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Dubai Trade License Cost 2026: Visas and Renewals

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Dubai Trade License Cost 2026: Visas and Renewals
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Dubai trade license costs start from approximately AED 10,000 for standard commercial and professional licenses. The total cost depends on the license type, business activity, number of visas, and optional office or document processing services. Businesses may also incur additional costs for immigration approvals and office space. Notarization of agreements may apply separately.

The Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), manages business licensing, company formation, and compliance in the mainland. Free zone authorities such as Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) handle licensing, renewals, and enforce regulations within their jurisdictions. Both help ensure a streamlined and compliant setup process.

This guide explains Dubai trade license cost, fees, visa packages, and renewals to help investors plan efficiently.

What is a Trade License in Dubai? Types and Cost Division

A trade license in Dubai is an official permit that allows a business to operate legally in the emirate. It defines your company’s activities, legal structure, and business jurisdiction. Every company in Dubai must hold a valid trade license Dubai to trade or provide services.

Importance of a Trade License in Dubai:

  • Ensures compliance with UAE laws and helps avoid fines or penalties.
  • Allows authorities to monitor and regulate business activities effectively.
  • Enables businesses to hire employees legally under UAE labor laws.
  • Provides official approval to trade and offer services within the UAE.
  • Facilitates opening a corporate bank account for smooth financial operations.

Types of Trade Licenses & How They Affect Cost

Dubai businesses can choose from several trade license types. This directly affects the Dubai trade license fees and additional costs such as office space, visas, and approvals.

License TypePurposeMainland Fees (AED)Free Zone Fees (AED)Notes / Additional Costs
Commercial Trade License  Trading goods 12,000 – 50,000 From 5,500 Mainland fees vary by office size; Free Zone may include optional office packages.
Professional Trade License Service businesses (consultancy, IT, marketing) 10,000 – 30,000 From 5,500 Fees depend on activity; Free Zone often includes visa options.
Industrial Trade License  Manufacturing or production 15,000 – 40,000 Varies Some activities require extra municipal or environmental approvals.
Tourism Trade License Hotels, travel agencies, leisure services 15,000 – 35,000 Varies Costs depend on services offered and required approvals.
Free Zone Trade License Any business within a Free Zone N/A From 5,500 Packages may include visa quotas and optional office space; premium services cost more.

Knowing each license type helps plan your investment and business operations effectively in Dubai.

Dubai Trade License Cost

Here’s a clear breakdown of Dubai trade license costs to help you plan effectively:

Cost ComponentEstimated Cost (AED)Details
License Fee 10,000 – 50,000 per year Varies by type: commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism. Mainland licenses fall in this range, while Free Zone licenses start from AED 5,500.
Registration Fee 1,000 – 5,000 one-time One-time company setup fee; depends on the authority and business activity.
Office/Facility Fee 5,000 – 20,000 per year Options include flexi-desk, virtual office, or private office. Mainland licenses usually require a physical office.
Visa Quota & Processing 3,500 – 5,000 per visa Covers medical test, Emirates ID, and government charges. The number of visas depends on the office type and license.
Government Approvals 500 – 2,000 Fees for mandatory permits, approvals, or certificates; varies by business activity and authority.

Note: Your license type, business activity, and office choice directly affect Dubai trade license fees and annual renewals.

Dubai Trade License Renewal Costs & Penalties

A trade license renewal in Dubai is essential to operate legally. Timely renewal prevents fines and ensures uninterrupted business activities.

  • Annual License Renewal: Covers the license, government approvals, and administrative support. Mainland fees range from AED 10,000 – AED 50,000, depending on license type and business activity.

Free Zone renewals often start from AED 5,500 and may include office and visa packages.

  • Office and Facility Renewal: Flexi-desk, virtual, or private offices cost AED 5,000 – AED 20,000 per year. Mainland offices must renew physical lease agreements (Ejari). Opting for shared or virtual offices in Dubai can significantly reduce costs.
  • Visa Renewal: Resident visas must be renewed annually. Fees include medical tests, Emirates ID, and government charges, typically AED 3,500 – AED 5,000 per visa. The number of visas allowed depends on your office type and license.

Example: A startup in a Dubai Free Zone with a flexi-desk and two visas may spend AED 14,500 – AED 18,500 in the first year, including license and visa renewals. Costs vary by Free Zone and package chosen.

