Low Cost Business Setup in Dubai
Start your venture in UAE without stretching budget - freezone, mainland and offshore options
Low-Cost Business Setup in Dubai, UAE
Dubai is a city full of joy and opportunities. Whether it is the rich culture, modern infrastructure, or thriving economy, Dubai has something for everyone, including entrepreneurs. The UAE government has made it extremely easy for foreign investors to start and grow businesses here, making low-cost business setup in Dubai available to entrepreneurs worldwide.
There are vast range of opportunities and activities available for low capital investment businesses in Dubai. Freelancing, consultancy, event management and digital marketing services are some of the profitable ideas that require low capital investment.
UAE: An Ideal Location for Low-Cost Business
At Dubiz Business Setup, our goal is to make business setup in Dubai not only fast and simple but also affordable for ambitious entrepreneurs from different parts of the world. Starting and growing a business in Dubai is a dream for many, and we are here to make it happen for you.
When you think of the UAE, luxury may come to mind, right? But that does not mean starting a business in this luxurious space has to be heavy on pockets. In fact, UAE has a soft spot for budding entrepreneurs and low-cost startups.
Here’s why UAE is best destination for affordable business setups:
Tax savings
One of the biggest advantages of starting a business in UAE is low taxes. Foreign entrepreneurs in UAEcan benefit from savings on corporate taxes, income tax, and VAT.
Easy business
UAE is known to be a place where businesses can be started easily without facing much administrative hassles.
Strategic location
The UAE's prime location between Europe, Asia, and Africa provides a platform for SMEs and startups to access vast markets and clients globally.
Freezones
The UAE’s free zones treat startups as a priority, offering world-class infrastructure, full ownership, and a host of incentives designed to support them in every way.
Pro-business government
The extensive government support like SME programs, incentives, low-cost licenses, affordable office spaces, and support services help businesses with tight budgets succeed.
Developed communities
The well-developed business community of the nation offers networking and exposure, helping new small ventures build connections and grow.
Low-cost business setup in Dubai offers a unique blend of affordability, opportunity, and growth potential!
What Is The Cost of Starting Small Business in Dubai?
A low-cost business license in Dubai freezone will start at price of AED 5,999*. In mainland Dubai, you can get it for as low as AED 17,900*. However, the best affordable license in UAE for you will depend on your business operations, your location, visa requirements and other things. Dubiz offers exclusive packages for low-cost business setup in Dubai:
Freezone business setup package:
- General trading license
- Up to 9 activities
- Up to 5 shareholders
- 1 free VAT and tax consultation session
T&Cs apply*
Mainland business setup package:
- Professional license
- Business registration
- Investor visa
- Initial approval
- PRO and VAT assistance
T&Cs apply*
Six Simple Steps to Low-Cost Business Setup in Dubai
With mindful budgeting and strategic thinking, you can launch your venture in Dubai while saving on costs. With Dubiz Business Setup, you just need to navigate through six steps to establish your presence in Dubai’s thriving markets.
Here is a simplified process for low-cost business setup in Dubai:
STEP 1
Identify your business focus
The first step is to choose your business activity. The Dubai Economic Department (DED) offers 2000+ business activities. Some low-cost business ideas include digital marketing, tourism activities, real estate management, business consultancy, and more. Do not forget to conduct proper market research to find out the scope and target market for your business.
STEP 2
Choose your business location
STEP 3
Finalize a trade name
Next step includes choosing a unique trade name for your business and getting it registered with the relevant authorities. The name should be simple, decent, and must follow the UAE government's naming guidelines.
STEP 4
Obtain necessary approvals
Before proceeding with your license application, you must obtain initial approval from the DED or the respective free zone authority. This confirms that the government has no objections to your business. Keep in mind that some business operations may require additional approvals from other government bodies like Dubai Municipality, Ministries, or specific departments.
STEP 5
Secure your business license
Now comes the exciting part; applying for your business license! Gather the necessary documents and submit your application to the DED (for mainland) or the relevant free zone authority. You will also need to pay the license application fees.
STEP 6
Get visas and a bank account
Top 10 Low Investment Businesses in Dubai for Beginners
Interested in low-cost business setup in UAE? There are many industries in UAE that offer the opportunity to start business with less money.
Click Here →Drop shipping/e-commerce business
Dropshipping and e-commerce are among the most affordable and profitable business ideas in Dubai and the UAE. The industry is thriving, with UAE e-commerce expected to reach USD 17 billion by 2025. You can start selling products online with an e-commerce license without the need to invest in a physical store.
Click Here →Consultancy Business
Starting a consultancy business is yet another promising low-cost business setup in Dubai. Whether it is for education, finance, tax, or business consulting, the demand for such services is always high. You will need proper qualifications to offer advice, and you can begin your practice with minimal costs.
Click Here →Digital marketing agencies
You can run a digital marketing agency remotely with your skills and low costs. The sector in UAE is poised to grow at a rate of 12.5% between 2024 to 2032. As the number of businesses in Dubai continue to grow, so does the demand for digital marketing services such as content creation, website development, and more.
