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Dubai business establishment and licensing

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-25 12:19 UTC → 2026-09-06 13:23 UTC · added removed

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. For instance, Dubai South offers freelance permits starting at AED 5,000, while other specialized free zones provide licenses around AED 7,500. 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, which may include workspace and a residence visa. 51,129. Mainland companies typically incur higher initial costs, ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 60,000 or more, and are required to maintain require a physical workspace of at least 100 square feet. For specific sectors like automotive, the automotive sector, an auto spare parts trading licence (activity code 4530) is required for component distribution; in mainland Dubai, this 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. General formation requires essential paperwork, including valid passport copies for all shareholders, passport-size photographs, To assist prospective entrepreneurs, the DET has launched a compliant proposed trade name, and detailed activity descriptions free online Business Cost Calculator through the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform. This tool allows users to ensure correct estimate licensing costs by inputting details such as business activity, the number and regulatory approval. 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-06 13:23 UTC Dubai business establishment and licensing
  2. 2026-08-25 12:19 UTC Dubai business establishment and licensing
  3. 2026-08-22 03:15 UTC Dubai business establishment and licensing

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