LLC Trade License Cost in Dubai (2026): Full Breakdown of Fees, Approvals, and Renewal Charges
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LLC Trade License Cost in Dubai (2026)
Dubai is one of the best places to start a business. It attracts investors from all over the world. The economy is strong. The location is ideal. The government supports business growth.
But before you begin, you need to know the costs. Understanding the LLC trade license cost in Dubai helps you plan your budget. This guide gives you all the details you need.
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most common business type in the UAE. It lets you trade across the country. You can also work with government clients. Since 2021, foreign investors can own 100% of the most LLCs. This made the mainland far more attractive.
In 2026, the licensing process is mostly digital. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) runs all registrations. Steps are faster now. But fees still vary by business type. Some activities need extra approvals. This adds to the cost.
This guide covers every fee in full. We look at setup costs, yearly charges, and costs that often catch new owners off guard.
What Is the LLC Trade License Cost in Dubai?
An LLC protects your personal assets. If your business has debts, your own money stays safe. This is why so many investors choose this structure.
The LLC trade license cost in Dubai is not one flat fee. It is a mix of several charges. Some fees go to the DET. Others go to the Dubai Municipality. Some go to the Ministry of Labour.
You also need to pay for office space. Every mainland LLC must have a real address in Dubai. Your office rent affects your total cost.
In the past, a local UAE partner had to hold 51% of company shares. That rule no longer applies to most businesses. Today, you can own 100% of your company. This change removed a major cost from the setup process.
Knowing all the costs upfront helps you see the full value. You gain access to a huge market, a tax-friendly system, and the right to live and work in the UAE.
Complete Dubai Trade License Fees Breakdown
The LLC license cost in Dubai includes several government fees. Each one covers a key part of the setup process. Here is what you can expect to pay.
Initial Approval Fee
This is the first fee you pay. It confirms that your business type is approved in Dubai. The fee ranges from AED 120 to AED 250.
Trade Name Reservation Fee
You must reserve your company name before you register. This protects your brand and stops others from using the same name. The fee is around AED 620. Foreign or branded names may cost more.
MOA Notarisation Cost
The Memorandum of Association (MOA) sets out your company structure. It defines who owns what and how the business runs. Notarisation costs between AED 500 and AED 1,500.
Core Government Fees
The main license charges include:
- Activity fees based on your business type
- Knowledge and innovation fees
- Commercial registration charges
- Base government fees from AED 3,000
These make up the bulk of your LLC trade license cost in Dubai.
Office Requirements and How They Affect Your Cost
Every Dubai mainland LLC needs a registered office. You must have a valid Ejari to confirm your business address. Without it, you cannot get or renew your license.
Office rent adds to your LLC trade license cost in Dubai. Dubai Municipality charges a 5% market fee on your annual rent. This fee applies every year.
Here are the most common office options and their yearly costs:
- Shared desk: AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 per year
- Small office: AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 per year
- Large office: AED 20,000 or more per year
Your office size also sets how many employee visas you can get. A bigger space means more visa slots.
Visa Costs Per License
The number of visas you can get depends on your office size. Small offices allow fewer visas. Larger offices support more staff.
Each visa costs between AED 3,500 and AED 5,000. This includes:
- Entry permit
- Medical test
- Emirates ID
- Visa stamping
You also pay labour file fees and an establishment card charge. Health cover is required and adds a yearly cost per employee. All these form part of your total LLC company setup cost.
Hidden Costs Most Owners Miss
Many investors only count the license fees. But other costs can add up fast. These are all required for legal compliance.
Document Attestation and Translation
Foreign documents need attestation. This costs AED 300 to AED 600 per document. Legal translation costs AED 80 to AED 150 per page.
Bank Account Setup
Banks require a minimum balance. This is usually AED 10,000 to AED 100,000. If your balance drops too low, you may face monthly charges.
Other Common Costs
- Company stamp and admin items
- Establishment card fees
Plan for these costs early to avoid surprises.
LLC Trade License Renewal Cost in Dubai
Renewal is a major yearly expense. Many owners expect it to be much cheaper than the first setup. But the LLC trade license renewal cost in Dubai is still high.
Most companies pay between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000 per year. The exact amount depends on your activity and office rent.
