A Complete Guide by Arab Asset Consulting
Dubai continues to be a global business hub, attracting entrepreneurs and investors seeking a dynamic market, tax advantages, and world-class infrastructure. One of the most common questions asked by aspiring business owners is:
“What is the minimum investment required to start a business in Dubai?â€
The answer depends on several factors including your chosen business structure (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore), business activity, visa needs, and office space requirements. This guide will break down the essential costs and explain how Arab Asset Consulting can help you start, grow, and scale your business in the UAE — so you can focus on what matters most: doing business.
Minimum Investment to Start a Business in Dubai
The starting investment to set up a business in Dubai can range from AED 10,000 to AED 300,000+, depending on your setup type and sector:
| Business Type | Estimated Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Free Zone | AED 12,900 – AED 50,000 |
| Mainland | AED 20,000 – AED 300,000+ |
| Offshore | AED 17,500+ |
This amount includes business licensing, registration, office rental, visa applications, and government fees.
Key Factors Influencing Business Setup Costs
- Type of Business Activity
Costs vary by sector—consultancies and service providers usually require lower capital than trading or manufacturing. - Business Location (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore)
- Mainland companies have wider access to local markets but may have higher costs.
- Free Zones are cost-efficient and come with benefits like full foreign ownership.
- Offshore setups are best for international operations and asset holding.
- Office Space Requirements
Options range from virtual offices to private offices. Free Zones often offer flexi-desk packages, ideal for startups. - Visa and Residency Requirements
Each visa (investor or employee) can cost AED 3,000 to AED 5,000. The more visas you require, the higher the investment. - Government Approvals & Documentation
Licensing, MOA drafting, name reservation, and legal attestation can collectively cost AED 5,000–AED 15,000+.
Minimum Investment for a Mainland Business Setup
Mainland companies offer the flexibility to operate across all of the UAE. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
- Trade License: AED 18,500+
- Office Space (Annual): AED 15,000+
- Government & Legal Documentation: AED 5,000 – AED 10,000
- Visas & Health Insurance: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 per person
Mainland setups are best suited for businesses planning to engage directly with UAE clients or open retail outlets.
Minimum Investment for a Free Zone Business Setup
Free Zones are attractive for cost-conscious entrepreneurs and international investors. With packages starting from just AED 10,000, they offer full foreign ownership, 0% income tax, and fast-track registration.
- License & Registration Fees: AED 10,000 – AED 30,000
- Flexi-Desk or Shared Office: AED 10,000 – AED 20,000
- Visa Packages: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 per visa
- Document & Legal Support: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000
Popular free zones include IFZA, DMCC, and Dubai South, offering flexible options for startups and SMEs.
Minimum Investment for an Offshore Business Setup
Offshore setups (e.g., JAFZA Offshore) are designed for asset management, international trading, or IP holding, not for doing business inside the UAE.
- Company Formation Fee: Starting at AED 12,500
- Registered Agent & Office: AED 5,000 – AED 8,000
- No physical office or visas required
How to Choose the Right Setup Based on Your Budget
1. Evaluate Your Capital
Start by understanding how much you can comfortably invest in licensing, operations, and contingencies.
2. Match Setup Type to Business Goals
- For local trading or retail: Go mainland.
- For digital services, exports, or consultancies: Consider free zones.
- For holding or international entities: Offshore works best.
3. Assess ROI Potential
Project how quickly your business will generate revenue and break even.
4. Work With Experts
Navigating the licensing and documentation landscape can be time-consuming. That’s where Arab Asset Consulting comes in.
Why Choose Arab Asset Consulting?
Arab Asset Consulting is your strategic partner in business formation. With deep expertise and direct collaboration with Dubai Free Zones such as IFZA, we simplify your journey from idea to full-scale operation.
We Help You With:
Business Registration & Licensing
Residency Visa Processing
Accounting & Tax Consulting (Corporate Tax, VAT)
Website & Branding Support
Digital Marketing Services
Bank Account Setup
Ongoing PRO & Compliance Services
We don’t just set up your company — we build your business ecosystem so you can hit the ground running.
Start Smart with Arab Asset
Whether you’re a solopreneur, investor, or growing business, Arab Asset Consulting provides tailored packages to fit your budget and goals. From zero-visa free zone setups to full-fledged mainland companies, we offer scalable solutions and transparent pricing — no surprises.
Contact Arab Asset Consulting Today
- 📠Location: !905 Latifa Towers World Trade Center Dubai, UAE
- 📧 Email: info@arabasset.com
- 📞 Phone: +971 56 2722 055
- 🌠Website: www.arabasset.com
Final Thoughts
The minimum investment to start a business in Dubai depends on what you want to achieve and how you want to operate. With the right guidance, even a modest investment can become a profitable enterprise in the UAE.
Partner with Arab Asset Consulting to reduce setup time, lower costs, and increase your business success. Let us handle the setup, compliance, and marketing — while you focus on growth.
