Fees, Requirements, and Process:
Are you looking for a new business owner or looking for Trade license cost in Dubai, so yes, you’re at the right place. In this article you will learn all about Trade license cost in Dubai, type of trade license and also budget friendly trade license and all about government and non-government other cost about Trade license cost in Dubai.
Dubai is a top destination for entrepreneurs and investors globally. In Dubai there are business friendly policies, no tax on businesses (base of these transactions) and due to the global hub, the Dubai government offers endless opportunities for entrepreneurs and multinational companies as well to open their branch in Dubai. However, before opening a new business in Dubai, a trade license is mandatory. The cost of a trade license depends on the zone and the type of activity.
Trade licenses are issued by the government department called DED, Department of economic development or free zone authorities. Those departments allow business to operate their activity or such as business legally in Dubai and also trade internationally. The Trade license cost in Dubai depends on the zone where to operate business and also depends on businesses type and their activity (mainland or freezone). Als cost depends on additional requirements such as the office where business operates and the cost of visas.
This article Trade license cost in Dubai, will cover the following topic.
- Type of trade license in Dubai.
- Benefits of trade license in Dubai.
- Detailed cost of Mainland V/s Free Zone trade license in Dubai.
- Step by step process of getting trade license in Dubai.
- Tips to reduce the cost of getting trade license in Dubai.
By the end of this article Trade license cost in Dubai, you will have understood very clearly about the Trade license cost in Dubai and also it will be easy for you to know how to get a trade license in Dubai.
1. Types of Trade Licenses in Dubai:
The Dubai government offers different types of licenses depending on business activities and also their location and types. The Dubai government is very strict in choosing the right activity or type of trade license that may suit your business operations. The wrong choice of trade license and different activity may result in legal action by the government. So that’s why choosing the right trade license for your business and activity is very important.
2. Commercial License:
Commercial trade license is used for trading, retail and also it is very popular for import and export businesses around the world. A commercial trade license is very popular for investors around the globe. If your business is related to trading, retail and import export such as electrical trading, clothing stores, foods disruptions etc. to the commercial license is suitable for you.
For commercial license there are physical office requirements that are mandatory. It’s also called a mainland license. During Company registrations for commercial license, you need to register your official address called Ejair.
3. Professional license:
There is another popular license called professional license. This license is for professional services like services providers, consultants, freelancers, legal services etc. professional license is also very popular for legal firms, accounting services, marketing agencies, digital e commerce etc. for professional license you don’t need a physical office. If you have a small office, it will also be okay to run your business. Professional license doesn’t need a large office or space to run your business.
Most consultancy services run their business remotely, they don’t have office space with a professional license. Cost of an office in Dubai a little bit high so if you are looking for a budget friendly license. Professional license is the best license according to your budget and services activity as well.
4. Industrial License:
Industrial licenses are also known as manufacturing and productions licenses. If your activity is manufacturing and production related activity, then an industrial license is suitable for you. This type of license is best for factories, foods processing machinery productions etc. for industrial license you need industrial land or a large size warehouse. Also, for industrial license there are additional approvals required form Dubai municipality government.
5. Tourism License:
The other popular trade license in Dubai and budget friendly license is tourism license. Tourism licenses are best for travel agencies, tour operators and for hotel businesses. The best examples for tourism licenses are desert safari companies and hotel management firms. If you wish to run activities related to tour operators, travel agencies and hotel management firms etc; then a tourism license is the best license for your business. For a tourism license you need to get approval from the Dubai tourism government firm called DTCM. All kinds of tourism licenses operate under DTCM.
6. E-Commerce License:
If you’re looking for a budget friendly Trade license with less cost in Dubai, then an e-commerce license is best and suitable for you. E-commerce licenses are a special kind of license, which is popular for online businesses and digital services providers. Best examples for e-commerce licenses are digital marketing, drop shipping with Amazon and other online store platforms, Saas type of companies. There is no need for a physical office for e-commerce license. E-commerce lenses can be obtained in any free zone in Dubai and it also may need a virtual office option.
Benefits of Getting a Trade License in Dubai.
In this section you can review the benefits of getting a trade license in Dubai. As Dubai is growing economically and industrially around the globe, there are multiple benefits for getting a trade license in Dubai. Some of benefits are highlighted below.
1. Legal Protection & Compliance:
Opening a trade license in Dubai you can get legal protection and compliance in the Middle east. Operating business without a trade license is illegal in Dubai (UAE). Trade license is very important to operate your activity legally. Without a trade license you may lead to heavy fines from the Dubai government on your business closure. A trade license ensures you comply with United Arab Emirates government law and regulations.
2. Access to UAE & Global Markets:
With a trade license, you will get access to UAE and global markets. For mainland licenses business holders, businesses allow trading across in the middle east also with UAE government entities and registered companies. For free zone business holders allow you to trade internationally with 100% foreign ownership benefits.
