Answer four questions for an indicative first-year budget. The estimate uses 2026 market ranges for government and authority fees — your exact quote depends on the authority, your activity and the facility you choose.
Indicative first-year range—
What the estimate includes
Licence and registration fees charged by the free zone authority or DET.
Establishment card and immigration file where visas are selected.
Visa costs per person — entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping.
Office or flexi-desk — for mainland this reflects a real tenancy with Ejari, which is usually the largest single line.
Optional add-ons you selected, such as bank account support, tax registration or bookkeeping.
Read this before you budget from it: this calculator gives an indicative range built from 2026 market data, not a quote. Authorities revise packages regularly, activity approvals can add cost, and office rent varies enormously by location and size. Use it to compare routes — then let us confirm the live figures with the authority before you commit money.
What usually moves the number
Factor
Effect
Visas
The single biggest driver after office. Each visa adds authority, medical, Emirates ID and stamping costs — and free-zone packages price visa allocation in tiers
Mainland office
A real tenancy with Ejari registration; typically the largest first-year cost for mainland setups
Costs more than a narrow commercial licence — see general trading
Warehouse / industrial space
Priced separately from the licence; RAKEZ is usually far cheaper than Dubai for this
Frequently asked questions
It gives an indicative range built from 2026 market data for authority and government fees, not a quote. Real costs move with the specific authority package, your activity approvals and — for mainland — the office you lease. Use it to compare routes, then let us confirm live figures before you commit.
No. The range covers government, authority, visa and office costs. Our service fee is quoted separately and shown as a separate line, so you always see what goes to the authority and what goes to us.
Because a mainland licence requires real premises with a registered Ejari tenancy, and that lease is usually the largest first-year cost. Free zones accept flexi-desk arrangements, which is why their entry point is far lower.
Licence renewal, office or flexi-desk renewal, visa renewals on their cycle, and your compliance costs — bookkeeping, VAT returns where registered, and Corporate Tax filing. We set these out in the quote so year two holds no surprises.
Ready to get started?
One conversation is usually enough to map your jurisdiction, your realistic costs and your tax position. Free, no obligation.