include
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Trade licence for your exact activities | A cheaper licence that does not cover what you do is worthless |
| Establishment card | Needed before any residence visa can be issued |
| Residence visa(s), medical test, Emirates ID | Often listed separately even in visa packages |
| Office, desk or co-working | Determines how many visas you can hold |
| Name reservation and initial approvals | Avoids rework and delays |
| Bank account support | Opening an account is often the slowest step |
| Corporate tax registration | Mandatory for almost every company |
| Second-year renewal price | Some packages discount only the first year |
How to Compare Packages Fairly
- Fix your requirements first: activities, number of visas now and in year two, and whether you need a Dubai address.
- Ask for an itemised quote from each provider, with government fees and service fees shown separately.
- Add up two years, not one, using the renewal price for year two.
- Check the bank angle: ask which banks typically accept companies from that zone and activity.
- Compare like for like: a cheap licence-only package is not comparable with a package that includes a visa.
Our cost calculator gives a quick estimate, and our first-year cost breakdown explains every line.
Red Flags in Business Setup Packages
- A price far below published zone fees, which usually means something important is missing or the package is not what it seems.
- "Visa included" without listing the medical test, Emirates ID and establishment card.
- No written breakdown of government and service fees.
- Guaranteed bank accounts, which no consultant can promise.
- "Freelance visa" packages that are really employment visas under someone else's company. See our freelance visa scam warnings.
Which Package Fits You?
| You are... | Consider |
|---|---|
| A founder living abroad who just needs a licence | Licence-only package in a budget zone |
| A solo founder moving to the UAE | Licence plus one visa: budget zone if cost matters, Dubai zone if address and banking matter |
| A commodity, crypto or premium services business | A premium Dubai zone such as DMCC |
| A business selling to UAE customers or bidding for local contracts | A mainland company |
See our zone guides to Ajman Media City, Meydan, IFZA and DMCC.
Get an Itemised Package Quote
Tell us your activity, how many visas you need and whether a Dubai address matters. We will recommend the right zone, show government fees and our fee separately, and give you the two-year total before you commit. Book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Published free zone packages range from about AED 5,000 for a licence-only package in a budget zone to around AED 35,000 to AED 44,000 for a premium Dubai free zone with a visa. Packages with one visa commonly start from about AED 12,500.
Among published prices in our Cost Index, Ajman Media City's Business Club licence at AED 4,999 a year is the lowest, without a visa.
It depends on the provider. Some packages are all-inclusive, while others charge an advisory fee plus government fees at cost. Always ask for an itemised quote.
The trade licence for your activities, establishment card, residence visas with medical test and Emirates ID, an office or desk, name approval, bank account support, corporate tax registration and a clear renewal price.
It can be if your customers or bank expect a Dubai address, or you need a specialist licence. For a licence and visa on a budget, a lower-cost zone is often enough.
Our Freezone Starter advisory package is AED 11,999 and Mainland Pro is AED 15,999, one-time, plus government fees disclosed upfront.
Not always. Some zones discount the first year only. Ask for the renewal price and compare two-year totals.