Clarity-driven business setup and advisory across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain — focused on structured decisions, compliance and long-term business growth.

  • Office

    Ajman, United Arab Emirates

  • Business Hours

    Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM
    Sat–Sun, 10 AM–4 PM

Business setup cost & process

Understand the Cost Before You Set Up

Understanding the cost, timeline, process and tax considerations is essential before establishing a business in the GCC. Each jurisdiction has different structures, approval requirements and compliance obligations.

Discuss Your Business Setup
UAE · Saudi Arabia · Bahrain
Business planning documents with chess pieces and a laptop
01 / UAE

Three routes.
Different operating models.

Compare the indicative costs and practical requirements for Free Zone, Mainland and Offshore setup.

01 / UAE

Free Zone

CostAED 4,888 OnwardsBasic setupAED 15,000 – AED 30,000+With visa & operationsVaries by Free Zone, activity and visa requirement.
Timeline2 – 7 working days
Process
  1. 01Select activity & authority
  2. 02Trade name reservation
  3. 03Application submission
  4. 04Licence issuance
  5. 05Visa, if required
Documents
  • Passport copy
  • Photograph
  • Application form

T&C Apply

View cost & process
02 / UAE

Mainland

CostAED 18,000 – AED 40,000+Indicative setupDepends on approvals and office requirements.
Timeline5 – 10 working days
Process
  1. 01Activity finalisation
  2. 02Trade name & approval
  3. 03Office registration / Ejari
  4. 04Licence issuance
  5. 05Visa processing
Documents
  • Passport copy
  • Address proof
  • Business details

T&C Apply

View cost & process
03 / UAE

Offshore

CostAED 8,000 – AED 18,000+Indicative incorporationFinal fees vary by jurisdiction, structure and documentation.
Timeline3 – 7 working days
Process
  1. 01Jurisdiction selection
  2. 02Name approval
  3. 03Documentation
  4. 04Incorporation
Documents
  • Passport copy
  • Address proof
  • Business profile

This offshore route does not permit UAE operations or provide visas, and it does not require an office.

T&C Apply

View cost & process
02 / Saudi Arabia

A structured route to a long-term presence.

Saudi Arabia is suitable for serious expansion and long-term operational presence. It is a compliance-driven market, with office setup and staged approvals to plan for.

Kingdom Centre and the Riyadh business district at sunset
Indicative costSAR 25,000 OnwardsVaries by approvals, activity and structure. Approvals or documentation may extend the timeline.
Timeline4 – 8 weeksMay extend with approvals or documentation.

T&C Apply

Process

  1. 01Business structure definition
  2. 02Investment licence approval via the Ministry of Investment
  3. 03Trade name & documentation
  4. 04Commercial Registration (CR)
  5. 05Government registrations
  6. 06Office setup & bank account
  7. 07Operational activation

Documents

  • Passport copy
  • Business plan
  • Company profile / parent documents
Important

Office setup required. Not a quick or low-cost entry.

Explore Saudi Cost & Process
Bahrain World Trade Center and the Manama waterfront
03 / Bahrain

A clear path from activity to registration.

Indicative costBHD 800 Onwards
Timeline5 – 10 working days

T&C Apply

Process

  1. 01Activity selection
  2. 02Trade name reservation
  3. 03CR issuance
  4. 04Licence
  5. 05Office & bank setup

Documents

  • Passport copy
  • Address details
  • Business activity
Explore Bahrain Cost & Process
Pricing clarity

What changes the final quote?

These ranges are indicative. Bank account approval is subject to business activity, documentation and compliance review.

  • Business activity
  • Visa requirements
  • Office setup
  • Regulatory approvals
  • Ownership structure
Our role

Support from setup to operational readiness.

We coordinate the decisions and practical steps that turn a business plan into an operating structure.

Business advisory
Company formation
Government approvals
Compliance & office setup
Visa & banking assistance
Get a detailed quotation

A price built around your business.

Business setup costs are indicative. Your final cost depends on your business activity, structure, jurisdiction and requirements.

Share your requirements with Nikki Advisory and receive a detailed quotation tailored to your setup.
Your requirements

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