A Dubai mainland license issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as DED, costs between AED 10,000 and AED 25,000 for the license fee alone in 2026, depending on the license type and number of business activities. The total first-year cost, including mandatory office space (Ejari), initial approval fees, and one investor visa, typically ranges from AED 40,000 to AED 90,000. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can plan your budget accurately before starting the setup process.
A mainland license allows you to operate anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE without restrictions, serve government clients, and work in a broader range of commercial activities than free zone licenses permit. For complete setup support, Gulf Corporate Services manages the full mainland company formation process including DET coordination, Ejari, and visa processing.
Dubai Mainland License Cost 2026: Quick Summary Table
| Cost Component | AED Range 2026 |
| DED Trade License (annual fee) | AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 |
| Initial Approval and Registration | AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 (one-time) |
| Trade Name Reservation | AED 600 to AED 1,500 (one-time) |
| Office Space / Ejari (minimum, annual) | AED 12,000 to AED 40,000 |
| Ejari Registration Fee | AED 220 to AED 1,000 |
| Investor / Partner Visa | AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 |
| Medical Test and Emirates ID | AED 500 to AED 700 |
| Employee Visa (per person) | AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 |
| Business Setup Service Fee | AED 3,000 to AED 10,000 (optional) |
| Year 1 Total (license + office + 1 visa) | AED 32,000 to AED 75,000+ |
Office space (Ejari) is mandatory for all mainland companies and is often the largest single year-one cost, particularly in prime commercial areas. The AED 12,000 minimum represents the smallest approved office sizes in secondary commercial areas; most business districts start from AED 20,000-40,000 annually. All prices verified against April 2026 DET schedule. Confirm current government fees at the DET portal before submitting your application.
Dubai Mainland License Cost by Type 2026: Commercial, Professional and Industrial
The DET license fee varies by license type, reflecting the regulatory complexity and risk profile of different business activities. Here is how costs break down across the four main mainland license categories:
Commercial License Cost
A commercial license covers trading, import/export, retail, and general trading activities. DET license fees for commercial activities in 2026 range from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 annually, depending on the number of activities listed. General trading licenses (covering a broad range of tradeable goods) sit at the higher end of this range. E-commerce activities can be added to an existing commercial license for an additional AED 5,000 to AED 10,000, making it the most flexible entry point for retail and trading businesses.
Commercial licenses require a physical office with Ejari and can hold up to the number of visas proportional to the office size (typically 1 visa allocation per 9 to 12 sqm). For general trading license details, including the full list of tradeable goods and import/export activity codes, see our dedicated guide.
Professional License Cost
A professional license covers service-based businesses: consultancy, management services, IT services, marketing, design, medical services, legal consultancy, and similar professional activities. DET license fees for professional activities range from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 annually, generally lower than commercial licenses. This is the standard choice for solo consultants, boutique agencies, and professional service firms.
Professional licenses are the most common license type for first-time mainland business owners because they require the smallest office space (some approved at 100 sqm or less in eligible commercial zones), carry lower DET fees, and are the fastest to process. A professional license for a sole establishment can be issued in 5 to 10 working days with complete documentation.
Industrial and manufacturing licenses (DET fee AED 15,000 to AED 25,000) require zoning approval from Dubai Municipality for the industrial premises, which adds complexity and time to the setup process. Tourism licenses (for travel agencies, tour operators, and related services) require additional approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism tourism licensing division and typically cost AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 for the DET component.
Hidden Costs of a Dubai Mainland License: What Most Guides Miss
The DET license fee is the most visible cost in any mainland setup guide, but it is rarely the largest. Here are the cost components that frequently surprise first-time mainland business owners:
- Office rental and Ejari — Mainland companies must have a physical office registered through Ejari. Office rental in Dubai’s commercial zones starts from AED 12,000 annually for minimal space in secondary areas. Business-district addresses (DIFC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Deira commercial) cost AED 30,000 to AED 100,000+ annually. The Ejari registration fee itself is AED 220 to AED 1,000. Budget this as your largest single cost
- DED initial approval and registration fees — AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 in one-time government charges for initial approval, trade name reservation, and company registration documentation
- Visa costs per person — AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 per investor or employee visa. Each visa also requires a medical fitness test (AED 300-500) and Emirates ID (AED 200-400). A founding team of three incurs AED 10,500 to AED 15,000 in visa costs alone
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) notarization — AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 for LLC structures requiring notarized articles of association. Not required for sole establishments
- Bank account opening — UAE banks rarely charge to open an account, but some require a minimum deposit (AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 depending on the bank) to activate the account. This is not a fee per se but is a liquidity requirement
- Annual audit — From your second year, mainland LLCs are subject to annual financial audit requirements under UAE corporate tax regulations. Audit fees range from AED 8,000 to AED 20,000 annually depending on revenue size
| Full Year 1 Budget Estimate | AED Range |
| DED license fee | 10,000 to 25,000 |
| Initial approval and registration | 2,000 to 5,000 |
| Office rental + Ejari | 14,000 to 45,000 |
| Visa (1 investor + 1 employee) | 7,000 to 10,000 |
| Medical + Emirates ID (x2) | 1,000 to 2,000 |
| MoA notarization (LLC) | 1,000 to 3,000 |
| Business setup service (optional) | 3,000 to 10,000 |
| REALISTIC YEAR 1 TOTAL | AED 38,000 to AED 100,000+ |
Dubai Mainland vs Free Zone License Cost 2026: Which Is Cheaper?