Your Ejari must be valid before you can renew. If your lease has expired, the renewal process will be blocked. Once you pay, your renewed license is issued online.
Keeping your license active protects your bank access, business rights, and visa status.
General Trading LLC License Renewal Fees
A general trading license lets you sell many product types under one license. This is useful, but it costs more.
The renewal fee for a general trading LLC in Dubai ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 per year. These higher fees reflect broader trading rights and extra compliance rules.
If you only sell a few product types, a specific trading activity may save you money each year.
Penalties for Late License Renewal
Renewing your license late leads to real costs. Penalties in Dubai start at AED 200 to AED 250 per month after the expiry date.
Late renewal can also cause:
- Bank account restrictions
- Visa processing delays
- Limits on business activity
- Risk of larger government fines
Operating with an expired license can lead to fines of AED 5,000 or more. Start the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiry date.
Trade License Processing Time in Dubai
Dubai has a fast-licensing system. Most mainland licenses are ready in 3 to 5 working days. This works when all your documents are correct and complete.
The process starts with a trade name and an initial approval. You then submit your lease and company documents. The license goes live right after you pay.
Some activities need approval from other departments. These include:
- Dubai Health Authority for medical businesses
- Roads and Transport Authority for transport services
- Dubai Municipality for food and retail businesses
These extra approvals can add 2 to 4 weeks to your timeline. Prepare your documents early to avoid delays.
Commercial License vs Professional License
The type of license you choose affects your LLC trade license cost in Dubai. It also affects your office needs and compliance duties.
Commercial licenses are for trading goods. Professional licenses are for service-based businesses. See the table below for a full comparison.
| Feature | Commercial License | Professional License |
|---|---|---|
| Business Type | Trading goods, import, export, retail | Services like consulting, IT, design |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% allowed | 100% allowed |
| Local Service Agent | Not needed for most LLCs | Often needed by activity type |
| LSA Cost | Not needed | AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 per year |
| License Fees | Higher due to trading rights | Lower for service-based work |
| Office Type | Physical office needed | Shared office often works |
| Visa Eligibility | Based on office size | Based on office size |
| Best For | Trading and retail firms | Consultants and freelancers |
| Total Cost | Higher overall cost | Lower setup and running cost |
Long-Term Costs of Running an LLC in Dubai
Your costs do not stop after the first year. Plan for ongoing expenses to keep your business running.
The UAE now charges 9% Corporate Tax on profits above AED 375,000. You will need an accountant to stay compliant.
Visa renewals happen every two years. The cost is like the first application. Trade license renewal is a yearly cost you must budget for.
If your annual revenue is above AED 375,000, VAT registration is required. A tax consultant will help you file every quarter. This service costs around AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 per year.
Licensing agent fees in Dubai are another cost to watch. Adding a partner or changing an activity requires legal work. Each change carries its own fees.
License Replacement Cost in Dubai
If you lose your license, a replacement is easy to get. The fee is usually AED 300 to AED 500 for a certified copy. Most requests are done in one working day.
Digital copies are on the DET portal. But banks may still need a stamped physical copy.
Replacing a lost copy is not the same as an amendment. Amendments change the owner, activity, or structure of the business. They need new legal documents and can cost AED 2,000 or more.
How to Cut Your LLC Trade License Cost Legally
You can reduce your LLC trade license cost in Dubai with smart planning. The right choices at the start can save you a lot of money.
Pick the Right Business Activity
The right activity avoids extra approval fees. Group related activities under one category to keep costs low.
Choose a Cost-Efficient Office
A shared desk or small office lowers your rent and market fees. This works well for startups with few visa needs.
Other Ways to Save
- Skip the general trading license unless you truly need it
- Start small and grow your office space over time
- Limit visa slots in the early stages of your business
- Handle basic admin steps yourself where you can
These steps keep you fully legal while cutting costs.
Case Study: How One Client Saved Over AED 8,000
The Client:
A UK-based investor came to Dubai Business and Tax Advisors in 2026. He wanted to open a mainland trading firm. He had quotes ranging from AED 38,000 to AED 42,000. He was not sure if those prices were fair.
The Problem:
Other firms told him to get a general trading license. They also suggested a larger office. These choices would have raised his costs and his yearly renewal fees. He would have paid far more than his business needed.
