How to Choose Between Free Zone and Mainland Business Setup in UAE

How to Choose Between Free Zone and Mainland Business Setup in UAE

Thinking about a company setup in Dubai excites everyone and we believe it should be exciting. With all the tall buildings, global attractions, and successful businesses, Dubai is supposed to attract the attention of business owners and entrepreneurs. Well, as you all are attracted to a company formation in Dubai, do you know how much it costs for a business setup here? Amm, some of you know, some of you don’t, but worry not, as we are here to assist you. 

Business setup in Dubai offers numerous profit opportunities due to many reasons, such as business-friendly policies, tax exemption, business setup companies in Dubai, business setup consultants, etc. They altogether contribute to your successful company formation in Dubai. Well, there are various benefits of company setup, but do you know how much it costs? This blog will help you find the cost for your company formation in Dubai. Shall we start?

What will be the cost of Company Formation in Dubai?

As you have decided on a company setup in Dubai, you have already taken one huge step towards your successful business. Now, this blog post helps you find out how much it will cost you for a company formation in Dubai. You can always lean on business setup services and business setup consultants in Dubai. 

Everything you need to know about the cost of company setup in Dubai.

There are various factors that influence the company setup cost in Dubai. We are listing all of them as well and will assist you with our expert business setup consultants. 

  1. Type of Jurisdiction: As you know, there are three different jurisdictions in Dubai. The cost of your company formation in Dubai depends on the jurisdiction you choose. 
  • Mainland business setup
  • Free zone business setup
  • Offshore business setup
  1. Business Activity and Licence Type: There are nearly 3000 business activity options for a company set up in Dubai. As per your business activity, the business license type varies. 
  1. Office Space Requirements: This may also affect the cost of your company setup in Dubai. As in some jurisdictions, an office space is required, whereas in other zones, you can have a virtual office space. 
  1. Visa Requirements: As you decide on a company formation cost, you have to add the visa costs. If you are moving to Dubai from another place, then you have to count the visa cost for you, your employees, and your family. 
  1. Government & Regulatory Approvals: Dubai gives much importance to rules and regulations. Hence, as you think about the cost of company setup in Dubai, it is necessary to think about the government approvals and count the cost of the same. 
  1. Additional Service and Documentation: Apart from the mentioned things, there will be some additional services and a documentation process. For the same reason, keep some funds aside so it won’t offer unnecessary financial strain. 

Now, let’s examine the cost of company formation in Dubai. 

Here is a complete breakdown of how much it costs for a company setup in Dubai. 

  1. Trade Licence Fees: As we have discussed above, it is necessary to have a trade license for your company setup in Dubai. The cost of a business license differs from one jurisdiction to another. 
  • For a mainland Company setup in Dubai, the cost varies between AED 12,000 and AED 30,000. 
  • As you are thinking about a free zone business setup in Dubai, the cost will be somewhere around AED 10,000 to AED 50,000. 
  • If we compare mainland and offshore license costs, then it is cheaper and is somewhere between AED 10,000 and AED 18,000. 
  1. Name Registration and Initial Approvals: The crucial process of company registration in Dubai involves a step of name registration for your business. As well as getting some initial approvals for your business. The combined cost of this process is somewhere between AED 600 and AED 2500. 
  1. Office Space or Workshop: If you are thinking about a mainland Company setup in Dubai, then you are required to have a physical office. This costs you around AED 15,000 to AED 50,000+ per year. However, it also depends on the location and size of your office space. If you are thinking about a company setup in a free zone, then there are various options for office space, such as flexi desks, shared office space, etc. This costs you somewhere around AED 5,000 to 15,000. That is why it is important to select a jurisdiction first and then start the other process. 
  1. Visa and Immigration Cost: If you are thinking about a company setup in Dubai and have to reside here, then you require visas for you, your family, and your employees. Each visa costs you somewhere between AED 3,000 and AED 6,000. 
  1. Government and Administrative Fees: In Dubai or anywhere else, if you are thinking about a company formation, then there are some government as well as administrative processes and their fees. Well, processes vary as per jurisdiction, but you can keep approximately AED 1,000 to AED 10,000 for everything. In this way, you will be safer when something unexpected comes.
  1. Bank Account Opening: As you know, you can’t do your professional transactions from your personal account; that is why opening a bank account is necessary for your company formation in Dubai. 
  1. Annual Renewals: This step, you may know about, as you have to renew such things annually. Such as license fees, office space, etc. For the same reason, if you keep some capital, it becomes easier for you. 

If we combine these costs, then tentatively you will require this much capital for your company setup in Dubai. 

  • For a mainland business setup in Dubai, you require AED 25,000 to AED 65,000+. 
  • For a free zone business setup in Dubai, you require AED 15,000 to AED 80,000+. 
  • These costs are only for the first year and can vary depending on the number of visas required for the business activity you select. 

Where can you cut the costs?

We are listing some things here where you can try to save some money. 

  • Choose the right jurisdiction that offers financial benefits. 
  • Choose a business license that is cost-effective. 
  • For the first few years, have a small office space.
  • Choose a budget-friendly business package.

Conclusion

Starting a company formation in Dubai itself is a successful thought for your business venture. As you are thinking of business setup in Dubai, there are various business setup companies in Dubai, and Make My Firm Business Setup is one of them. Make My Firm assists you with everything and they have expert business setup consultants in Dubai. Connect, share your idea, and launch your company formation in Dubai.

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