A UAE trade license costs anywhere from AED 5,499 in a free zone to AED 30,000 on the mainland, depending on the jurisdiction, licence type, and business activity. There is no single “correct” figure — the right comparison depends on whether you need mainland market access or a free zone’s lower setup cost. This guide breaks down real costs by licence type and jurisdiction, and walks through the application process.
Costs below reflect starting prices published by the relevant authorities and are a guide, not a quote. Government fees, office requirements, and activity-specific approvals change these figures — confirm current pricing with the authority or with mazeed before budgeting.
Free Zone vs Mainland: Starting Costs
| Jurisdiction | Typical Starting Cost | Best For |
| Free Zone | AED 5,499 – 12,900 | 100% foreign ownership, lower setup cost, no local market access without a distributor |
| Mainland (DED) | AED 10,000 – 30,000 | Direct access to the UAE local market, no restrictions on trading location |
Free Zone Comparison — Named Zones and Starting Prices
| Free Zone | Starting Cost | Location | Typical Activities |
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) | AED 5,499 | Ras Al Khaimah | Commercial, service, industrial, media, education |
| SRTIP (Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park) | AED 5,500 | Sharjah | Renewable energy, environmental tech, professional, industrial |
| SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) | AED 5,750 | Sharjah | Trading, media, consultancy, holding |
| Ajman Media City | AED 8,500 | Ajman | Media, entertainment, e-commerce, consultancy |
| IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) | AED 12,900 | Dubai (Silicon Oasis) | Professional, commercial — up to three activities per licence |
Read more: E-Commerce Licence UAE Cost
Cost by Licence Type
Beyond jurisdiction, the licence category itself drives cost. Here’s what to expect for the main types issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or free zone authorities:
| Licence Type | Typical Starting Cost | Used For |
| Commercial Licence | From AED 10,000 | Buying and selling goods, general trading, retail, import/export |
| Professional Licence | From AED 7,000 | Consultancy, education, healthcare, IT and other services — allows 100% foreign ownership |
| E-Commerce Licence | From AED 10,000 | Online retail, drop shipping, marketplace operations |
| LLC Trade Licence | AED 15,000 – 25,000 | Limited liability companies with mainland market access |
| Industrial Licence | Varies by activity | Manufacturing, production — requires warehouse or factory space and safety approvals |
How to Apply for a Trade Licence in the UAE
- Determine your business activity — general trading, consultancy, e-commerce, or another category.
- Choose your jurisdiction — free zone for lower setup cost and full foreign ownership, or mainland for unrestricted local market access.
- Register your trade name, checked against UAE naming regulations.
- Prepare documentation — passport copies, tenancy contract or lease, business plan, and any activity-specific approvals.
- Submit your application through the DED (mainland) or the relevant free zone authority.
- Pay the licence fee and any chamber of commerce membership fee where applicable.
- Receive your licence — most straightforward applications are approved within 3–5 business days.
Beyond the licence fee itself, budget for office rent (or a flexi-desk in a free zone), employee visas, and document attestation or translation where required. These additional costs are often larger than the licence fee itself for mainland setups.
Read more: How to Update a Trade Licence in the UAE
Why Choose the UAE for Trading
- Strategic location between East and West, with world-class logistics infrastructure.
- 0% corporate tax on profits below AED 375,000, and competitive rates above it.
- 100% capital repatriation and, in most free zones, no local sponsorship requirement.
- Fast setup — a complete application with all documents ready can be processed in 3–5 business days.
How mazeed Simplifies Business Setup
mazeed combines document preparation, expert PRO assistance with registrations and renewals, and AI-powered accounting software with certified accountants — so your trade licence setup and your financial compliance are handled by one team. |
FAQs about UAE Trade Licence Costs
What is the cheapest trade licence in the UAE?
Free zone licences are typically the cheapest starting point, from around AED 5,499 at zones like RAKEZ or SRTIP. Mainland licences generally start higher, from around AED 10,000, but offer unrestricted access to the local UAE market.
What is the difference between a free zone and a mainland trade licence?
A free zone licence allows 100% foreign ownership and lower setup costs but restricts direct trading within the UAE local market without a local distributor. A mainland licence allows unrestricted local trading but generally costs more and, for some activities, may require a local service agent.
How much does a general trading licence cost in Dubai?
A general trading licence typically starts from AED 15,000 in a free zone or mainland setup, and can reach AED 30,000 or more depending on the number of activities, office requirements, and visa quota needed.
What documents are required for a UAE trade licence application?
Passport copies of owners, a tenancy contract or lease agreement, a business plan or activity description, and any activity-specific approvals from relevant authorities.
How long does it take to get a trade licence in the UAE?
A complete application with all required documents is typically processed within 3–5 business days, though this can extend if additional approvals are required for regulated activities.
Can I add business activities to my trade licence later?
Yes. Most authorities allow you to add activities to an existing trade licence, though this may involve an additional fee and, depending on the new activity, further approvals.
Disclaimer: This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or legal advice. Costs cited reflect starting prices published by the relevant authorities at the time of writing and are subject to change — confirm current fees directly with the DED or the relevant free zone authority before budgeting. mazeed, its members, employees, and agents do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility, or duty of care for any actions taken or decisions made based on this content.
