Dubai Trade Licence Cost (2026): What You Actually Pay
The cost of a Dubai trade licence has no single answer, because it is built from several parts. The licence fee depends on your activity, and the rest depends on where you set up, the space you rent and how many visas you need. This guide shows each part and what EZONE’s starting packages cover.
Key takeaways
- EZONE’s Dubai mainland package starts from AED 14,626. Dubai free zone packages start from AED 12,000.
- The licence fee is only part of the total, and the activity and your premises change it.
- Ask for an itemised quote that separates government fees from service fees.
- Renewal repeats most of the cost every year.
What Makes Up the Cost
| Cost part | What it is | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Initial approval and trade name | Approval of the application and reserving the name | Government fees set by the authority |
| Licence fee | The fee for your commercial, professional or industrial licence | Activity and premises |
| Office space | Tenancy contract registered through Ejari, or a free zone lease or flexi-desk | Location and size |
| External approvals | Sign-off from the body that regulates your activity | The activity |
| Visas | Establishment card, residence visas, medical and Emirates ID | Number of visas |
| Service fee | What the setup provider charges | The package |
| Renewal | Yearly licence and tenancy renewal | Activity, premises and any changes |
The Government Part of the Cost
Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) licenses mainland companies in Dubai and offers a cost estimator in its e-services for issuing and renewing a licence. The government part of your cost depends on your activity and premises, so use the estimator or ask EZONE to confirm the current fees before you budget.
Mainland and Free Zone Starting Prices
| Option | EZONE starting package |
|---|---|
| Dubai mainland | AED 14,626 |
| Dubai CommerCity | AED 12,000 |
| Meydan Free Zone | AED 12,500 |
| Dubai Internet City | AED 15,540 |
| DMCC | AED 32,360 |
Packages are starting prices and the final cost depends on your activity, workspace and visas. Use the cost calculator for your own figure, and compare structures in our guide to mainland vs free zone vs offshore.
Costs That Quotes Often Leave Out
- Office rent and the Ejari registration fee for a mainland tenancy.
- Approvals from regulators for activities such as food, health or education.
- Establishment card and visa costs when only the licence is quoted.
- Renewal and amendment fees.
Our sister site explains hidden UAE setup costs most quotes leave out, and companyformationinuae.com has more guidance. See also our guides to trade licence renewal and mainland licences in Dubai, and our company formation services.
Frequently Asked Questions
EZONE's Dubai mainland package starts from AED 14,626 and Dubai free zone packages from AED 12,000. The final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas.
Because they include different things. Some leave out premises, visas or approvals, so compare itemised quotes.
No. The fee depends on the activity, and some activities need extra approvals.
Yes. The licence and the tenancy renew yearly, and visas renew on their own cycle.
Some zones outside Dubai start much lower, while Dubai free zones start at a similar level to the mainland. See our cheapest free zone comparison.