Cost of a Dubai Trade License: Comparison with Other UAE Emirates

To help you compare costs across the UAE, here’s a clear breakdown of Mainland and Free Zone license fees in Dubai and other Emirates:

EmirateMainland License Fees (AED)Free Zone License Fees (AED)Notes / Key Points
Dubai Trade License  10,000 – 50,000 5,500+ Fees vary by license type, office setup, and visa quota. Premium packages or extra visas increase costs.
Abu Dhabi Trade License  12,000 – 55,000 6,000 – 7,000 Mainland licenses are slightly higher; Free Zone packages often include visas and office solutions.
Sharjah Trade License 8,000 – 40,000 5,000+ Mainland licenses are more affordable; Free Zones are competitive for startups.
Ajman Trade License  7,500 – 35,000 4,500+ Cost-effective for small businesses; Free Zone licenses start low.
Ras Al Khaimah Trade License  8,000 – 38,000 4,500+ Attractive for startups seeking low initial costs; some Free Zones include office packages.
Fujairah Trade License  8,000 – 40,000 5,000+ Free Zone options are affordable; Mainland costs depend on municipality and office requirements.

Note: Consider license fees, office space, visas, and approvals to compare Dubai trade license costs with those of other Emirates.

Why Choose SafeLedger for Dubai Trade License Setup?

SafeLedger supports business setup with end-to-end services:

  • Expert Guidance & Compliance: SafeLedger carefully reviews your business documents to ensure compliance with Mainland and Free Zone regulations. This prevents delays and errors in registration, office approvals, and visa processing.
  • Personalized Setup Solutions: Whether you are a solo entrepreneur, small team, or growing company, SafeLedger advises on the right license type, office packages, and visa quotas to optimize your Dubai trade license cost.
  • Time-Saving & Streamlined Process: SafeLedger manages company formation, office setup, document attestation, and visa processing, saving you valuable time. You can track progress at every step for full transparency.
  • Transparent Pricing: SafeLedger provides clear estimates for license fees, office costs, visas, and additional services. There are no hidden charges, allowing you to plan your budget confidently.
  • Reliable Support & Renewals: From queries to license renewals, PRO services, and compliance updates, SafeLedger ensures your business remains fully operational and compliant with UAE laws.

Over 100+ entrepreneurs trust SafeLedger for Dubai trade license setup, completing registration faster, avoiding legal issues, and reducing overall costs. Fill the form to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

The overall Dubai trade license cost in 2026 depends on your chosen license type (commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, or free zone), office setup (virtual, flexi-desk, or physical office), number of visas you intend to sponsor, and additional government approvals. Each of these components adds to your total cost, so planning based on your business model helps you avoid surprises and budget effectively.

Choosing a Free Zone vs Mainland license affects your costs significantly. Free Zone packages often start at lower prices and include flexible office and visa options, while Mainland licenses typically cost more due to mandatory physical office requirements and local sponsorship rules. Free Zones also offer simplified processes, whereas Mainland setups grant broader UAE market access.

No, visa costs are not included in the standard Dubai trade license fee; visa processing and quota charges are separate and typically cost around AED 3,500 – AED 5,000 per resident visa. You’ll need to budget for medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, government processing fees, and any additional service charges, based on how many visas you require for your employees or partners.

Yes, choosing a virtual office can reduce your Dubai trade license cost because it generally costs less than a private physical office. For some Free Zones, a virtual or flexi-desk option can lower your initial setup costs while still qualifying for a license and a limited visa quota, making it ideal for startups or small consulting businesses looking to control expenses.

Extra approvals from authorities such as the Dubai Municipality, health and safety departments, or industry-specific regulators can increase your Dubai trade license fees. Activities in tourism, industrial manufacturing, or food services may require special permits, environmental clearances, or additional certificates, each of which adds to your setup timeline and cost.

You must renew your Dubai trade license annually, and renewal costs typically mirror your initial license fees, including government charges, PRO fees, and office leasing renewals if applicable. Ignoring renewal deadlines will trigger fines and operational restrictions, so timely renewals help you stay compliant and maintain uninterrupted business activities.

Yes, the number of visas directly affects your Dubai trade license’s total cost because each additional visa incurs its own government, medical, and Emirates ID fees. Businesses with larger teams or higher staffing needs should budget more for visa processing and renewals to avoid affecting their annual operating costs.

Typical registration fees for a Dubai trade license range between AED 1,000 – AED 5,000, depending on your chosen authority and business activity. These are one-time payments required during company setup and include documentation processing, initial approval charges, and any unique local authority requirements tied to your trade activity.

Yes, failing to renew your Dubai trade license on time results in escalating penalties imposed by UAE authorities. These fines grow the longer your license remains expired and might include additional administrative charges that make reinstating your company status more expensive. A proactive renewal schedule prevents fines and business disruption.

SafeLedger helps optimize your Dubai trade license cost and setup process by providing expert guidance on the most cost-effective license type, suitable office options, and ideal visa quantities for your business model. Their end-to-end support from document processing to renewals ensures fewer mistakes, faster approvals, and greater cost predictability throughout your Dubai business journey.

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