Click Here →Travel agency
Who does not love a trip to Dubai? The city is a tourist favourite, with 8.68 tourists visiting in first 5 months of 2025. This makes a travel and tourism business profitable business idea in Dubai. With minimal investment, you can start reaping profits quickly.
Click Here →Real estate management
Dubai, the wealthiest city in the Middle East, is a prime hub for real estate investments. Investors from around the world pour money into distinct types of properties here, while others are seeking diverse real estate services. Managing these luxurious properties can be a lucrative business such as property brokerage, Airbnb, vacation rentals, etc.
Click Here →Cleaning service business
Cleaning services are in high demand in Dubai, given the fast-paced lifestyle. You can tap into this lucrative, low-investment business by offering cleaning services to residential, institutional, and commercial clients. Business success will depend on your professionalism, quality of service, and superior customer experience.
Click Here →Freelancing
Breaking away from traditional job models, freelancing is an affordable and flexible business setup in the UAE. If you are skilled in areas like marketing, tech, design, or other field, you can start offering your services as a freelancer in UAE. You will benefit from minimal paperwork and setup costs, and there is no need to be tied to a company.
Click Here →Event Management
Establishing an event management company in the UAE is a great idea which lets you enjoy the flexibility of managing a wide range of events—from birthdays to corporate gatherings. It is a low-cost business setup in Dubai that requires creativity, a network of suppliers, and strong organizational skills to succeed.
Click Here →Cloud kitchens
If you are passionate about food, a lucrative yet low-cost business setup in Dubai is a cloud kitchen. You do not need to invest in physical dining space or infrastructure. Instead, your focus would be on delivering delicious meals directly to customers’ doorsteps.
Click Here →Ed-tech platform
Another option for low-cost business setup in Dubai is starting an ed-tech platform, where you can provide high-quality educational services remotely to a large student base. You will need a team of talented educators and a user-friendly, efficient platform to ensure success.
Tips to Reduce Business Setup Costs in Dubai
Here are some useful strategies on how to keep the cost of business setup in Dubai low:
Optimize office space
If your business does not require a large office space, you can consider a small space. Infact, for many business license options you get to operate through flexi desks which are shared office spaces. This will help you save on rental costs, and you can benefit from shared amenities too.
Outsource non-core tasks
Don’t try to be the jack of all. Then, you will be master of none. Focus on your core operations while you delegate other functions to freelancers or agencies. That way, you can save your valuable time, efforts, resources, and staffing overheads.
Utilize government incentives
UAE government often provides incentives, grants and programs to support entrepreneurs and startups. For example, there is a program called Dubai SME program, which offers benefits for small businesses. Make sure to check them out.
Work with experts
Streamlining your business setup and administrative processes helps you reduce cost to great extent. For that it is best to work with professional business setup consultants who make sure your business formation and documentation is as per UAE law, reducing chance of errors and penalties.
Reduce visa applications
To reduce the upfront expenses, you must apply for only necessary visas. Avoid applying for multiple or unnecessary visas, as each one comes with costs and paperwork.
Negotiate with vendors
When it comes to securing utilities for your business, or other things, you can always try to negotiate favourable terms with the suppliers and service providers.
Why choose us:
8+ years of industry experience
Multi-lingual expert team
Customized setup packages
4000+ successful stories
In-house Tasheel center
Strong local government ties
How Dubiz Helps with Low-Cost Business Setup in UAE?
Starting a business in Dubai and the UAE may seem expensive at first. However, with the right choices and guidance, it can be quite affordable. With a small start, you can grow big in the nation of opportunities. Looking for cheap business setup in Dubai? Do not worry! We have got your back.
At Dubiz Business Setup, we specialize in guiding entrepreneurs through the process of starting a low-cost business setup in Dubai. We handle every aspect of business setup in Dubai and the UAE, including licensing, registration, trade name selection, visa processing, bank accounts, tax consulting, auditing, and compliance. Our digital marketing services are specifically designed to help your brand make a mark in the online world.
If you want a seamless and stress-free experience for company formation in the UAE, allow us to be your partners. The UAE offers promise and opportunities, and with Dubiz's support, you can make the most of it.
Factors Influencing Cost of Dubai Business Formation
There are many factors that determine the overall cost of business setup in Dubai, such as:
Business jurisdiction
Costs depends on where business is being set up: freezone, offshore or mainland.
Legal structure
Setup price varies for various business structures like sole establishment, LLC, branch, etc.
Type of license
There are different prices for commercial license, professional license and industrial license.
Size of office
Renting out physical office space, its size, amenities, or choosing virtual office, will all affect costs.
Visa costs
How many visas you need, the type of visas you are applying for, along with other immigration costs.
Approval fees
This includes the initial approval fees along with fees of any special permits as may be needed for business.
FAQs on Low-Cost Business Setup in Dubai, UAE
Some of the most popular freezones offering cheap business setup in UAE along with the starting price of business license include:
- Ajman Media City (AMC): AED 4,999
- Jebel Ali Freezone (JAFZA): AED 5,000
- Sharjah Media City (SHAMS): AED 5,750
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ): AED 6,000