# Dubai business establishment and licensing

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dubai-business-establishment-and-licensing
> Updated: 2026-09-06T10:25:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 4.

Dubai offers various business structures for international entrepreneurs, including mainland setups for UAE-wide trade and Free Zone structures that provide specific incentives and 100% foreign ownership. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) provides specialized licenses, such as commercial brokerage, kiosk, and regulated audit firm licenses.

Costs for establishing a business vary based on the model and jurisdiction. Freelance permits and solo service provider licenses can range from approximately AED 5,000 to AED 15,000. Establishing a typical free zone company generally requires a budget between AED 15,000 and AED 40,000. Some comprehensive packages, such as the Jump Start option from DMCC, can cost between AED 43,780 and AED 51,129.

Mainland companies typically incur higher initial costs, ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 60,000 or more, and require a physical workspace of at least 100 square feet. For the automotive sector, an auto spare parts trading licence (activity code 4530) in mainland Dubai is estimated to cost between AED 18,000 and AED 35,000, covering trade name approval, annual fees, Ejari-registered leases, visa processing, and customs code registration.

To assist prospective entrepreneurs, the DET has launched a free online Business Cost Calculator through the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform. This tool allows users to estimate licensing costs by inputting details such as business activity, the number and nationality of partners, and the intended legal structure, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). For example, perfume trading costs are estimated between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000, subject to Dubai Municipality regulations and the requirement of an import customs code.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Dubai launches online tool to estimate business licence costs

Dubai has introduced a free online tool via ‘Invest in Dubai’ to help entrepreneurs estimate business licence fees and legal structure costs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dubai-launches-online-tool-to-estimate-business-licence-costs

### 2026-08-24: Dubai business setup requirements and licensing costs

Starting a business in Dubai requires specific documentation and adherence to regulatory standards, with auto spare parts trading licences costing between AED 18,000 and AED 35,000.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dubai-business-setup-requirements-and-licensing-costs

### 2026-08-20: Dubai business setup costs vary by license and jurisdiction

Business setup costs in Dubai vary by model, with freelance permits starting at AED 5,000, free zone companies costing AED 15,000–40,000, and mainland companies often exceeding AED 25,000.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dubai-business-setup-costs-vary-by-license-and-jurisdiction

### 2026-08-10: Dubai business setup offers diverse licensing and ownership options

Dubai offers diverse business opportunities for foreigners, including mainland and Free Zone options with 100% ownership potential across sectors like brokerage, retail, and professional auditing.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/business-setup-options-for-entrepreneurs-in-dubai

---
Cite as: Dubai business establishment and licensing. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dubai-business-establishment-and-licensing