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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 |
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