Our Commitment to Transparency
Transparency about cost is one of GoldenKeyBCS's core commitments. This guide provides honest, up-to-date cost ranges for every type of UAE business setup — free of hidden fees or inflated estimates.
Free Zone Setup: Starting Costs
Free Zone companies remain the most affordable entry point. A basic setup with one activity, virtual office (flexi desk), and no visa quota starts from AED 5,500–6,500 depending on the Free Zone chosen. Popular affordable options include Ajman Free Zone, Fujairah Creative City, and Shams (Sharjah).
Free Zone + Visa: Realistic Total
Adding visa quota to a Free Zone package adds AED 2,500–3,500 per visa slot for the quota, plus AED 2,800–4,500 per person for the actual visa processing (medical, Emirates ID, status change). A Free Zone package with 2 visas typically totals AED 12,000–16,000 all-in.
Mainland Business Setup Costs
Mainland business setup costs vary by emirate and activity. Dubai DED licenses range from AED 12,000–20,000 for most commercial activities. Sharjah and Ajman Mainland options are 30–40% cheaper than Dubai, making them ideal for cost-conscious entrepreneurs.
Office Space: The Variable Everyone Ignores
Office space costs are the largest variable. Virtual/registered address in Free Zones: AED 1,500–3,000/year. Flexi desk (shared workspace access): AED 3,000–8,000/year. Dedicated office: AED 15,000–80,000+/year depending on size and emirate.
Annual Renewal Costs (Don't Overlook These)
Annual renewal costs are often overlooked. Trade license renewal: AED 3,000–8,000 depending on jurisdiction and activity. Visa renewal: AED 2,000–3,000 per person every 2–3 years. Budget 25–40% of setup cost for annual renewals.
Bank Account Opening
Bank account opening is included in our complete packages. Standalone, GoldenKeyBCS charges AED 1,500–2,500 for bank account facilitation. Government fees for bank account opening are zero — banks bear their own onboarding costs.
Realistic All-In Budget Guide
Our recommendation: a realistic all-in budget for a first-time entrepreneur is AED 15,000–25,000 for a complete setup (Free Zone, 1 visa, bank account). For Mainland with Dubai DED, budget AED 20,000–35,000. Contact us for your specific quote — we'll never surprise you with hidden fees.