A Complete Guide by Arab Asset Consulting
Dubai continues to be a global business hub, attracting entrepreneurs and investors seeking a dynamic market, tax advantages, and world-class infrastructure. One of the most common questions asked by aspiring business owners is:
“What is the minimum investment required to start a business in Dubai?”
The answer depends on several factors including your chosen business structure (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore), business activity, visa needs, and office space requirements. This guide will break down the essential costs and explain how Arab Asset Consulting can help you start, grow, and scale your business in the UAE — so you can focus on what matters most: doing business.
Minimum Investment to Start a Business in Dubai
The starting investment to set up a business in Dubai can range from AED 10,000 to AED 300,000+, depending on your setup type and sector:
| Business Type | Estimated Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Free Zone | AED 12,900 – AED 50,000 |
| Mainland | AED 20,000 – AED 300,000+ |
| Offshore | AED 17,500+ |
This amount includes business licensing, registration, office rental, visa applications, and government fees.
Key Factors Influencing Business Setup Costs
- Type of Business Activity
Costs vary by sector—consultancies and service providers usually require lower capital than trading or manufacturing. - Business Location (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore)
- Mainland companies have wider access to local markets but may have higher costs.
- Free Zones are cost-efficient and come with benefits like full foreign ownership.
- Offshore setups are best for international operations and asset holding.
- Office Space Requirements
Options range from virtual offices to private offices. Free Zones often offer flexi-desk packages, ideal for startups. - Visa and Residency Requirements
Each visa (investor or employee) can cost AED 3,000 to AED 5,000. The more visas you require, the higher the investment. - Government Approvals & Documentation
Licensing, MOA drafting, name reservation, and legal attestation can collectively cost AED 5,000–AED 15,000+.
Minimum Investment for a Mainland Business Setup
Mainland companies offer the flexibility to operate across all of the UAE. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
- Trade License: AED 18,500+
- Office Space (Annual): AED 15,000+
- Government & Legal Documentation: AED 5,000 – AED 10,000
- Visas & Health Insurance: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 per person
Mainland setups are best suited for businesses planning to engage directly with UAE clients or open retail outlets.
Minimum Investment for a Free Zone Business Setup
Free Zones are attractive for cost-conscious entrepreneurs and international investors. With packages starting from just AED 10,000, they offer full foreign ownership, 0% income tax, and fast-track registration.
- License & Registration Fees: AED 10,000 – AED 30,000
- Flexi-Desk or Shared Office: AED 10,000 – AED 20,000
- Visa Packages: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 per visa
- Document & Legal Support: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000
Popular free zones include IFZA, DMCC, and Dubai South, offering flexible options for startups and SMEs.
Minimum Investment for an Offshore Business Setup
Offshore setups (e.g., JAFZA Offshore) are designed for asset management, international trading, or IP holding, not for doing business inside the UAE.
- Company Formation Fee: Starting at AED 12,500
- Registered Agent & Office: AED 5,000 – AED 8,000
- No physical office or visas required
How to Choose the Right Setup Based on Your Budget
1. Evaluate Your Capital
Start by understanding how much you can comfortably invest in licensing, operations, and contingencies.
2. Match Setup Type to Business Goals
- For local trading or retail: Go mainland.
- For digital services, exports, or consultancies: Consider free zones.
- For holding or international entities: Offshore works best.
3. Assess ROI Potential
Project how quickly your business will generate revenue and break even.
4. Work With Experts
Navigating the licensing and documentation landscape can be time-consuming. That’s where Arab Asset Consulting comes in.
Why Choose Arab Asset Consulting?
Arab Asset Consulting is your strategic partner in business formation. With deep expertise and direct collaboration with Dubai Free Zones such as IFZA, we simplify your journey from idea to full-scale operation.
We Help You With:
Business Registration & Licensing
Residency Visa Processing
Accounting & Tax Consulting (Corporate Tax, VAT)
Website & Branding Support
Digital Marketing Services
Bank Account Setup
Ongoing PRO & Compliance Services
We don’t just set up your company — we build your business ecosystem so you can hit the ground running.
Start Smart with Arab Asset
Whether you’re a solopreneur, investor, or growing business, Arab Asset Consulting provides tailored packages to fit your budget and goals. From zero-visa free zone setups to full-fledged mainland companies, we offer scalable solutions and transparent pricing — no surprises.
Contact Arab Asset Consulting Today
- 📍 Location: !905 Latifa Towers World Trade Center Dubai, UAE
- 📧 Email: info@arabasset.com
- 📞 Phone: +971 56 2722 055
- 🌐 Website: www.arabasset.com
Final Thoughts
The minimum investment to start a business in Dubai depends on what you want to achieve and how you want to operate. With the right guidance, even a modest investment can become a profitable enterprise in the UAE.
Partner with Arab Asset Consulting to reduce setup time, lower costs, and increase your business success. Let us handle the setup, compliance, and marketing — while you focus on growth.
