Business License Cost Calculator Dubai – Company Setup Fees 2026
Calculate the total cost of starting a business in Dubai — including license fees, approvals, and registration charges across mainland, free zone, and offshore.
Business license costs in Dubai range from AED 8,000–15,000 for a freelancer permit to AED 12,000–30,000+ for a mainland LLC, and AED 15,000–50,000+ for a free zone company. Costs include license fees, registration, approvals, and office space. Annual renewal costs are typically 70–80% of the initial fee.
📋 Calculate Your License Cost
📋 Estimated License Cost
Business Type: -
License Fee: AED 0
Registration & Approvals: AED 0
Office Space: AED 0
Visa Quota & Setup: AED 0
Total Initial Cost: AED 0
📖 How Dubai Business License Costs Work
Starting a business in Dubai requires a trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a free zone authority. Costs vary by business type, activity, and location.
License Cost by Business Type
| Business Type | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Freelancer Permit | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| Mainland LLC | 12,000 – 30,000 |
| Sole Establishment | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Free Zone Company | 15,000 – 50,000 |
| Offshore Company | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Branch of Foreign Co. | 20,000 – 50,000 |
⚖️ Key Factors That Affect Cost
1. Business Type and Structure
Mainland companies allow 100% foreign ownership for many activities. Free zone companies offer tax benefits and full ownership but restrict mainland operations.
2. Activity Type
Commercial and industrial licenses cost more than professional licenses. Certain activities (trading, oil & gas, media) require additional approvals.
3. Office Space
Flexi-desks are cheapest (AED 8,000–15,000/year). Dedicated offices cost more but are required for higher visa quotas.
4. Visa Quota
Each visa requires additional cost (approximately AED 3,500–5,000). The number of visas depends on office size and activity.
5. Approvals
Some businesses need additional approvals: RERA (real estate), DHA (healthcare), KHDA (education), and municipality approvals.
For company setup legal guidance, speak to our corporate lawyers in Dubai.
Additional Costs to Budget
- Name reservation: AED 200 – 500
- MOA drafting & notarization: AED 1,000 – 2,500
- Establishment card: AED 500 – 1,000
- E-channel registration: AED 1,500 – 2,500
- Ejari registration: AED 200 – 500
- Corporate bank account: AED 0 – 1,500
Annual Renewal Costs
- License renewal: 70–80% of initial fee
- Office rent renewal: Same or slightly higher
- Visa renewals: AED 1,500 – 3,000 per visa
- E-channel renewal: AED 1,500 – 2,500
- Accounting & VAT filing: AED 3,000 – 10,000/year
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Starting a business in Dubai costs between AED 8,000–50,000+ depending on the type. A freelancer permit starts around AED 8,000–15,000. A mainland LLC typically costs AED 12,000–30,000. A free zone company ranges from AED 15,000–50,000+. Costs include license, registration, office space, and visa quotas.
The cheapest option is usually a freelancer permit (AED 8,000–15,000) or a free zone company with a flexi-desk (AED 12,000–20,000). Mainland companies are slightly more expensive but allow direct local trading.
Mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE, including directly with local markets, and are regulated by DED. Free zone companies operate within their free zone and internationally, with tax benefits and full foreign ownership but restricted mainland operations (unless via a distributor or branch).
Yes. Since 2021, foreigners can own 100% of many mainland companies under the Commercial Companies Law reforms. Free zone companies also allow 100% foreign ownership. Certain strategic activities (oil & gas, military) still require local partnership or special approval.
Freelancer permits: 1–2 weeks. Mainland company: 2–4 weeks. Free zone company: 1–3 weeks. Complex activities requiring external approvals (healthcare, education, media) may take 4–8 weeks. Legal assistance can speed up the process.
Annual costs include: license renewal (70–80% of initial), office rent, visa renewals (AED 1,500–3,000 per visa), accounting and VAT filing (AED 3,000–10,000/year), and e-channel renewal. Budget AED 15,000–50,000+ per year depending on company size.
For most commercial and professional activities, no local sponsor is required since the 2021 reforms. Some activities still require a local service agent (for professional licenses) or a local partner (for certain strategic sectors). Free zone companies never require a local sponsor.
Yes. A corporate lawyer can help with company formation, shareholder agreements, contract drafting, compliance, and legal due diligence. We assist with mainland, free zone, and offshore company setup as well as restructuring and M&A.
💼 Need Help Starting Your Dubai Business?
Whether you're choosing between mainland and free zone, drafting shareholder agreements, or managing compliance, our corporate lawyers in Dubai can guide you through every step.
