Trade Licence Cost in Dubai 2026: What You Actually Pay?
A Dubai mainland trade licence typically costs AED 9,000–20,000 for the licence itself, but a realistic first year lands at AED 25,000–50,000 once office (Ejari), establishment card, visas and consultant fees are included. A free zone licence is usually sold as a bundle, not a standalone licence fee — from around AED 5,750 for a zero-visa licence in SHAMS/RAKEZ, and from around AED 12,500 in Dubai zones such as Meydan and IFZA. Comparing licence fees alone is the most common budgeting mistake founders make in Dubai.
Want your exact number? Hers Consultancy gives itemised quotes — government fees and our fees on separate lines. [Request a quote in 10 seconds] or WhatsApp us on +971 55 340 4707.
Mainland trade licence — component by component
Mainland licences are issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism (DET). There is no single package price, which is why itemised quotes matter:
Cost component | Typical range (AED) | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
Initial approval | 120–300 | DET |
Trade name reservation | 620–2,000 | DET |
Trade licence (commercial/professional) | 9,000–20,000 | DET |
Ejari registration | ~220 | RERA |
Office rent (small, first year) | 15,000–40,000/yr | Landlord |
Establishment/immigration card | 2,000–3,000 | Immigration |
Investor visa (all-in, per person) | 4,500–6,500 | Immigration/medical/Emirates ID |
Consultant service fee | 3,000–8,000 | Your consultancy |
Realistic mainland totals: a lean professional licence with a small/shared office and one visa commonly lands at AED 25,000–40,000 in year one; a commercial LLC with a proper office is AED 40,000–75,000+. If a quote shows you only the licence fee, it is showing you roughly half your first-year cost.
Free zone licence — why the price looks different
Free zones bundle licence + registered address/flexi-desk + establishment card into one package price, and visas are usually not fully included. Indicative starting points from published zone and market pricing — always confirm the live package before you rely on it:
Free zone | From (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
SHAMS (Sharjah) | AED 5,750 | Cheapest zero-visa media/consultancy licences in the UAE |
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | AED 6,500 | Cost-effective zero-visa commercial packages |
Meydan (Dubai) | AED 12,500 | Dubai address, one visa quota in starting packages |
IFZA (Dubai) | AED 12,900 | Very popular with consultants & startups; one visa quota |
DMCC (Dubai) | AED 35,484+ | Premium trading hub; packages include flexi-desk, visa quotas scale with office size |
A free zone licence alone does not let you trade directly on the Dubai mainland — mainland sales need a distributor, branch or permit. Plan for that before you choose on price alone.
What moves your trade licence price
- Activity — a general trading licence costs more than a consultancy licence; regulated activities (healthcare, education, food, finance) need paid external approvals.
- Jurisdiction — mainland (DET) vs free zone vs offshore. This is the single biggest decision.
- Number of visas — each residency visa adds roughly AED 3,500–6,500 all-in.
- Office — a free zone flexi-desk is often bundled; a mainland physical office is a real annual rent.
- Who does the paperwork — consultant fees in Dubai typically run AED 3,000–8,000 on top of government costs. A cheap fee with the wrong activity or jurisdiction is the most expensive mistake you can make: fixing it later costs far more.
Renewal — budget for year two now
Your licence renews every year at close to the original licence cost. Ask for the year-two number before you sign year one, and budget visa/insurance renewals on top. Some multi-year licence packages discount year two and three — ask whether yours does.
The costs most quotes leave out
Visa costs per person, Ejari + office deposit (mainland only), establishment card, external approvals, bank account minimums/time, corporate tax & accounting, and renewals. Every UAE company, mainland or free zone, must register for corporate tax and keep proper records — budget monthly bookkeeping from the start, not at filing time.
FAQs
How much is a trade licence in Dubai?
Mainland: AED 9,000–20,000 for the licence itself, AED 25,000–50,000 realistically in year one with office and one visa. Free zone: from around AED 5,750 zero-visa, or AED 12,500+ in Dubai zones with a visa quota.
Is a mainland or free zone licence cheaper?
Free zone is usually cheaper to start, especially zero-visa. Mainland costs more because of office rent — but it lets you trade anywhere in the UAE, including government work, which a free zone licence does not.
How long does it take to get a trade licence?
Free zone: typically 3–7 working days. Mainland: 5–10 working days for standard activities once documents are ready. Bank account opening is separate and can take 1–4 weeks.
Do I need a local sponsor for a mainland licence?
For most activities, no — 100% foreign ownership is now allowed for most mainland activities. Some strategic sectors still require Emirati participation, and a local service agent is still required for some professional sole-establishment structures held by non-GCC nationals.
What documents do I need?
Passport copies for all shareholders (valid 6+ months), a few trade name choices, and — depending on jurisdiction — proof of address, a short business plan, and an NOC from your current sponsor if you’re on a UAE employment visa.
Get your exact trade licence cost
Ranges are useful; your business needs a number. Tell us your activity and whether you need visas, and Hers Consultancy will send an itemised quote — government fees and our fees separated, year-one and renewal costs both shown.
- [Request a quote in 10 seconds]
- WhatsApp / Call: +971 55 340 4707
- Email: khushnuma@hersconsultancy.com
