True cost of UAE
Healthcare & Mandatory Costs
The licence fee is just the start. Health insurance, audits, Emirates ID, renewals: what a UAE free zone founder pays in year one and beyond.
Health Insurance
Basic health insurance (Dubai mandate)
AED 600–1,500
Annual, per person
Mandatory for all Dubai residency visa holders. Minimum 'Thiqa-equivalent' or DHA-approved Essential Benefits Plan. Abu Dhabi and other emirates have similar requirements.
Enhanced health insurance (recommended)
AED 3,000–12,000
Annual, per person
Basic plans cover emergencies and limited outpatient. For founders wanting dental, specialist access, or international coverage, mid-range plans are AED 5–8k. Top-tier expat plans run AED 15k+.
Visa & ID
Medical fitness certificate
AED 300–450
Per visa application or renewal
Blood test + chest X-ray at a MOHAP-approved medical centre. Required for every residency visa application and renewal. Results in 1–3 days.
Emirates ID
AED 100–370
Per visa validity period (2–3 years)
Mandatory for all UAE residents. Fee depends on validity. New ID is issued with each visa. Processing takes 5–10 working days.
Residency visa stamping
AED 1,500–3,500
Per visa application or renewal
Includes entry permit, status change, and visa stamping fees. Exact amount depends on your free zone's package. This is separate from the licence fee.
Company Administration
Establishment / e-channel card
AED 2,000–4,000
Annual
Required by free zones in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and RAK for visa processing. Some Dubai zones include this in their package; others charge separately.
MOA / company documents notarisation
AED 500–2,000
One-time (at formation) or on updates
Memorandum of Association notarisation. Required at DIFC and ADGM at formation; other zones may require on amendments.
Typing centre / PRO services
AED 200–500
Per transaction
Document typing, government form submission. Many founders use the zone's own service desk. External PRO services cost AED 200–2,000+ depending on scope.
Tax & Compliance
VAT registration (if required)
AED 0
One-time
VAT registration itself is free. Required if taxable UAE-source turnover exceeds AED 375k/year. Voluntary registration above AED 187.5k. Filing is quarterly or annual.
Corporate tax registration
AED 0
One-time
All UAE businesses must register for Corporate Tax with the FTA by their deadline — free of charge. CT filing applies from financial years starting 1 June 2023.
Annual audit (QFZP / some zones)
AED 5,000–20,000
Annual
Required for QFZP status (qualifying for 0% corporate tax). Some free zones (DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, Tawazun, Dubai South) require an audit regardless. Smaller zones and standard-substance companies can use a basic audit. Cost depends on complexity.
Banking
Monthly bank account fees
AED 0–500
Monthly
Many UAE business accounts are free if you maintain a minimum balance (AED 10–50k). Below the minimum, monthly charges apply. Challenger banks (Wio, Mashreq Neo) offer free accounts with no minimum.
Minimum balance requirement
AED 10,000–100,000
Ongoing (locked capital)
Not a fee — but capital tied up as minimum balance. Emirates NBD Business: AED 50k min. FAB: AED 25k min. RAKBank: AED 10k min. Challenger banks: none.
Example: annual all-in cost
Solo founder, Dubai free zone, 1 visa
What this doesn't include
- • Personal income (no UAE income tax on individuals)
- • VAT on business expenses (standard 5%)
- • Dedicated office or warehouse rent (if applicable)
- • Mainland trade licence if operating outside the free zone
- • School fees, personal rent, or cost-of-living