The Solution:
Our team reviewed his business plan in detail. We chose a specific trading activity instead of general trading. We found an office that matched his visa needs. We handled all approvals through official channels. There were no hidden add-ons.
The Result:
He got his mainland license for AED 32,000. The whole process took five working days. He saved more than AED 8,000 compared to other quotes. He launched his business with no delays.
Client Testimonial:
“Dubai Business and Tax Advisors explained the real LLC trade license cost in Dubai clearly. They helped me avoid extra charges. Their team was fast and professional. My company was set up quickly and correctly.”
James Walker, Trading Company Owner, UK
How Dubai Business and Tax Advisors Can Help You
We provide full support for company setups in Dubai. Our team reviews your business type, office needs, and visa plan before we recommend any structure.
We help you with:
- A clear and honest cost breakdown
- Choosing the right license activity to avoid extra fees
- Fast approvals and full document support
- Office and visa planning to control your costs
- Ongoing help for renewal, changes, and compliance
With the right guidance, you avoid extra costs and get your business set up faster.
Conclusion
The LLC trade license cost in Dubai is made up of many parts. You pay for government fees, office rent, and visa charges. For 2026, plan to spend at least AED 25,000 for a full setup with one visa.
Knowing the full Dubai trade license fees breakdown helps you avoid surprises. Watch for hidden costs like document attestation and bank balance rules.
Dubai is a great place to build a business. The entry cost is fair given the tax benefits and world-class infrastructure. Whether you choose a simple trading license or a general trading setup, the city supports your goals.
Start with a clear budget and a solid plan. Your success in Dubai begins with the right setup at the right price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The total cost ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 35,000. Office rent, visa charges, and approvals can push it to AED 25,000 to AED 45,000.
Fees include initial approval, trade name reservation, license issuance, knowledge fees, and registration charges. These vary by activity and office rent.
Renewal costs between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000 per year. General trading licenses cost more to renew.
You need passport copies of all owners, Emirates ID, business activity details, trade name approval, MOA, and an office lease. Some activities need extra approval.
Standard activities take 1 to 5 working days. Some can be issued in minutes. Activities with external approvals may take 2 to 4 weeks.
Visa slots depend on office size. Small offices allow 2 to 3 visas. Larger offices allow more based on space and activity type.
Ejari is required for all license approvals and renewals. Office rent starts from AED 8,000 to AED 25,000 per year. A 5% market fee applies on top of your rent.
Freezone licenses can start from AED 12,000. Mainland licenses cost more due to office and visa rules. But they allow broader trading across the UAE.
Agent fees in Dubai range from AED 3,000 to AED 8,000. This depends on the services you need.
Budget for document attestation, visa costs, Ejari fees, bank setup, and translation. These all add to your total LLC setup cost.
MOA notarisation costs between AED 500 and AED 1,500. Attestation fees depend on the number of documents.
Yes, mainland companies must register with the Dubai Chamber. Fees range from AED 1,200 to AED 3,000 per year.
Penalties start at AED 200 per month after expiry. An expired license can lead to fines of AED 5,000 or more.
Yes. Some activities need approval from the DHA, RTA, or Municipality. Permit fees range from AED 500 to AED 5,000.
Most banks do not charge to open an account. But they require a minimum balance of AED 10,000 to AED 50,000. Monthly fees apply if your balance drops too low.
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AURANGZAIB CHAWLA
As CEO of DBTA, Aurangzaib Chawla advises globally mobile businesses and individuals on cross-border tax planning and structuring. With expertise spanning the UK, UAE, and wider GCC, Zaib helps clients minimise double taxation, protect assets, and achieve long-term financial efficiency while staying fully compliant.
Planning to launch in Dubai or the UAE?
Let’s talk about how to structure your business for growth the smart, compliant, and tax-efficient way
About the Author:
AURANGZAIB CHAWLA
As CEO of DBTA, Aurangzaib Chawla advises globally mobile businesses
and individuals on cross-border tax planning and structuring. With expertise spanning the UK, UAE, and wider GCC, Zaib helps clients minimise double taxation, protect assets, and achieve long-term financial efficiency while staying fully compliant.
Planning to launch in Dubai or the UAE?
Let’s talk about how to structure your business for growth the smart, compliant, and tax-efficient way.
