What is the cheapest company licence in the UAE in 2026?

IFZA’s 0-visa package at AED 12,900 is currently the lowest published price for a new free-zone company.

Do I need a local service agent for mainland licences?

Only for certain regulated activities. Most new mainland companies can now be 100 % foreign-owned without an agent.

How much is a UAE investor visa inside a company licence?

Budget AED 3,000–AED 7,000 per visa, including entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping.

Are there annual renewal fees after the first year?

Yes. Free-zone renewals average AED 10,000–AED 18,000 and mainland AED 15,000–AED 25,000, depending on visas and office size.

Can I open a UAE company without visiting the country?

Yes. Power-of-attorney setups in free zones like IFZA and RAKEZ allow 100 % remote company formation.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in UAE 2026

Quick answer

Expect AED 12,000–AED 60,000 total in the first year to register a mainland, free-zone or offshore company in the UAE. The exact figure depends on your chosen jurisdiction, visa quota, office type and whether you need a local service agent. Free-zone setups start at AED 12,900, mainland from AED 15,000 and offshore from AED 18,000. Add AED 3,000–AED 7,000 for each extra visa and AED 1,000–AED 2,500 for Ejari or flexi-desk contracts.

Why 2026 costs matter for expats

Since the 100 % foreign ownership reform, the UAE has become the easiest place in the region to start a business. Yet fees still vary widely between mainland, free zones and offshore jurisdictions. Knowing the 2026 price list before you apply can save you AED 10,000–AED 20,000 in hidden costs and weeks of back-and-forth.

Cost breakdown by jurisdiction

Mainland company

Registering directly with the Department of Economic Development (DED) gives you access to government contracts and the entire UAE market. Typical first-year spend:

Trade licence (DED): AED 10,000–AED 20,000
Local service agent (required for some activities): AED 15,000–AED 40,000
Memorandum of Association (MoA) drafting & notarisation: AED 2,000–AED 3,500
Ejari tenancy contract (physical office): AED 8,000–AED 25,000
Immigration card & Emirates ID for one visa: AED 3,500
VAT registration (if turnover > AED 375,000): AED 0–AED 2,000

Total first-year mainland: AED 38,500–AED 94,000. Renewals drop to AED 15,000–AED 25,000.

Free-zone company

Free zones such as DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, SPC and RAKEZ offer 100 % ownership, 0 % personal tax and fast-track visas. 2026 starter packages:

0-visa package (IFZA, SPC): AED 12,900–AED 15,000
1-visa package (Meydan, RAKEZ): AED 15,000–AED 18,500
2-visa package (DMCC): AED 22,000–AED 27,000
Flexi-desk or co-working Ejari: AED 1,500–AED 5,000
Medical fitness & Emirates ID per person: AED 1,200–AED 1,800

Total first-year free zone: AED 12,900–AED 35,000. Renewals AED 10,000–AED 18,000.

Offshore company

Popular for holding companies, intellectual property and international trading. You cannot trade inside the UAE or obtain visas.

RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore: AED 18,000–AED 22,000
Annual registered agent fee: AED 4,000–AED 6,000
Optional UAE bank account opening assistance: AED 3,000–AED 5,000

Total first-year offshore: AED 18,000–AED 33,000. Renewals AED 12,000–AED 18,000.

Step-by-step: registering a free-zone company in 2026

Choose activity and free zone (1 day).
Reserve company name and submit online form (1–2 days).
Upload passport copies and business plan (2 days).
Pay licence and visa fees (instant once documents are approved).
Schedule medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics (1–3 days).
Receive digital licence and visa stamp on entry permit (total 5–10 working days).

Common mistakes that inflate costs

Underestimating visa quotas—each extra visa adds AED 3,000–AED 7,000.
Skipping Ejari—free zones now require at least a flexi-desk contract.
Choosing the wrong activity—some licences need extra approvals from MOHRE, MOCCAE or Dubai Municipality, each costing AED 2,000–AED 5,000.
Forgetting annual compliance—zero filing can result in AED 5,000+ late fees.

Hidden fees to budget for

Beyond the licence, plan for:

Corporate tax registration (if turnover > AED 375,000): AED 0, but penalties for late filing reach AED 10,000.
External audit (if required): AED 5,000–AED 15,000.
Opening a corporate bank account: AED 5,000–AED 15,000 in legalisation and minimum-balance costs.
PRO services for visa renewals and medicals: AED 1,500–AED 3,000 per visa per year.

Cost comparison table 2026

Jurisdiction	Cheapest 1-visa package	Time to licence	Market access
IFZA Free Zone	AED 15,000	5 days	Worldwide + mainland via 80/20 rule
RAKEZ	AED 16,500	7 days	Worldwide + mainland via dual licence
Mainland (DED)	AED 38,500	10–14 days	Full UAE & government tenders
RAK ICC Offshore	AED 18,000 (no visa)	3 days	International only

Tips to keep costs under AED 20,000

Start with a 0-visa or 1-visa free-zone package; upgrade later.
Use a registered agent who bundles visa medicals, Emirates ID and PRO services.
Choose activities that need no extra ministry approvals.
Pay the two-year package if offered—saves 15–20 % on renewals.
Share a physical Ejari with another company to cut office costs by 60 %.

Key takeaway

Company registration in the UAE need not break the bank. With 2026 pricing, a lean one-visa free-zone licence starts at AED 12,900 all-in, while a full mainland setup can stay under AED 40,000. Budget for visas, Ejari and compliance, and you will avoid the most common expat surprises. Always verify current fees with the free zone or DED before you apply, because promotional packages change quarterly.