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Dubai Free Zone Company Setup Cost
Doorstep Service, One Team: A Clear Quote Before You Commit
A Dubai free zone company setup cost isn’t a single number. It’s a mix of license fees, visa costs, office requirements, and one-time government charges that shift depending on which zone and package you choose. PRO Deskk breaks it all down for you upfront and manages the entire setup at your doorstep, so you know exactly what you’re paying for before you commit. Get in touch with our team for a free consultation and a clear quote.
Why PRO Deskk
In-house typing
No dependency on Amer or Tasheel. Applications are typed and proofread by our own specialists, usually within 20 minutes.
Proof of every step
WhatsApp updates, full document details, and a shared Google Drive folder with copies of everything filed.
Less PRO work for you
No transportation, no waiting in line, no chasing a typing centre for updates.
Free of charge
Typing is done at government cost, with no separate typing centre fee added on top.
True doorstep service
We collect documents, process payment online, and handle submissions without you leaving your desk.
One team
Setup, visas, and ongoing compliance handled by the same dedicated contact.
What Makes Up Your Setup Cost
- License or registration fee: A one-time charge to register your business with the free zone authority, typically starting from AED 9,000 depending on the zone and activity.
- Establishment card: A mandatory document from the immigration authorities that lets your company sponsor visas, generally costing AED 500 to AED 2,500.
- Office or flexi-desk: Most zones bundle a flexi-desk into the setup package, with standalone annual costs ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 if purchased separately.
- Visa processing: Each residence visa carries its own government and administration fees, on top of your base license package.
- Share capital: Some zones, including DMCC, ask for a minimum share capital, often shown as AED 50,000, though this is usually proof of funds rather than a deposit.
Jurisdictions We Cover
PRO Deskk manages free zone company formation across every major free zone in the UAE:
Free zones in Dubai
IFZA, MEYDAN, DSO, DMCC, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai CommerCity, DIFC, and DWC.
Free zones in Sharjah
SHAMS, SPC, and SRTIP.
Free zones in Abu Dhabi
ADGM and TwoFour54.
Free zones in Ras Al Khaimah
RAKEZ.
Free zones in Fujairah
Creative City.
Offshore
JAFZA, Ajman Offshore, and RAK Offshore.
The setup cost varies significantly by jurisdiction, since each authority sets its own licence fees, office packages, and share capital rules, which is exactly why your Dubai free zone company setup cost can swing so widely between authorities.
Setup Cost by Popular Free Zone
Free Zone | Target Industry | Avg. Licence Fee (AED) | Avg. Office Cost (AED/Year) | Min. Share Capital (AED) | Est. Total 1st Year Cost (AED) |
DMCC | Commodities, crypto, services | 20,000 – 30,000 | 20,000 (flexi-desk) | 50,000 (not always withdrawn) | 45,000 – 60,000 |
IFZA | General trading, consulting | 12,000 – 18,000 | 5,000 (flexi-desk) | Not required | 17,000 – 25,000 |
DSO | Technology, R&D, electronics | 15,000 – 25,000 | 15,000 (flexi-desk) | Not required | 30,000 – 45,000 |
DAFZA | Logistics, aviation, luxury goods | 25,000 – 40,000 | 25,000 (flexi-desk) | 1,000 | 50,000 – 70,000 |
These figures cover a basic first-year setup only. Your final Dubai free zone license cost climbs with each additional visa, activity, or office upgrade, so treat this table as a starting point rather than a final invoice.
Recurring and Hidden Costs to Budget For
Beyond the headline setup fee, a few recurring costs catch new business owners off guard:
Visa processing
AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 per person, covering entry permit, medical test, and Emirates ID.
Health insurance
Mandatory for every residence visa holder, with cost depending on coverage level.
Establishment card renewal
An annual fee on top of the one-time issuance cost.
Corporate bank account setup
AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 if you use professional assistance to open one.
Consultancy and compliance support
AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 a year for ongoing PRO and audit-related support in zones that require annual filings.
How Our Process Works
01 Free consultation
We review your business activity, visa needs, and office preference to shortlist the right zones.
03 Document collection
We gather passport copies, business plans, and any other paperwork your chosen zone requires.
05 Submission and payment
We file with the free zone authority and process your payment online.
02 Cost comparison
We give you a side-by-side breakdown across two or three suitable free zones before you decide.
04 In-house typing
Your application is typed and proofread by our specialists, usually within 20 minutes.
06 License and visa issuance
You receive your license, Establishment Card, and support applying for your visas, backed by our broader corporate PRO services in Dubai once you’re up and running.
01 Free consultation
We review your license, activities, and expiry date.
02 Document preparation
We collect and verify your tenancy contract, passport copies, and any external approvals.
03 In-house typing
Your application is typed and proofread by our specialists, usually within 20 minutes.
04 Submission
We file your renewal through the correct government or free zone portal.
05 Fee settlement
We confirm the payment voucher with you and process it online.
06 Delivery
You receive your renewed license, proof of submission via WhatsApp and Google Drive, and a reminder for next year.
Ways to Keep Setup Costs Down
- Start with a flexi-desk: Skip a dedicated office until your team actually needs one.
- Match your visa quota to your real headcount: Paying for unused visa slots inflates your package unnecessarily.
- Compare zones by activity, not just price: A cheaper zone that doesn’t cover your activity ends up costing more once you amend it later.
- Ask about multi-year packages: Some authorities offer a discount for paying two or three years upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the total Dubai free zone company setup cost I should budget for?
Most businesses should budget somewhere between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000 for a complete first-year setup, though the exact figure depends heavily on the zone, activity, and number of visas.
How much does it cost to set up a company in a Dubai free zone?
Costs typically range from around AED 10,000 for a lean, budget-friendly setup to over AED 50,000 for a premium zone with a dedicated office and multiple visas.
What's included in a free zone setup package?
Most packages bundle your license fee, a flexi-desk or shared office, and sometimes one visa. Extra visas, activities, and office upgrades are usually charged separately.
Do I need to pay share capital upfront?
Not usually. Zones like DMCC list a minimum share capital, often AED 50,000, but this is generally shown as proof of funds in a bank statement rather than a required deposit.
How much does an Establishment Card cost?
Typically between AED 500 and AED 2,500, depending on whether you’re setting up on the mainland or in a free zone.
Which free zone is the most cost-effective?
IFZA tends to be the most budget-friendly for general trading and consulting, with an estimated first-year cost around AED 17,000 to 25,000, while premium zones like DMCC and DAFZA run considerably higher due to their industry positioning and infrastructure.
Do I need to visit a typing centre like Amer or Tasheel?
No. PRO Deskk has its own in-house typing desk, so applications are typed and proofread by our team directly, at the same cost as the government typing fee.
How do I know my documents were actually submitted?
We send WhatsApp updates at each stage and give you access to a Google Drive folder with copies of everything filed on your behalf.
Can PRO Deskk help me compare costs across multiple free zones?
Yes. During your free consultation, we put together a side-by-side cost comparison so you can see exactly what each zone would cost for your specific setup before committing.
Contact Us for a personalized setup cost breakdown from PRO Deskk UAE’s full range of company formation and compliance support.
PRO Deskk is a one stop business solution.
Services
PRO Deskk is a one stop business solution.
Business Setup | Company Formation | Freezone Setup | Golden Visa | Mainland Business Setup | Offshore Setup | Sponsor Visa | LLC Formation | Civil Company Formation | Sole Proprietorship Formation | Sharjah Mainland Company Formation | Abu Dhabi Mainland Company Formation | Family Visa | Employment Visa |