Fees and timelines in 2025
Fees
UAE mainland entities
| Different UAE entity types | Year 1 Cost | Year 2 Cost | Draft Invoice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai mainland LLC | US$11,800 | US$6,500 | View Invoice |
| Abu Dhabi LLC | US$14,800 | US$6,000 | View Invoice |
| RAK LLC | US$11,700 | US$5,200 | View Invoice |
| Sharjah LLC | US$15,500 | US$7,000 | View Invoice |
| Ajman LLC | US$14,700 | US$4,500 | View Invoice |
Offshore entities
| Options for forming UAE Offshore companies | Year 1 Cost | Year 2 Cost | Draft Invoice |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAFZA offshore company formation | US$11,200 | US$5,100 | View Invoice |
| RAK offshore company formation | US$8,400 | US$2,800 | View Invoice |
| Ajman offshore company formation | US$6,300 | US$1,600 | View Invoice |
UAE free zone entities
| UAE free zones | Year 1 Cost | Year 2 Cost | Draft Invoice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai FTZ - Dubai Airport | US$11,000 | US$6,200 | View Invoice |
| Dubai FTZ - DMCC | US$12,400 | US$8,000 | View Invoice |
| RAKEZ company | US$9,800 | US$5,600 | View Invoice |
Other UAE company services
| UAE corporate bank account opening (travel required) | Remarks | Cost in USD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE corporate bank account for a UAE company we register | Simple corporate structure and business activity | US$2,500 | |
| Complex corporate structure or business activity (e.g. crypto) | US$3,500 | ||
| UAE corporate bank account for a UAE company we didn't register | UAE corporate bank account for a UAE company | US$3,500 | |
| Complex corporate structure or business activity (e.g. crypto) | US$4,500 | ||
| UAE personal bank account | US$1,500 |
| UAE residency/employment visa | Remarks | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment visa fees | Our fee includes i) an Employee Protection Program (EPI) fee (US$23 to US$155 depending on salary range and type of visa); ii) a medical fitness test (US$235) iii) Emirates ID application (US$165) and iv) government application fee (US$1,500). Excludes health insurance fees | US$2,500 | |
| Golden visa fees | US$4,000 | ||
| Dependent visa - spouse | US$1,500 | ||
| Dependent visa - child | US$1,000 |
| UAE company accounting and tax services | Remarks | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual accounting and tax fees for an active company | This is an estimate of Golden Fish fees. Following receipt of a set of draft accounting numbers from your company, Golden Fish will accurately advise the accounting and tax fees for your business. | US$3,000 | |
| Annual accounting and tax fees for a dormant company | US$600 | ||
| Approximate audit fees (if required) | US$1,000 | ||
| VAT return | Quarterly or monthly depending on volume | US$400 | |
| Book-keeping | Click here | ||
| Payroll | Click here |
Timelines
The average UAE setup engagement period is 17 weeks as outlined below:
| Service | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore (except JAFZA) | JAFZA offshore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engagement planning | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week |
| Company incorporation | 5 weeks | 6 weeks | 2 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Corporate bank account approval | 8 weeks | 8 weeks | 12 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Corporate internet banking approval | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week |
| Engagement completion | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week |
| Total engagement period | 16 weeks | 17 weeks | 17 weeks | 15 weeks |