UAE Trade Licence Cost 2026 | Free Zone & Mainland Pricing Guide
Quick Answer
A UAE trade licence costs between AED 5,999 and AED 50,000+ depending on the jurisdiction, business activity, number of activities, visa quota, office requirement, and approvals. Cheapest options are Sharjah and Ajman free zones (from AED 5,999). Dubai mainland licences typically start from AED 10,000–15,000.
UAE Trade Licence Cost by Emirate (2026)
*All figures are approximate and subject to change. Government fees vary based on activity, visa quota and office type.*
What’s Included in the Trade Licence Cost?
Typically included:
- Trade licence fee
- Registration fee
- Authority admin fees
Typically NOT included (extra cost):
- Visa fees (investor visa: AED 3,500–6,000 per person)
- Emirates ID (AED 370)
- Medical fitness test (AED 300–700)
- Office/workspace (virtual desk: AED 0–5,000; flexi-desk: AED 3,000–15,000; physical office: AED 20,000+/year)
- Additional business activities (AED 500–2,000 each)
- Bank account opening assistance
- Corporate tax registration
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Annual Renewal Costs
Trade licences must be renewed annually. Renewal costs are usually 80–100% of the initial licence fee.
What Affects UAE Trade Licence Cost?
- Jurisdiction — DMCC and ADGM are premium; Ajman and SHAMS are affordable
- Business activity — Some activities require extra approvals (food, healthcare, education)
- Number of activities — Extra activities add cost
- Visa quota — More visas = higher licence package cost
- Office type — Virtual desk, flexi-desk, dedicated office, warehouse
- Number of shareholders — Some free zones charge per shareholder
- Regulatory approvals — Healthcare, finance, education need additional approvals
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Cheapest UAE Trade Licences 2026
FAQs — UAE Trade Licence Cost
Q: What is the cheapest trade licence in UAE?
A: SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) and SPC (Sharjah Publishing City) offer UAE trade licences from approximately AED 5,999–6,000 for basic activity licences without visas.
Q: Is the trade licence cost annual?
A: Yes. UAE trade licences are valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. Renewal typically costs a similar amount to the initial licence.
Q: Does a UAE trade licence include a visa?
A: Not automatically. Basic licence packages often do not include visa quota. Packages with 1–6 investor visas are available at higher prices.
Q: Can I get a UAE trade licence without an office?
A: Yes. Most free zones offer virtual or flexi-desk options which satisfy the office requirement without requiring a physical dedicated office. Mainland licences require a physical office.
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*Disclaimer: All costs are approximate and subject to change. Government fees and free zone charges are revised periodically. Always confirm exact costs before application.*