Cost of a Business License in Dubai for 2025
Dubai is one of the most attractive business destinations for entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world.
As 2025 approaches, it is important to know the cost of obtaining a business license in the UAE for different types of businesses.
The cost of a business license varies depending on the type of activity, location (whether within the free zones or in the local market), and company size.
Factors affecting the cost of a business license in Dubai for 2025
Type of business license:
There are several types of business licenses in Dubai, including:
- Commercial license: For businesses that include commercial activities such as selling or distribution.
- Professional license: For businesses that rely on skills and personal services such as consulting and professional services.
- Industrial license: For businesses related to production and manufacturing.
- Tourism license: For companies operating in the field of tourism and hospitality.
Company Location:
- Free Zones: Free zones in Dubai such as Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) or Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) offer special benefits to businesses, including tax exemptions and full foreign ownership facilities. However, license fees in free zones differ compared to the local market.
- Local Market: If you want to set up a business within Dubai itself and not in a free zone, you will need to obtain a license from the Department of Economic Development (DED), and fees may vary depending on the activity and size of the business.
- Number of Partners or Investors: The number of partners in the company or the number of different nationalities involved in the business can affect the overall license fees.
- Number of Activities Included in the License: Adding multiple business activities under the same license may increase the final cost.
Estimated Costs for a Dubai Business License 2025
Basic Business License Cost:
The cost of a basic business license in Dubai 2025 starts from around AED 12,000 to AED 15,000. This cost may increase based on the factors mentioned above.
- Additional Activity Fees: If you wish to add more than one business activity under the same license, additional fees may reach AED 500 to AED 3,000 for each additional activity.
- Establishment and Legal Procedure Fees:
These fees include company establishment, trade name registration, and government approval fees, which may reach an additional AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 depending on the type of activity and location of the company.
- Office or Business Address Costs:
The company must have a business address or office.
Office rental costs may range from AED 10,000 to AED 30,000 per year in some areas within Dubai.
Benefits Related to License Costs in Free Zones
If you are considering establishing your company in one of the free zones in Dubai, you will find that there are some benefits that directly affect the license costs, including:
- Full tax exemption: Most free zones provide exemption from personal and corporate income taxes for periods ranging from 15 to 50 years.
- Full Business Ownership: Establishing your company in a free zone allows you to have 100% full ownership, which is only available in the local market in certain specific cases.
Payment Facilities and Pricing Flexibility
Some free zones and competent authorities offer payment facilities, such as the option to pay in installments or discounts if the license is renewed for several years in advance.
These facilities may help reduce the initial costs associated with starting a business in Dubai.
in Conclusion , The cost of a commercial license in Dubai for the year 2025 varies based on several factors, including the type of license, the location of the company, and the number of activities included.
Starting at around AED 12,000 for a basic commercial license, costs may increase based on different business needs. It is important to review all the details and potential costs before starting your project to ensure a full understanding of the costs and requirements.
