Are you thinking of offshore company setup in Dubai? Before launching your company, one of the biggest hurdles is choosing the right jurisdiction—be it a Free Zone, Mainland, or an Offshore structure. With such an abundance of options, the most frequently asked question we get at Speedy Incorp is: “How much will it cost?” This cost is a key determinant for your future growth and success, particularly when considering the tax and privacy benefits of an offshore company setup in Dubai. We’ll break down the expected expenditure to help you budget for a seamless setup.
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Key Fees for Dubai Company Formation: Including Offshore and Free Zone
Setting up a business in any of Dubai’s jurisdictions involves several structured costs. Here are the main financial components you need to plan for:
1. Company Registration Fee (For All Dubai Company Types)
This is a one-time payment made to the chosen authority during the initial registration phase. The precise fee is determined by your chosen legal structure and, critically, the jurisdiction. This foundational cost ensures your business is legally established.
2. Annual Licence Fee: Mainland, Free Zone & Offshore
Choosing the right business licence is essential for operation. The three most popular types are licences for trading, services, and industrial sectors. Unlike the registration fee, the licence fee is a recurring annual cost. Depending on your activity and chosen jurisdiction, this can range from approximately AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 per year. For an offshore company setup, the licence fee is typically at the lower end of the spectrum as the scope of trade within the UAE is limited.
3. Physical Office Requirement vs. Offshore Registered Address
Having a registered office space in Dubai is a prerequisite for obtaining your business licence.
- Free Zones often offer flexible options like serviced and flexi-desks.
- Mainland setups require a substantial physical office and a mandatory Ejari.
- Crucially, an offshore company setup does not require a physical office but only a registered agent’s address, significantly lowering overhead.
The minimum share capital requirement can differ significantly. While the average for many free zones is set at AED 50,000, the requirements for an offshore company setup are often minimal and designed for ease of incorporation.
Cost Comparison Chart: Offshore vs. Free Zone vs. Mainland
| Feature | Offshore Company Setup | Free Zone Company Setup | Mainland Company Setup |
| Primary Setup Cost (Avg. AED) | AED 12,000 – AED 20,000 | AED 15,000 – AED 40,000 | AED 25,000 – AED 60,000+ |
| Annual Renewal Fee (Avg. AED) | AED 5,000 – AED 8,000 (Lowest) | AED 8,000 – AED 20,000+ | AED 10,000 – AED 25,000+ |
| Physical Office Required | NO (Registered Agent’s Address only) | NO (Flexi-desk/shared space allowed) | YES (Mandatory physical office/Ejari) |
| Visa Eligibility | NO | YES (Number tied to office size/package) | YES |
| Market Access | International (Cannot trade within the UAE) | Restricted (Can trade within the Free Zone & internationally) | Unrestricted (Full access to the entire UAE market) |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% | 100% | 100% (For most activities) |
| Ideal For | Asset Holding, IP Protection, International Trading, Confidentiality. | SMEs, Start-ups, Consultants, Exporters/Importers. | Local Retail, Services targeting the UAE consumer market. |
If you want to look elsewhere, click here to explore best offshore jurisdictions.
Your Expert Partner for Offshore Company Setup in Dubai: Speedy Incorp
At Speedy Incorp, we offer tailored consulting to ensure you get the most value for your investment. We analyze your business model to recommend the most cost-effective and compliant solution.
We simplify complex pricing for your offshore registration, including:
- Application and Registration Fees
- Annual Licence and Establishment Card Fees
Why Partner with Speedy Incorp for your Offshore Company Setup?
Choosing the right partner means more than just saving money; it means saving time and avoiding costly mistakes. We are your expert guide for setting up an offshore company in Dubai.
- Speed: We can streamline your process, often completing your setup in just 2–4 weeks.
- Expertise: We are fully versed in UAE laws and regulations, ensuring 100% compliance.
- Best Value: We compare costs across all free zones and the Mainland to recommend the optimum solution for your budget.
Ready to take the next step? Don’t let the cost confuse you. Consult with our experts to get a transparent, tailored quote today.
Start Your Business Journey
Visit our website for a free consultation: Speedy Incorp
For official government guidelines on establishing companies in the UAE, please refer to the Ministry of Economy, UAE.