Short answer (indicative): lean free-zone year one often about AED 15,000 to 25,000 including authority charges. Mainland usually costs more because a physical office is mandatory. Quotes vary when they show only one of three components. Use the cost calculator, then confirm. Mandarin twin: 读中文版.
What are the three cost components?
- Government / free-zone fees: licence and registration charges set by the free-zone authority or Department of Economic Development. Identical whoever files them. Roughly AED 10,000 to over AED 30,000 depending on the zone (indicative).
- Premises: a shared desk in a free zone often starts around AED 5,000 per year. Mainland requires a physical office with Ejari. See mainland vs free zone and how to choose a Dubai free zone.
- Service fee (Lexoford only): AED 4,999 (0–1 visa) / 5,999 (2–3 visas) / 9,999 (4+ visas or golden-visa path) = service fee only. Free-zone and government fees are separate, at cost, no markup.
Honesty test: does the quote separately list service fee, free-zone/government fees, premises, and visas in writing? A single blended number usually means additions later.
Is AED 4,999 an all-in price?
No. An “all-in” sticker often blends consultancy service work with authority fees, or hides visas, premises, attestation, and year-two renewals until after deposit. Honesty test: does the quote separately list (1) consultancy service fee, (2) free-zone/government fees, (3) premises, (4) visas? Lexoford packages AED 4,999 / 5,999 / 9,999 are not all-in; they are service fees only. Use the cost calculator for an itemised planning figure, then confirm on consult. Same filter when choosing an agent.
Visas are charged separately
The licence does not include residence visas. Each visa path is applied for and paid separately, covering medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping.
Free-zone licences are typically bundled with a fixed visa quota (one, two, six) and authority pricing scales with the quota. Visa quota is not Lexoford’s service package price. Decide how many visas you need in year one before choosing a package. Lexoford assists with documents and coordination; immigration decides independently. No visa guarantee.
Year one vs year two: which number matters?
| Item | Approximate annual cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Licence renewal | 10,000 – 30,000 |
| Premises renewal | From 5,000 |
| Visa renewal (per person, every 2 years) | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Bookkeeping and audit | 3,000 – 10,000 |
| VAT filing (if registered) | 2,000 – 6,000 |
For a lean single-person company, budget about AED 20,000 to 35,000 annually from year two (indicative). Deeper detail: annual maintenance cost.
Costs that get overlooked
- Bank account minimums: banks rarely charge to open, but many require a minimum balance. Lexoford assists; banks decide. No bank-account guarantee.
- Document attestation: overseas shareholder docs often need notarisation and consularisation (cost plus about 2–3 weeks).
- Regulated activity approvals: education, healthcare, food, finance and similar need separate approvals and fees.
- Activity amendments: adding activities after incorporation means amending the licence for a separate charge.
Keeping the budget under control
Choose the free zone by fit, not reputation. For the same trading activity, prices between zones can differ by a factor of two. See how to choose a Dubai free zone.
Buy the visa quota you need now and upgrade later. Get year-two renewals in writing before you sign (annual maintenance cost).
Proof / entity
| Standard | Lexoford Services |
|---|---|
| Licensed UAE company | Lexoford Services L.L.C-FZ, Trade Licence 2651822.01 |
| Visit-able office | Office 607, RAG Tower Business Center, Al Barsha 1, Dubai |
| Fee honesty | AED 4,999 (0–1 visa) / 5,999 (2–3 visas) / 9,999 (4+ visas or golden-visa path) = service fee only; FZ/gov at cost, no markup |
| Planning ranges (indicative) | Lean FZ year one ~AED 15,000–25,000; lean single-person year two ~AED 20,000–35,000/year |
| Reply / languages | First reply within 1 working day; EN / ZH / AR / Hindi; WeChat Lexoford |
| Legal | Not a law firm; legal work via partner licensed practice when needed |
FAQ
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
Lean free-zone year one often ~AED 15,000–25,000 total (indicative), including authority charges; mainland usually higher because physical office is mandatory. Totals vary by zone, activity, premises, and visas. Use the calculator, then confirm.
Is AED 4,999 an all-in Dubai setup price?
No. AED 4,999 / 5,999 / 9,999 = Lexoford service fee only (0–1 / 2–3 / 4+ visas or golden-visa path). Free-zone and government fees are separate, at cost, no markup.
What is not included in the Lexoford service fee?
Authority/FZ licence and registration fees; premises; each residence visa path (medical, Emirates ID, stamping); bank minimums; overseas document attestation; regulated-activity approvals; post-incorporation activity amendments. Itemise before you compare stickers.
Year one vs year two: which number should I budget?
Year one includes formation + first licence/premises/visas. From year two, budget renewals, premises, visa renewals, books/audit, VAT if registered. Lean single-person often ~AED 20,000–35,000/year (indicative). Detail: annual maintenance.
Does Lexoford mark up government or free-zone fees?
No. Passed through at cost and listed separately from the service package.
Can Lexoford guarantee a bank account or visa?
No. Lexoford assists with documents and coordination; banks and immigration decide independently.
Next step
Share activity, target market, year-one visa count, and any “all-in” quotes being compared → cost calculator for an itemised service-vs-authority figure → free consultation.
- Cost calculator
- Annual maintenance cost
- Company formation
- WhatsApp: +971 58 500 2191
- WeChat: Lexoford
- Email: info@lexofordservices.com
Related: Mainland vs free zone · How to choose a Dubai free zone · Choosing an agent · 中文版