ItemTypical Cost (AED)NotesName reservation fee100–500Non-refundable if name is rejectedApplication/registration fee500–2,000One-time admin fee at incorporationMOA drafting/notarisation500–2,000Some free zones have standard MOA templates (no cost)First year licence fee5,750–40,000Largest variable — depends on free zoneEstablishment card1,000–2,000Required to process employee visasInvestor visa entry permit500–700For entering UAE on new investor statusMedical fitness test240–300Per person — per DHA/ICA requirementsEmirates ID3702-year validityVisa stamping520GDRFA feeHealth insurance (Year 1)650–5,000Mandatory in Dubai; optional elsewhereBank account opening0–500Some banks charge account opening feesBank minimum balance0–50,000Must be maintained in account, not a fee per se

UAE Company Formation Full Cost Breakdown: Every Fee Explained

Q: Annual Recurring Costs

ItemAnnual Cost (AED)Licence renewal5,750–40,000Visa renewal (every 2–3 years)1,500–2,500 every 2–3 yearsHealth insurance650–5,000Accounting / bookkeeping3,000–15,000Audit (if required)3,000–10,000PRO / admin services2,000–8,000

📅 Last reviewed: August 4, 2026📋 By: UAE Freezone Compare Comparison Team✅ Fact-checked by UAE Freezone Compare Editorial Team

Understanding every fee in UAE company formation prevents budget surprises. Here is a complete breakdown of every cost you will encounter when setting up a UAE free zone company.

One-Time Setup Fees

Item	Typical Cost (AED)	Notes
Name reservation fee	100–500	Non-refundable if name is rejected
Application/registration fee	500–2,000	One-time admin fee at incorporation
MOA drafting/notarisation	500–2,000	Some free zones have standard MOA templates (no cost)
First year licence fee	5,750–40,000	Largest variable — depends on free zone
Establishment card	1,000–2,000	Required to process employee visas
Investor visa entry permit	500–700	For entering UAE on new investor status
Medical fitness test	240–300	Per person — per DHA/ICA requirements
Emirates ID	370	2-year validity
Visa stamping	520	GDRFA fee
Health insurance (Year 1)	650–5,000	Mandatory in Dubai; optional elsewhere
Bank account opening	0–500	Some banks charge account opening fees
Bank minimum balance	0–50,000	Must be maintained in account, not a fee per se

Annual Recurring Costs

Item	Annual Cost (AED)
Licence renewal	5,750–40,000
Visa renewal (every 2–3 years)	1,500–2,500 every 2–3 years
Health insurance	650–5,000
Accounting / bookkeeping	3,000–15,000
Audit (if required)	3,000–10,000
PRO / admin services	2,000–8,000