3. Business Bank Account Opening:
Getting trade license, you can easily get a business bank account in Dubai. It’s also called a corporate business account. Due to the cooperation, business accounts in Dubai make smooth financial transactions around the world.
4. Visa Sponsorship for Employees & Investors:
With a trade license you can sponsor any employee visa around the globe. Also, you will get an investor visa and your family resident permits.
5. Tax Advantages:
In the year 2025, there will be no corporate tax for most businesses with some expectation. Also the best thing is there is no personal income tax in Dubai. Also, there are no customs in free zone if you trade internationally means Dubai is customs exemptions in free zones.
6. Credibility & Customer Trust:
In the year 2025, there will be no corporate tax for most businesses with some expectation. Also the best thing is there is no personal income tax in Dubai. Also, there are no customs in free zone if you trade internationally means Dubai is customs exemptions in free zones.
5. Tax Advantages:
In the year 2025, there will be no corporate tax for most businesses with some expectation. Also the best thing is there is no personal income tax in Dubai. Also, there are no customs in free zone if you trade internationally means Dubai is customs exemptions in free zones.
Trade License Cost in Dubai (Breakdown 2025)
The cost depends on:
✅ Type of license (Commercial license, Professional license, Industrial license, etc.)
✅ Business location (Mainland license vs. Free Zone license)
✅ Additional requirements (Office space for license, visas (partner visas), approvals)
Trade License Cost in Dubai | Mainland :
Mainland trade license issued by the department of economic and development department simply called DED. The cost of Trade License Cost in Dubai for mainland are following and also step process are following.
- Trade name reservation: Estimate Cost in AED (500,1000)
- Initial approval: Estimate Cost in AED (1000-1500)
- License issuance fee: Estimate Cost in AED (7000-9000)
- DED Registration fee: Estimate Cost in AED (2000-3500)
- Office rent (depend on activity): Estimate Cost in AED (20,000 – 100,000/year)
- Notary & legal fee: Estimate Cost in AED (2000-5000)
- Total estimate of trade license cost is approximately 12000 to 14500
Note: some of businesses and their activities like education and healthcare required additional approval from their department. The cost of additional approval may depend on their department
Trade license cost in Dubai | Freezone Trade License:
Free zone trade licenses are very popular trade license offer 100% foreign ownership, also tax exemptions and this kind of license are very lower setup cost. Each freezone has different cost for setup a trade license listed below:
Free Zone | License Cost (AED) | Key Features |
DMCC (JLT) | Estimate: 15,000 – 30,000 | Best for trading & commodities |
DIFC | Estimate: 20,000 – 50,000 | Ideal for financial services |
SHAMS (Sharjah) | Estimate: 10,000 – 20,000 | Affordable for SMEs |
RAK Free Zone | Estimate: 7,500 – 15,000 | Low-cost option |
Dubai South | Estimate: 12,000 – 25,000 | Good for logistics & e-commerce |
There are some Additional Costs in mentioned Free Zones are following:
- Registration Fee in AED: 2,000 – 10,000 AED
- Visa Costs in AED: 3,000 – 3500 per visa
- Flexi-Desk/Virtual Office: 2,000 – 12,000/year
Total Estimated Cost: 10,000 – 18,000 AED (depend on location and activity)
How to Apply for a Trade License in Dubai:
Here you can learn step by step how to apply for a trade license in Dubai. The steps are following:
Step 1: Choose Business Activity & Location:
Chose the right business; mainland free zone or offshore. Chose the right business activity
Step 2: Reserve a Trade Name:
Reserve the name for pre-approval from DED or free zone authority. It’s better to submit 2-3 names for getting approval. The cost may depend on AED 500 – / AED 850
Step 3: Get Initial Approval:
Once your name is approved, submit required documents for initial approval as per your business activity. Required documents are passport copies, business plan and NOC (if required) there are approval fee depend (AED: 1000 – 2500).
Step 4: Lease Office Space (Mainland) or Get a Flexi-Desk (Free Zone)
Provide an Ejair or office space contract for the mainland or if the license is free zone there are no requirements for an office contract. Also, for mainland you may get 1-year virtual office facilities depending on your business activity. Office Ejair cost is depended on location and your business activity but may depend 20,000 to 60,000 yearly.
Step 5: Submit Final Documents & Pay Fees:
Submit all documents to DED or free zone as per your business activity and pay instant license fee which is AED 5000- 12000.
Step 6: Collect Your Trade License:
Once you submit your all documents you may collect your trade license. After getting a trade license the next step is to open a bank account and apply for visas to start business operations.
Tips to Reduce Trade License Costs in Dubai.
- Choose a Free Zone
- Start with a Virtual Office.
- Compare Free Zones
- Use a Business Setup Consultant
Do you Need a help for choosing the best trade license and budget friendly for your business in Dubai. Contact a business setup expert today! 🚀