Advertised trade licence prices in Dubai are marketing numbers. They are real, but they usually describe a single-activity licence with no visa allocation, no establishment card and no office beyond a shared desk.
Below is what the same licence costs once every mandatory component is included, so you can budget from a complete figure rather than a headline one.
Free zone licence cost
Entry-level zones such as IFZA, Meydan and SHAMS sit at the lower end. Premium zones such as DMCC and DIFC cost considerably more but carry stronger brand recognition with banks and international counterparties.
| Component | Typical range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Licence and registration | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Flexi-desk / workspace | Often bundled, else 5,000 – 12,000 |
| Establishment card | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Visa allocation (per visa) | 3,500 – 6,000 |
| Name reservation and admin | 500 – 1,500 |
Mainland licence cost
Office rent is the variable that moves a mainland budget most. A serviced office in a business centre with Ejari can bring the total down substantially compared with a standalone unit in a prime tower.
| Component | Typical range (AED) |
|---|---|
| DET licence fee | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Trade name and initial approval | 1,000 – 2,500 |
| MOA notarisation | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Office rent + Ejari (small unit) | 15,000 – 35,000 per year |
| Establishment card | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Market fee (5% of annual rent) | Varies with rent |
What actually drives the price
- Number of activities on the licence — extra activities add fees in most zones
- Visa quota — each additional visa raises both the package tier and the per-visa cost
- Regulated activities — external approvals from bodies such as DHA, KHDA or the Central Bank add fees and time
- Legal form — a branch of a foreign company is priced differently to an LLC or FZ-LLC
- Office product — flexi-desk, dedicated desk, or private unit
Annual renewal cost
Renewal is usually similar to the original licence fee minus one-off registration charges — commonly 70% to 90% of year one for a free zone, and for mainland the licence fee plus the current year's rent and the 5% market fee.
Late renewal carries monthly fines and blocks visa transactions, so diarise the expiry date at least 30 days ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest trade licence in Dubai?
Entry-level free zone packages start near AED 12,000 for a zero-visa licence. Adding one visa and an establishment card typically brings the realistic total to AED 18,000 – 22,000.
How much does a mainland trade licence cost?
Budget AED 25,000 to AED 45,000 in year one including the DET fee, MOA notarisation, a small Ejari-registered office and the establishment card.
Is the licence fee annual?
Yes. UAE trade licences are valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry. Some free zones offer discounted multi-year packages.
Does adding activities increase the cost?
In most free zones yes, either per activity or by moving to a higher package tier. Mainland licences allow grouped activities within the same category at no extra licence fee in many cases.
What happens if I renew late?
Fines accrue monthly, immigration transactions are blocked, and prolonged non-renewal can lead to the licence being cancelled and blacklisted.
Do I pay VAT on the licence fee?
Government fees are outside the scope of VAT, but service and agency fees charged by consultants are subject to 5% VAT.
Can I pay the licence fee in instalments?
Several free zones offer instalment plans on the licence and workspace components. Government fees on mainland are payable upfront.
Is a cheaper free zone a false economy?
Sometimes. If your clients or bank expect a recognised zone, the saving on the licence can cost you far more in banking delays or lost contracts.