One agent says a Dubai mainland company costs AED 15,000. Another says AED 80,000. Both can be telling the truth, because they are pricing different things. This guide lists every line item in a mainland setup, shows what cheap quotes leave out, and gives a three-year budget so you can compare offers on equal terms.
- Realistic first year for a simple single-owner company with one visa: AED 30,000 to 50,000.
- Larger teams, premium offices and extra approvals push it to AED 40,000 to 80,000+.
- A physical Ejari-registered office is required on the mainland, often with a minimum size of about 200 sq ft.
- From year two, expect roughly AED 15,000 to 30,000 a year in recurring costs.
Line-by-line: what a mainland setup includes
| Cost item | Typical range (AED) | Often left out of cheap quotes? |
|---|---|---|
| DET trade licence and activity fees | 10,000 to 15,000 | No, this is the headline number |
| Trade name reservation | 620 to 2,000 | Sometimes |
| MOA drafting and notarisation | 1,500 to 3,000 | Often |
| Office rent plus Ejari (minimum) | 3,000 to 8,000 and up | Very often |
| Establishment card | 1,000 to 2,000 (some sources up to 5,000) | Often |
| Visa, medical, Emirates ID per person | About 3,000 to 6,000 | Usually |
| First-year total | 30,000 to 50,000+ |
These are public-range estimates that vary by activity, location and agent, not a government fee schedule. Always ask for a written quote that lists every line above.
Why the quotes disagree
- Activity type. A professional or service licence is cheaper than a commercial or industrial one, and some activities need extra approvals.
- Office choice. This often moves the total more than the licence itself. A shared or small office sits at the low end, a premium tower at the high end.
- Visa count. Each extra visa adds typing, medical, insurance and Emirates ID costs.
- Scope of the quote. Many low prices show only the licence issuance fee.
A three-year budget
| Year | What you pay | Estimate (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Setup, licence, office, 1 visa | 30,000 to 50,000 |
| Year 2 | Licence renewal, Ejari, visa linked costs | 15,000 to 30,000 |
| Year 3 | Renewal again | 15,000 to 30,000 |
| Three-year total | 60,000 to 110,000 |
Notice that an AED 15,000 “starter” quote is not the cost of owning the company. It is the entry price. Check the renewal side in our guide to Dubai trade licence renewal costs and penalties.
Four ways to cut the bill without cutting corners
- Right-size the office. Use the smallest compliant Ejari office your activity allows.
- Limit your activities. Add only the ones you will invoice in year one.
- Plan visas, do not rush them. Each unused visa is a recurring cost.
- Test the alternative. If you mainly serve UAE clients but do not need a walk-in office, compare a free zone licence plus the mainland operating permit. Already in a free zone? See our guide on expanding to the mainland.
Costs that sit outside the licence
Budget for hiring rules and Emiratisation if you grow, see Emiratisation quotas and hiring your first employee. Also factor in VAT registration and corporate tax compliance once you trade.
FAQ
Do I still need a local sponsor? For most activities, 100% foreign ownership is now allowed on the mainland, though some strategic activities have extra rules.
Can I use a virtual office? The mainland generally expects a physical, Ejari-registered office. Free zones are where flexi-desks are common.
Check current licensing information with Dubai Economy and Tourism. Want one itemised mainland quote you can compare? Ask BizDaddy.
