Hi Leonardo,

I'm Nurain, and yes, the cost of a Dubai mainland licence can vary significantly depending on the business activity and licence category you choose.

In 2026, a Dubai mainland trade licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) generally costs around AED 10,000–AED 25,000 for the licence itself. However, once you include office space, initial approvals, establishment-card charges and visas, a realistic first-year setup budget can reach AED 40,000–AED 80,000+.

Dubai Mainland Licence Cost by Activity:

These are indicative ranges, and the actual government fees can vary according to the exact activity, legal structure and approvals required.

Other Costs to Include

The licence is only one part of the total formation budget. You may also need to account for:

• Initial approval and trade name: AED 1,200–AED 2,000
• Dubai Chamber membership: Around AED 300–AED 600 annually
• Office and Ejari: Approximately AED 15,000–AED 25,000 for flexi/shared arrangements, while physical or serviced offices can cost AED 30,000–AED 80,000+ annually
• Establishment card: Around AED 1,000–AED 2,000
• Residency visa: Approximately AED 3,500–AED 7,000 per person, depending on the requirements and processing involved

For example, if you are starting a consultancy, he may fall toward the lower end of the licensing range. A manufacturing company, however, may face higher licensing costs as well as additional approvals and premises requirements.

So, rather than choosing a mainland licence based only on the advertised licence fee, I recommend calculating the complete first-year setup cost based on your activity, office requirement and number of visas.