About these figures: Costs and timelines on this page are indicative planning figures compiled from public free zone fee information. They have not been individually verified for this page, may be out of date, and must be confirmed with the free zone before you pay. How we source prices · How we compile data.
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 |
Disclosure: UAE Free Zone Compare is an independent research platform. We may receive partner commissions if you request a quote through our forms — this is disclosed on every page where it applies. Our research and recommendations are independent.