๐ฆ๐ช Cost of Setting Up in United Arab Emirates
Complete cost breakdown for company formation in United Arab Emirates โ formation fees, annual compliance, office space, and structure-specific costs.
Cost Overview
Cost Breakdown (USD)
Formation Cost
AED 5,750 โ 50,000+Annual Compliance
AED 8,000 โ 40,000Office Space
AED 0 (flexi-desk) โ AED 100,000+/yearCost by Structure
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Minimum CapitalVaries by free zone โ often AED 1,000 to AED 50,000; many zones no longer enforce a paid-up requirement
Annual CostAED 5,750 โ 25,000 depending on the free zone and licence type
Setup Timeline3โ5 business days (some zones offer same-day approval)
Mainland Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Minimum CapitalNo statutory minimum for most activities (previously AED 300,000; requirement removed for most sectors)
Annual CostAED 12,000 โ 50,000+ depending on the emirate, activity, and office lease
Setup Timeline5โ7 business days
This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.