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 They have not been individually verified for this page, may be out of date, and must be confirmed with the free zone before you pay.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.
Quick answer: UAE free zone setup costs almost always exceed the headline licence fee. This guide lists the most common hidden or missed fees — charges that do not appear in the first-quoted price but that you will pay before you can legally operate. Use it to build a realistic budget from Day 1.
Hidden cost checklist — fees that are almost always additional
| Cost item | Typical range (AED) | When it applies | Why it is often missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Establishment card / immigration file | 500–800 per visa | Every new visa issued | Not included in most licence fee quotes — charged separately by most zones |
| Medical examination | 300–400 per person | Initial visa application | Described as “included” when often only the appointment is arranged — the fee is separate |
| Emirates ID card fee | 800–1,000 per person | Initial visa and every ~2–3 years at renewal | Charged separately by the ICA (Identity and Citizenship Authority) |
| Health insurance | 700–1,200 per person (basic annual) | Annually — mandatory before visa issuance at most zones | Not included in licence fee; premium varies by age, coverage and provider |
| Flexi-desk or shared office fee | 3,000–16,000+ per year | Zones requiring physical presence (DMCC: AED 16,000 mandatory) | Licence fee headlines exclude the desk which can be 2–4x the licence itself |
| Activity fee (restricted activities) | 500–5,000+ | Regulated activities (healthcare, education, finance) | Not disclosed in standard licence quotes; required for ministry-regulated activities |
| Notarisation and attestation | 500–3,000 | Formation documents, Memorandum of Association | Government fee; not included in zone service packages |
| Bank account minimum balance | 10,000–50,000 (locked capital) | Corporate current accounts | Not a fee but reduces available working capital; traditional banks require AED 25,000–50,000 |
| Shareholder or director amendment | 1,000–3,000 | Any post-formation ownership or management change | Common in Year 1–2; charged separately by the zone authority |
| Dependent visa (family member) | 3,000–6,000 per person | Sponsoring spouse, children or parents | Investor visa does not automatically include family; each requires a separate sponsored visa |
| Annual accounting / bookkeeping | 2,000–8,000 per year | All UAE companies | Zones do not provide accounting; VAT-registered entities need certified records and may need audit |
| Late renewal penalty | 500–3,000+ | Renewal after licence expiry date | Easy to miss; some zones charge daily penalties for overdue renewals |
Real hidden cost gaps — headline vs all-in
| Zone | Headline licence fee | Typical all-in Year 1 (1 visa) | Gap | Main hidden items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANCFZ | AED 4,888 (0-visa) | ~AED 8,000–10,000 (1-visa) | ~AED 3,000–5,000 | Visa, medical exam, Emirates ID, insurance |
| SHAMS | From AED 5,750 (0-visa) | ~AED 10,000–13,000 (1-visa) | ~AED 4,000–7,000 | Visa, medical, Emirates ID, insurance |
| IFZA | AED 12,900 (0-visa) | AED 14,900 (1-visa, verified) | AED 2,000 | Visa package — clearly disclosed by IFZA |
| RAKEZ | AED 6,000 (0-visa Instant Basic) | AED 14,000 (1-visa named package) | AED 8,000 | Different product — 1-visa all-in is a distinct package |
| DMCC | AED 4,020 (licence only) | AED 27,049 (1-visa freelance permit, verified) | AED 23,029 | Mandatory JLT flexi-desk AED 16,000 dominates the gap |
| JAFZA | AED 5,500 (licence only) | AED 40,000–55,000 (1-visa with facility) | AED 35,000–50,000 | Physical facility mandatory — the facility cost dominates, not the licence |
How to avoid hidden cost surprises
- Ask for a “total cost of setup” quote — not just the licence fee. A reputable agent will itemise: licence, establishment card, medical, Emirates ID, insurance, visa, desk fee (if required) and authority processing.
- Ask what is included in the visa fee — specifically whether Emirates ID and health insurance are included or billed separately.
- Ask about the desk or office requirement before comparing prices. A virtual licence and a mandatory flexi-desk licence are different products.
- Get the renewal quote in writing before Year 1 ends — for IFZA, renewal is AED 17,100 vs Year 1 AED 14,900.
- Budget for a bank minimum balance if using a traditional UAE bank (AED 25,000–50,000 is common for corporate accounts).
Get an all-in quote with no surprises
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Related resources
Hidden Costs Full Guide | Cost Index | Renewal Cost Index | Setup Cost Calculator
Last reviewed: August 2026. Cost ranges are indicative estimates. Actual amounts vary by zone, activity, visa count and office type. Always request a current written itemised quote before payment. Methodology
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