Calculate Dubai Business License Costs (Mainland & Free Zone)
Accurate 2026 company formation and trade license cost estimation across Dubai Mainland (DET / DED) and leading free zones including IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, and DAFZA.
Calculate Dubai Trade License & Setup Costs
Select your target licensing authority, business activity, visa allocation, and office requirement to generate an accurate breakdown.
Business Setup Parameters
AED 0
Verified 2026 tariff benchmark. Select options and click Calculate.💡 Note: All packages include business name approval, MOA preparation, and corporate digital portal access. Free Zone flexi-desks eliminate the need for an external commercial lease in Year 1.
This Dubai Business License Cost Calculator provides estimates based on 2026 Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and free zone authority (IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, DAFZA) fee schedules. Actual costs may vary based on business activity classification, external government approvals (KHDA, DHA, RERA), office lease value, and bank account compliance. Consult an accredited corporate service provider or official licensing authority before incorporation.
How to Form a Company in Dubai
Three simple steps to launch your business and secure residency visas.
Select Jurisdiction & Activity
Choose between Mainland for local UAE commercial trading or Free Zone for 100% foreign ownership and digital tax benefits.
Trade License & MOA Issuance
Submit passport copies, reserve your company name, and receive your official digital trade license and Articles of Association.
Visas & Corporate Bank Account
Apply for investor/partner residence visas, undergo medical fitness, and open a multi-currency corporate bank account with leading UAE banks.
Official Dubai Business License Tariffs
Verified package costs and government fees comparison.
Dubai Mainland vs Free Zone Formation Packages
Additional Setup & Operational Expenses
Frequently Asked Questions – Dubai Licensing
Dubai Mainland licenses (issued by DET) allow you to trade freely anywhere across the UAE local market and bid for government contracts with 100% foreign ownership. Free Zone licenses allow 100% foreign ownership with 0% corporate and personal tax exemptions on qualifying income, but local onshore retail trading requires a local distributor or mainland branch.
The most cost-effective business licenses in Dubai are offered by IFZA and Meydan Free Zone, starting from approximately AED 11,900 to AED 12,500 for a 0-visa package including flexi-desk and up to 3 business activities.
No. Both free zones and Dubai Mainland offer virtual and flexi-desk licenses. For instance, the DET Instant License allows you to operate in your first year without an Ejari tenancy contract.
Each residence visa (investor or employee) costs approximately AED 3,500 to AED 3,950 for 2 years, which includes the entry permit, medical fitness examination, Emirates ID, and digital visa stamping.
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