Why is my total different from the homepage business tool?

The homepage portal adds trade name, e-channel, labour/immigration, authority admin, visa multiples, optional sponsor, and other toggles. This calculator page deliberately layers only three common hidden-invoice buckets on your headline license number so you can sanity-check a quote quickly.

What extra costs appear after the license fee?

The common set is medical screening, Emirates ID, establishment card, office space, and visa processing. Together they can add thousands very quickly.

How much does a flexi-desk cost in Dubai?

Most providers price flexi-desks between AED 5,000 and AED 15,000 per year, depending on free zone and package terms.

Do I need a medical test for company setup?

If you are applying for a residency visa through the company, yes. Medical fitness is a required step.

Why is an establishment card required?

It is the company identity used in labor and immigration processes, including employee visa sponsorship.

UAE business setup, full startup cost

Uncover visa, medical, establishment card, and desk costs stacked on your license quote. Run the full number before you commit. This page uses a fast, three-line stack on top of whatever license fee you type. For Free Zone vs mainland, visa counts, sponsor options, and banker lines, the homepage business portal runs the fuller planning model. Compare both before you sign.

What each fee means

Medical and Emirates ID

Discover what medical screening and Emirates ID add beyond the headline license fee.

Establishment card

See the establishment card line item most license quotes leave out (aligned with the same planning constant as the homepage portal estimator).

Office flexi-desk

Budget a real flex-desk package before you lock your address requirement (indicative free-zone flexi-desk stack used in the detailed portal model).

Recommended services

Tools people usually need right after this step.

Business Setup

QuickSetup PRO

Handle trade license, visa processing, and desk requirement in one workflow, popular with first-time founders in JLT.

Get started

Accounting

CloudBooks Accounting

Monthly bookkeeping and VAT filing from AED 499, built for UAE compliance deadlines.

Free trial

Office Space

FlexOffice Dubai

Flexi-desks and virtual offices from AED 350 per month across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

View plans

Get a free business setup call

Tell us your plan and a specialist will reach out. Most calls run about 20 minutes.

Common questions

Why is my total different from the homepage business tool?: The homepage portal adds trade name, e-channel, labour/immigration, authority admin, visa multiples, optional sponsor, and other toggles. This calculator page deliberately layers only three common hidden-invoice buckets on your headline license number so you can sanity-check a quote quickly.
What extra costs appear after the license fee?: The common set is medical screening, Emirates ID, establishment card, office space, and visa processing. Together they can add thousands very quickly.
How much does a flexi-desk cost in Dubai?: Most providers price flexi-desks between AED 5,000 and AED 15,000 per year, depending on free zone and package terms.
Do I need a medical test for company setup?: If you are applying for a residency visa through the company, yes. Medical fitness is a required step.
Why is an establishment card required?: It is the company identity used in labor and immigration processes, including employee visa sponsorship.

The True Cost of Setting Up a Business in Dubai (2026)

A founder-focused breakdown of real Dubai business setup costs beyond license fees, including medical, Emirates ID, office, and visa charges.

Try another calculator

Costs overlap across rent, business, and family life. Check the rest before you commit.

Monthly Rent →Annual Rent →Lifestyle →Renovation & fit-out →Car ownership (year one) →