Is the trade license fee the same every year?

No. Renewals cost 50–70 % of the initial fee; confirm with DET or the free zone each January.

Can I pay the license fee in installments?

Most free zones allow two installments; mainland DET requires full payment before issuing the license.

Does a home-based license cost less in 2026?

Mainland still needs a tenancy contract; some free zones offer cheaper flexi-desks starting AED 5,000 yearly.

Are visa costs included in the license price?

No. Each work visa adds AED 3,000–4,500 including medical and Emirates ID; budget separately.

What happens if I pick the wrong activity?

You pay an amendment fee of AED 2,000–3,000 plus possible extra approvals; double-check with the authority first.

How Much Is the Trade License in Dubai 2026

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Quick answer

A basic Dubai trade license in 2026 starts from AED 12,900 for a mainland limited liability company and AED 15,000–18,000 for most free-zone packages. Exact fees depend on activity, location, and whether you need an office or visa allocations.

Why Dubai remains the top choice for trade licenses

Dubai’s combination of 100 % foreign ownership, low tax, and fast setup keeps attracting expats. In 2026, the process is mostly digital through portals run by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland and the free-zone authorities themselves.

Mainland vs free-zone license fees 2026

Mainland (DET) fees

Initial trade license: AED 12,900 for a standard LLC with one activity.
Each extra activity: AED 2,000–3,000.
Foreign branch office: AED 15,000 plus parent-company documents.
Service agent (if required): AED 5,000–15,000 yearly.

Free-zone packages (examples)

DMCC: AED 18,000–25,000 including flexi-desk and two visas.
IFZA: AED 12,900 starter package, AED 2,500 per extra visa.
ADGM: AED 22,000–30,000 for financial services with two visas.

Always verify current fee with the chosen authority, as they adjust annually.

Step-by-step: calculating your exact license cost

Choose activity and legal structure on the DET or free-zone portal.
Select location: mainland (higher rent) or free-zone (lower desk fees).
Add visa allocations: AED 3,000–4,500 per employee visa.
Include Ejari tenancy contract: AED 1,500–3,000 for a small office.
Factor in medical fitness and Emirates ID: AED 1,000 per person.
Reserve 10 % buffer for municipality approvals or activity-specific fees.

Hidden and recurring costs you must budget for

Many founders forget annual renewal fees, which equal 50–70 % of the initial outlay. Add tenancy contract renewal, visa renewals, and, for mainland, the service-agent fee. In 2026, online portals now send renewal reminders 60 days in advance.

Common mistakes when budgeting for a trade license

Assuming free zones are always cheaper—some activities still need mainland approvals.
Skipping the market study: certain restricted activities require a local partner or extra DET approval.
Under-counting visas: each sponsored employee raises the license fee and medical costs.
Ignoring sponsor fees for mainland professional or industrial activities.

Tips from expats who set up in 2025-2026

Use the free consultation offered by most free zones before paying any deposit.
Compare at least three jurisdictions side-by-side using their online calculators.
Factor currency fluctuation: pay in AED to avoid bank charges on USD invoices.
Engage a PRO service only if you value time over the AED 3,000–6,000 fee.

Realistic 2026 total budget examples

Scenario	License	Visas	Office	Total first year
Freelance consultant	AED 12,900	1 visa AED 3,500	Flexi-desk AED 2,000	AED 18,400
Retail shop (mainland)	AED 15,000	3 visas AED 10,500	Shop Ejari AED 25,000	AED 50,500
Trading company (DMCC)	AED 20,000	4 visas AED 14,000	Office AED 35,000	AED 69,000

Key takeaway

Budget at least AED 18,000–25,000 all-in for the first year if you need one visa and a small workspace. Always confirm the latest fees directly with DET or your chosen free zone, because small changes can shift totals by AED 3,000–5,000.