How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?

A basic UAE free zone setup typically costs AED 15,000-50,000 for the license, plus visa and office costs. Total first-year costs range from AED 25,000 to AED 150,000 depending on your setup.

How long does UAE business setup take?

Free zone setup typically takes 2-6 weeks. Mainland setup takes 4-10 weeks. Timeline depends on document preparation and regulatory requirements.

Which UAE free zone is best for tech startups?

ADGM and DMCC are popular for tech startups. ADGM offers tech startup incentives and a common law framework. DMCC provides excellent networking and a central Dubai location.

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Your Setup

What are you building?

Team size

Jurisdiction

How many visas do you need?

1visa

Office type

Build approach

Estimated Total Cost

AED 108,000 – AED 257,500

≈ $29,160 – $69,525 USD

High Confidence

Cost Breakdown

Legal Setup

License + visas + office

AED 18,000 – AED 41,500

We help you navigate options but recommend free zone partners for registration.

MVP Build

Discovery + Build + Launch

AED 90,000 – AED 216,000

DiscoveryWeek 1

BuildWeeks 2–4

Launch SupportWeek 4+

What's Included

Weekly demos and progress updates
You own all code and IP
Full documentation on handoff
Production-ready code, not prototypes
Launch support with deployment guide
No lock-in, ever

Timeline

8–18 weeksto launch

Recommended Paths

Best for Speed

Meydan or IFZA offer the fastest processing times

View Meydan Free Zone fees

Best for Credibility

ADGM or DIFC provide strong regulatory frameworks and enterprise trust

View ADGM fees

Best for Cost Control

RAKEZ or IFZA offer competitive pricing with good service levels

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Last updated Jan 2026

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