Trade License Requirements fees Cost Process information
Documents Required
- Passport copy of the owner and partners (if corporate then company documents )
- 5 Choices of Trade Name / company name
- NOC from employer or current sponsor if UAE resident / Tourist Visa copy if visitor
External Approvals
If any (Not Required for all Trade licenses .)
Process
- Name Reservation (think of 5 company names based on priority we will reserve the one available )
- Initial Approval
- Local Service Agent agreement or MOA signings online or at service center .
- Office Lease agreement (Ejari) to be arranged by investor emailed to us (copy), use instant license ,virtual office or Choose to go with
Sustainability Contract AED 1200 .
- Getting DEWA connection for utilities (water & electricity ) if renting an office for the business .
Cost Breakdown for License
Dubai DED Government trade license Fees |
|||
| Description | USD | AED | |
| Initial Approval and DED form | 81 | 300.00 | One time |
| Name Reservation | 207 | 760.00 | One time |
| Department of Economic Development License fee (Approx…) |
2722 | 7000 to 8000 | 2.5 % from Ejari Annual fee |
| Local Service Agent Fee | 1640 | 6,000 | Annually |
| GDRFA Establishment Card Fee | 160 | 580 | Annually |
| License Registration service fee | 550 | 2000 | One time |
| Total | 5360 | 19670 | First Year |
| Optional services Fees | |||
| Ministry of Human resources and Emaratization | 42 | 153 | onetime |
| Ejari with inspection | 2044 | 7500 | Annually |
| Investor Visa | 1010 | 3700 | Valid for 2 years |
| Next Year Onward Professional License renewal cost | ||
| Description | USD | AED |
| Local Service Agent Fee | 1640 | 6000 |
| Dubai Economy License renewal cost | 1640 to 2730 | 6000 to 10000* |
| Ejari with inspection (if no rented office available) license renewal** | 2044 | 7500 |
| DED Professional license renewal cost (our Service fee) | 136 | 500 |
| Total (Inclusive of Sustainability contract no need to rent a physical office)** | 5460 | 20040 |
Note
- Once payment voucher is issued whatever is the difference need to pay as the amount mention in the breakdown is estimated rate only.
- External Approval Fees not included ( as per government department receipts )
- Investor / Partner Visa fees fees not included you can choose to apply if you are not UAE resident during checkout process .
- MOA – partners requires personal appearance in notary for signing
- Government actual receipts will be provided.
- Cost does not include investor, employment or dependent visa fees of the company and office space rent.
- ** You can either choose sustainability contract, instant license or rent a shared office if you wish to apply for employee visas or without if you want only your investor visa.
- Foreign Trade name fee of AED 2000 not included .
- Trade license renewal fees is estimated and final fees shows on license renewal payment voucher from Dubai Economy Department in Dubai .
Office options
| USD | AED | |
| Ejari with inspection | 2044 (no need to rent office ) (virtual office) | 7500 (no need to rent office ) virtual office suitble to open business bank account and apply for work permits and visas . |
| Physical Office | Starts from 2180 USD (depends on no. work station, office type and location) executive office or coworking space | Starts from 8000 AED (depends on no. coworking space, office type and location) |
Trade License Processing Time
In major metropolitan areas, trade licenses are typically issued within 7 to 15 days after payment is made. However, in smaller towns and rural locations, the process of issuing a license can take longer – sometimes up to 30 days – after the fee is paid.
Company Investor, dependents and employee visas cost break-down
Investor Visa fee
- Visa application fee :AED 3500(valid for 2 years)
- Our service fee: AED 250 (new) AED 150 (renewal) (optional PRO )
- Visa Renewal fees: AED 150
- Cancellation of Visa fee: AED 150 ( plus estimated 560 government/services fees)
Dependents(wife,son,daughter) visa fee
- Visa application fee: AED 2500 (valid for 2 years)
- Our service fee: AED 250 (new) AED 150 (renewal) (optional PRO service)
- Visa Renewal fee: AED 150
- Cancellation of Visa fee: AED 150 ( plus estimated 560 government/services fees)
Employment Visa fee
- Visa application fee: AED 3500 (valid for 2 years)
- Change status & entry inside the country will be additional – 1500 AED per visa application
- Our service fee: AED 250 (optional PRO service)
- Visa Renewal fee : AED 150
- Cancellation of Visa fee: AED 150 ( plus estimated 560 government/services fees)
Time frame
- Time frame is mainly depend on applicant completion of requested documents
- License is usually issued within 1 to 2 days from the date of application in the department.
- Investor visa process takes 1 to 2 days once we issue the license .
- Employment Visa process takes about 10 days .
FAQs
Q1. What types of businesses require a trade license certificate?
Any business involved in trading, manufacturing or providing services must have a valid trade license. This includes small, medium and large scale industries, retail shops, food outlets, health-related businesses, event venues and other establishments that deal in goods or services. Having a trade license ensures that your business operates legally and meets safety and quality standards.
Q2. Where can I apply for a trade license?
You can obtain a trade license from the local municipal corporation where your business operates. This process can be done online through the relevant state municipal corporation website or offline by visiting the local municipal office. If you need help, Dubai Business Services can easily guide you through the registration and documentation process.
Q3. Is it mandatory to have a trade license?
Yes, obtaining a trade license is mandatory. If your business falls under the State Municipal Corporation Act of the state where you operate, you must apply for and maintain a valid trade license. This helps ensure compliance with local laws and keeps your business legally protected.