March 23, 2026 · ZETUP Team
PRO Services Cost in Dubai: Transparent Pricing Guide [2026]
Answer Capsule: PRO service retainers in Dubai range from AED 1,500–5,000/month at small typing-centre operators to AED 8,000–35,000/month at traditional corporate-services firms (typically with bundled government fees). ZETUP PRO publishes a transparent sliding scale: from AED 839/month for up to 5 employees to AED 14,863/month for 205-employee operations, with government fees itemised separately at actual cost. Government fees are composite and vary by company classification — an employment visa's government-side total varies mainly with the MOHRE company category (the work permit alone is AED 250–3,450, official per u.ae), trade licence renewal AED 10,000–15,000, and Emirates ID around AED 370. The total annual cost depends on company size, transaction volume, and whether your provider passes government fees through transparently or marks them up.
Most PRO companies in Dubai do not publish their pricing. You have to fill in a contact form, receive a call, and go through a sales process before learning the cost. We think that is wrong. This guide breaks down what PRO services actually cost in 2026 so you can make informed decisions.
Market Pricing Overview
| Company Size | Typical Monthly Retainer (AED) | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 employees | 1,500–5,000 | Basic licence renewal, limited visa work |
| 10–25 employees | 5,000–10,000 | Full visa management, licence renewals |
| 25–50 employees | 8,000–15,000 | Comprehensive service, dedicated coordinator |
| 50–100 employees | 14,000–25,000 | Full service + Emiratisation tracking |
| 100+ employees | 22,000–35,000+ | Unlimited transactions, account manager |
These are market averages. Some providers charge less for lower quality. Some charge more for premium service. The key is understanding what is included.
Government Fees — What the Government Actually Charges
Cross-check the government-fee components in our live Dubai Government Fees table — 39 fees with official-source citations, downloadable as JSON/CSV (CC BY 4.0).
These fees are set by government authorities and should never be marked up by your PRO provider:
| Transaction | Government Fee (AED) | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Employment visa (total, composite) | Varies by MOHRE category — work permit alone AED 250–3,450 | MOHRE + GDRFA + DHA + ICP |
| Trade licence renewal (composite) | 10,000–15,000 | DET |
| Emirates ID | ~370 (varies by validity) | ICP |
| Establishment card | varies — confirm with MOHRE | MOHRE |
| Medical fitness test | 300–500 (by service tier) | DHA |
| MOHRE work permit (labour card) | 250–3,450 (by company classification) | MOHRE |
| MOFA attestation | from 150 (by document type) | MOFA |
| Ejari registration | 120 gov fee (220 total via trustee) | DLD (dubailand.gov.ae) |
Government fees should appear as separate line items on your invoice with receipts attached. These are typical 2026 ranges — government fees are composite and change periodically, so confirm current amounts against each authority's published schedule (DET, MOHRE, ICP, GDRFA).
How to Spot Hidden Fees
Red flags include: a quote that says "starting from" without specifying what is excluded, no separation between service fees and government fees, "processing fees" or "handling charges" added on top of government fees, Ejari and establishment card listed as add-ons to a "comprehensive" package, and a termination fee buried in the contract (documented at AED 5,000–7,500 at some providers).
How ZETUP Prices PRO Services
We publish a transparent sliding scale tied to your employee count — from AED 839/month for up to 5 employees, scaling to AED 14,863/month for 205-employee operations. The more employees you have, the lower the cost per person. Use our cost calculator to see your exact rate. Government fees are billed separately at cost with receipts. No hidden charges, no surprise add-ons. Your quote is your invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do most PRO companies hide their pricing? A: Because hidden pricing allows them to quote low initially and add charges later. Published pricing creates accountability — which is exactly why we do it.
Q: Should government fees be included in the retainer? A: Ideally, they should be billed separately at cost with receipts. Blending them into the retainer obscures what the provider charges versus what the government charges.
Q: Is the cheapest PRO provider the best choice? A: Rarely. Below-market pricing often means hidden fees elsewhere or understaffing that leads to delays and errors. Focus on total cost (retainer + actual government fees + any add-ons) and service quality.
Q: How do I know if I am being overcharged for government fees? A: Ask for government receipts with every transaction. Cross-reference the receipt amounts against DET/MOHRE published fee schedules. If the invoiced amount exceeds the receipt amount, you are being marked up.
Q: Can I negotiate PRO retainer pricing? A: Most providers have some flexibility, especially for longer commitments or companies with predictable, high-volume transaction needs. However, price should not be the only factor — service quality and reliability matter more.
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