Dubai launches online tool to estimate business licence costs

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a free online Business Cost Calculator through the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform. The tool is designed to help prospective entrepreneurs estimate the costs of obtaining a business licence by inputting specific details, including business activity, the number and nationality of partners, and the intended legal structure, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

For specific sectors like perfume trading, costs are estimated to range between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000. Such businesses must comply with Dubai Municipality regulations for cosmetics and fragrances and obtain an import customs code from the DET. Traders can choose between mainland operations or free-zone alternatives, such as the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), which may offer different tax implications and streamlined import procedures.