Online Business Setup Cost Calculator for Free

How to Use SafeLedger Business Setup Cost Calculator?

Follow these steps to use the business expense calculator online with ease:

1. Fill Basic Details

To get started, provide the following essential details:

• Enter your full name.
• Provide your phone number with the country code.
• Add your email address to receive your cost summary and quote.

This step ensures SafeLedger can reach you with your estimate and any follow-up support.

2. Business Activity Group

The startup cost calculator lets you select from various activity groups, such as:

• Choose your business structure, whether it is Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore.
• Pick your business type from available options such as Trading, IT Services, Marketing & Advertising, and Logistics & Transportation.
• If your business type isn’t listed, manually add it.

Your choice impacts the license type and base fees.

3. Corporate Bank Account

Select whether you want to open a corporate bank account or not:

• With Bank Account: An Additional fee applies for opening a bank account.
• Without Bank Account: Skipping this service reduces overall cost.

This helps you plan whether to include banking setup in your budget.

4. Number of Visas

Choose the number of visas needed for employees, partners, or yourself (0-6+). Visa fees are automatically added to your business plan cost estimate based on this number.

5. Add Additional Services

You can include optional paid services to make setup easier and stay compliant. Each service adds a fixed cost:

• Corporate Tax Registration Assistance (AED 1,200): Include if you want help with UAE corporate tax registration.
• VAT Registration & Filing Support (AED 1,500): Add if you need VAT registration and ongoing filing support.
• Company Stamp Service (AED 250): Include this if you are getting a custom company stamp service for official use.

You can choose Include or Skip for each service.

6. Cost Amount

Review the following detailed cost breakdown by the business cost calculator:

• License fees
• Visa costs
• Optional services
• Any banking fees

This total helps you estimate your business setup budget before proceeding. Following these steps will give you an accurate estimate of your business setup costs in the UAE and help you avoid overheads and unexpected costs. What Costs are Included to Set Up a Business in the UAE? Business setup cost in the UAE includes the following key expense components:

• Trade License Fees: Charges for obtaining the necessary business licenses in the UAE.
• Registration & Government Charges: Fees for company registration, GST, or other statutory approvals.
• Visa & Immigration Costs: Work permit or employee visa costs, if applicable.
• Office or Desk Rental: Rent for office space, co-working desks, or virtual offices.
• Optional Compliance Services: Fees for accounting, bookkeeping, and other legal or regulatory services.

The business setup cost in the UAE may vary depending on your business goals and the scale of your operations. SafeLedger's business setup calculator considers all the major costs and gives the most accurate estimates.

Example Business Setup Cost Scenarios in the UAE

Below are some realistic examples to help you visualize how costs vary for different business types.

1. Free Zone Company with 1 Visa

This scenario suits small businesses or startups with one employee or partner.

• Business Type: Trading company in a UAE Free Zone
• Corporate Bank Account: With a bank account
• Number of Visas: 1
• Optional Services Selected: VAT Registration & Filing Support

Estimated Costs:

• License Fee: AED 15,000
• Visa Fee (1 Visa): AED 3,500
• Bank Account Assistance: AED 2,000
• VAT Support: AED 1,500

Total Estimated Cost: AED 22,000

2. Mainland Company with 3 Visas

This option suits medium-sized businesses with a small team.

• Business Type: IT services company on the UAE Mainland
• Corporate Bank Account: Without a bank account
• Number of Visas: 3
• Optional Services Selected: Corporate Tax Registration Assistance, Company Stamp Service

Estimated Costs:

• License Fee: AED 20,000
• Visa Fees (3 Visas): AED 10,500
• Corporate Tax Assistance: AED 1,200
• Company Stamp Service: AED 250

Total Estimated Cost: AED 31,950 This setup is suitable for medium-sized businesses with a small team.

3. Freelancer / Solo Entrepreneur Setup

This setup works best for solo entrepreneurs or consultants with no employees.

• Business Type: Freelance license in a Free Zone
• Corporate Bank Account: Optional, not included
• Number of Visas: 0
• Optional Services Selected: VAT Registration & Filing Support

Estimated Costs:

• License Fee: AED 7,500
• Visa Fee: AED 0
• VAT Support: AED 1,500

Total Estimated Cost: AED 9,000 Using the SafeLedger business setup calculator, you can customize your options and get an accurate estimate, making it easier to plan your business.

Factors That Affect Business Setup Cost in the UAE

The following factors affect the total business setup expenses in the UAE:

• Business Type: The Type of business in the UAE can affect your business setup costs. Different types of business, such as Free Zone, Mainland, or Freelance, each have different license fees in the UAE.
• Business Activity: Trading, IT, consulting, or marketing impacts the license category and overall business setup cost.
• Number of Visas: More visas increase visa and immigration costs.
• Corporate Bank Account: Including banking assistance adds extra fees.
• Optional Services: VAT registration in the UAE, company stamp services, and Corporate tax assistance increase overall cost.
• Office Space Requirement: Some Free Zones require a physical office or a flexi-desk, which affects the total cost.
• Sponsorship or Local Partner Fees: Mainland companies may need a local sponsor, adding to setup expenses.
• Government and Regulatory Fees: Vary by Free Zone or Mainland authority and by license type.

SafeLedger helps you identify key business setup costs and explore options that can potentially reduce overall fees for your UAE operations. Contact us today for efficient and effective business setup in the UAE.