If you’re planning to start a business in the UAE, understanding the full picture of startup costs is essential. From government fees to office space and visa expenses, these costs can vary widely based on your business model and location. Planning ahead helps you budget smartly and avoid surprises.
The UAE is one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs. With its robust infrastructure, tax-friendly environment, and multiple options for business setup, the UAE offers flexibility and growth opportunities for all kinds of ventures.
Costs of Starting a Business in the UAE
Business Registration and Licensing Fees
The first step in any UAE business setup is obtaining a license. The business license cost in UAE varies depending on whether you choose a mainland or a free zone. Free zone licenses generally start from AED 5,500 and can go higher depending on the activity.
Office Space and Infrastructure
UAE business setup costs can increase significantly with physical office requirements. You can opt for co-working spaces, executive offices, or even virtual offices depending on your needs. Rent in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is typically higher than in Sharjah or other emirates.
Visa and Immigration Costs
You’ll need to budget for investor and employee visas. A single investor visa might cost between AED 3,000–7,000, depending on the emirate and free zone. Employee visa costs will vary based on the number of visas and job roles.
Legal and Consulting Fees
Many new entrepreneurs rely on consultants to simplify company formation cost in UAE. These services may cost anywhere between AED 5,000–15,000 depending on the support you require (legal drafting, approvals, document clearance, etc.).
Marketing and Branding Expenses
To establish your business presence in the UAE, expect to spend on website development, logo design, and initial marketing campaigns. A basic branding package could cost between AED 2,000–10,000 or more.
What It Costs to Start a Business in SRTIP
The Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) is a dynamic free zone focused on innovation, research, and future technologies. It offers an ideal environment for tech-driven businesses, startups, and R&D firms.
If you’re in technology, education, sustainability, or scientific research, SRTIP is tailored to support your business model. It provides cost-effective solutions as well as access to a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
License Fees
UAE free zone business cost at SRTIP begins with affordable license packages. Fees start from AED 5,500 annually, depending on the activity. SRTIP also offers a special package for women-owned businesses priced at AED 9,160, which includes access to the Innovation Lounge and additional business support resources.
Office Space Rental
SRTIP offers flexible options including co-working desks, private offices, and specialized labs. Prices range from AED 4,000 for co-working desks to AED 25,000+ for private setups. Whether you’re a startup, a women-led business, or an R&D firm, SRTIP offers workspaces that scale with your growth, from co-working desks to private offices and innovation plots.
|
Type |
Details |
Starting Price / Size |
|---|---|---|
|
Co-working (“Maktabi”) |
Shared workspace with flexible access |
AED 800/sqm |
|
Start-up Offices |
Dedicated spaces for businesses under 3 years old |
Varies by package |
|
Private Offices |
20–80 sqm offices, some fully furnished with meeting rooms and visa options |
Based on size and furnishing |
|
Innovation Offices / Plots |
Large-scale offices or land for R&D activities |
Custom pricing by area |
Utilities and Infrastructure
You’ll get access to high-speed internet, maintenance, and facility services. Monthly utility charges are relatively low, especially for startups using shared spaces. SRTIP also provides access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced laboratories, R&D facilities, and meeting spaces, which are generally covered as part of the overall package.
Value-Added Services
At Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), certain value-added services such as immigration cards, pre-approvals, E-channel registration, and visa processing are not included in the basic license fee and are charged separately.
|
Service |
Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
|
Immigration Card |
1,500 |
|
Pre-Approval |
610 |
|
E-channel Registration |
2,575 |
|
Visa (starting from) |
2,950 |
|
Medical, Emirates ID, Status Change |
Additional, varies |
SRTIP Business Setup Packages
1. Innovators Business Setup Package – Zero Visa
This package is designed for entrepreneurs who don’t require a UAE visa. It includes multiple business activities and allows up to 5 shareholders.
|
Features |
1-Year Package |
3-Year Package |
|---|---|---|
|
Number of Activities |
5 (Mix of Commercial & Services) |
5 (Mix of Commercial & Services) |
|
Number of Shareholders |
Up to 5 |
Up to 5 |
|
Digital Banking Services |
Included |
Included |
|
Visa Allocation |
Not Included |
Not Included |
|
Total Cost |
AED 5,500 |
AED 13,200 |
|
Renewal |
AED 5,500 |
AED 13,200 |
2. Innovators Business Setup Package – One Visa
This option is ideal for entrepreneurs who need one UAE residency visa included in their business setup.
|
Features |
1-Year Package |
2-Year Package |
|---|---|---|
|
Visa Included |
1 Visa |
1 Visa |
|
E-Channel Registration & Renewal |
Included |
Included |
|
Pre-Approval Fee |
Included |
Included |
|
Establishment Card |
Included |
Included |
|
Business Activities |
5 (General Trading + Mix-Match Commercial & Services) |
5 (General Trading + Mix-Match Commercial & Services) |
|
Shareholders |
Up to 5 |
Up to 5 |
|
Status Change |
Included |
Included |
|
Medical Test |
Not included (can be done externally) |
Not included (can be done externally) |
|
Total Cost |
AED 13,990 |
AED 20,675 |
|
Renewal |
AED 8,810 |
Same as above |
3. Innovators Business Setup Package – Two Visas
This package is ideal for founders who need two UAE residency visas included in their business setup, along with complete licensing and compliance support.
|
Features |
1-Year Package |
2-Year Package |
|---|---|---|
|
Visas Included |
2 Visas |
2 Visas |
|
E-Channel Registration & Renewal |
Included |
Included |
|
Pre-Approval Fee |
Included |
Included |
|
Establishment Card |
Included |
Included |
|
Business Activities |
5 (General Trading + Mix-Match Commercial & Services) |
5 (General Trading + Mix-Match Commercial & Services) |
|
Shareholders |
Up to 5 |
Up to 5 |
|
Status Change |
Included |
Included |
|
Medical Test |
Not included (can be done externally) |
Not included (can be done externally) |
|
Total Cost |
AED 17,795 |
AED 25,215 |
|
Renewal |
AED 9,860 |
Same as above |
SRTIP is the Top Choice for Entrepreneurs
Compared to free zones in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, SRTIP offers a high-value business setup at a more affordable cost. It’s especially attractive for early-stage ventures looking to reduce their business startup cost in UAE without compromising on infrastructure or support.
With full foreign ownership, simplified procedures, and innovation-driven facilities, SRTIP delivers flexibility and affordability. Its focus on research, technology, and sustainable growth makes it a standout option for modern entrepreneurs.
With full foreign ownership, simplified procedures, and innovation-driven facilities, SRTIP delivers flexibility and affordability. Its focus on research, technology, and sustainable growth makes it a standout option for modern entrepreneurs.
Looking to set up a business affordably in the UAE? SRTIP offers a startup-friendly ecosystem designed for growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The minimum cost at SRTIP starts from AED 5,500 for a Zero Visa license package. Costs increase depending on the number of visas, office space, and additional services.
Not always. Visa fees are only included in specific SRTIP packages (e.g., One Visa or Two Visa packages). In other cases, they are charged separately starting from AED 2,950.
SRTIP offers co-working desks, private offices (20–80 sqm), and innovation offices or land plots for R&D. Prices vary based on the size and facilities.
