Minimum Investment Needed to Start a Business in Dubai

Learn the minimum investment needed to start a business in Dubai, covering costs for residents and non-residents, including visa and trade license fees.

We often get questions from our followers around the world asking, "What is the minimum investment required to start a business in Dubai?" They also want to know what type of business it can be and which license is the cheapest to get.

So, in this article, you'll find all the details about the minimum investment for different types of licenses and whether you also need a residency visa or not.

What Affects the Minimum Investment?

The minimum investment to start a business in Dubai depends on a few key factors:

  1. Do you need a residency visa?
  2. What type of business are you starting?
  3. Is it Mainland or Freezone license?
For example, a service-based business costs less to start because you only need a license and a place to work, like an office or a coworking space.

On the other hand, if you're starting a business like a cafeteria or a restaurant, which requires a proper setup, the investment will be higher.

We've Divided This Article into Two Parts:

1. If You Are Already a Resident of Dubai

If you're already living in Dubai on someone else’s sponsor visa, like a family or spouse visa, you already have a visa to live in the UAE. So, the minimum investment you’ll need is:

  • For a service-based business in a Freezone: Minimum investment is AED 6,000
  • For a service-based business in Dubai Mainland: Minimum investment is AED 14,000

2. If You Are Not a Resident and Need a Residency Visa

If you’re not a resident and you also need a residency visa along with the trade license, you’ll need to invest more. Here’s the estimated cost:

  • For a trade license with a visa in a Freezone: Minimum investment is AED 12,000
  • For a trade license with a visa in Mainland: Minimum investment is AED 22,000

This is just a rough estimate, as the actual price can vary depending on the type of business and services you plan to offer.

Conclusion

Now that you have a clear understanding of the minimum investment required to start a business in Dubai, it’s easier to plan your next steps.

At CSPzone, we specialize in helping people get trade licenses in Dubai and across the UAE. With 15 years of expertise, we can guide you through the process and make it easy for you to start your business. If you're ready to get started, please reach out to us!

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