The mainland vs free zone cost comparison is the most common question from investors evaluating their setup options. Here is a side-by-side comparison:
| Cost Item | Mainland (DET) | Free Zone (e.g. DMCC, IFZA) |
| Annual license fee | AED 10,000-25,000 | AED 8,000-30,000 (zone-dependent) |
| Office requirement | Mandatory Ejari (AED 12K-40K) | Flexi-desk from AED 5,000 |
| UAE market access | 100% direct access | Mainland via local agent (extra cost) |
| Foreign ownership | 100% (post-2021 law) | 100% |
| Visa allocation | Based on office size | Based on license package |
| Government contracts | Eligible | Generally not eligible |
| Year 1 realistic total | AED 38,000-100,000+ | AED 25,000-55,000 |
| Best for | UAE market clients, govt contracts | International business, cost savings |
The mainland is typically more expensive in Year 1 due to the Ejari office requirement, but offers unrestricted UAE market access that many businesses need. For businesses that plan to work primarily with UAE companies, government bodies, or retail customers, the mainland is the practical choice. For businesses focused on international clients or looking to minimise setup costs, a free zone with a free zone company setup is more cost-effective. For a full comparison of all UAE free zones, see our UAE free zones overview.
Dubai Mainland License Annual Renewal Cost 2026
A mainland license is renewed annually. Understanding the recurring costs from Year 2 onwards is as important as the first-year setup budget:
- DET license renewal fee: AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 (same as annual license fee — the DET fee is always annual regardless of whether you are in Year 1 or Year 5)
- Office rental renewal (Ejari): Annual renewal at the prevailing market rate. Office rents in Dubai have been rising 10-20% annually in high-demand commercial zones. Budget for market rate increases at renewal
- Employee visa renewals: AED 2,500 to AED 4,000 per employee at the 2-year renewal point (lower than initial issuance cost)
- External audit (from Year 2): AED 8,000 to AED 20,000 annually, mandatory for companies above the UAE corporate tax threshold or holding an LLC structure with formal shareholders
- VAT return filing: If registered for VAT (mandatory above AED 375,000 annual revenue), quarterly return filing costs AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 per quarter through a licensed accountant
From Year 2 onwards, total annual operational costs excluding staff salaries typically range from AED 40,000 to AED 80,000 for a small mainland business with one office and 2-3 employees. For accounting, audit and VAT compliance from your first year, engaging a UAE-licensed accountant before your first commercial transaction prevents compliance gaps that become more expensive to fix later.
How to Get a Dubai Mainland License: Setup Process 2026
- Select your business activity and confirm it is permitted for your chosen legal structure under the DET activity list. Multiple activities can be listed on one license for a small additional fee per activity
- Choose your legal structure: an LLC (for 2+ shareholders, requires MoA notarization) or a Sole Establishment (for individual owners, simpler and faster). Under the 2021 UAE law amendments, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for both structures in most commercial activities
- Reserve your trade name through the DET portal. Name must be unique, not contain prohibited words, and must relate to your business activity. Fee: AED 600 to AED 1,500
- Obtain initial approval from DET and any required sector authority (Ministry of Health for medical activities, Ministry of Education for educational activities, etc.)
- Secure your office premises. Sign the tenancy contract and register through Ejari. The Ejari number is required for your final license application
- Submit your complete documentation to DET: initial approval letter, trade name certificate, MoA or partnership agreement (if LLC), Ejari-registered tenancy, passport copies, and applicable authority NOCs
- Pay your license fees and receive your trade license. Apply for employee and investor visas after the trade license is issued through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)
Conclusion
Dubai mainland license costs in 2026 range from AED 38,000 to AED 100,000 for a complete Year 1 setup including the DET license fee, Ejari office, and initial visa. The license fee itself (AED 10,000-25,000) is only one part of the total investment. Building a realistic budget that includes office rental, government approval fees, visa costs, and annual recurring compliance is what separates smooth launches from budget surprises.
At Gulf Corporate Services, we support the complete mainland setup process including mainland company formation, DET trade license registration, company registration in Dubai, accounting and corporate tax compliance, and bank account opening. Use our cost calculator for your personalised mainland setup cost estimate. Contact us for a free consultation.
FAQs: Dubai Mainland License Cost 2026
How much does a Dubai mainland license cost in 2026?
The DET trade license fee for a Dubai mainland company ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 annually depending on the license type and number of activities. Total Year 1 cost including mandatory office (Ejari), initial approvals, and one investor visa typically ranges from AED 38,000 to AED 100,000 or more depending on office location and company structure.
Is the Dubai mainland license more expensive than a free zone?
Yes, typically. Mainland setup is more expensive in Year 1 due to the mandatory Ejari office requirement (AED 12,000-40,000+ annually), which free zones often replace with a cheaper flexi-desk option (AED 5,000-8,000). However, mainland licenses provide unrestricted UAE market access and government contract eligibility that free zone companies cannot access directly. The premium is justified for businesses focused on the UAE local market.
What is the minimum cost to set up a mainland company in Dubai?
The absolute minimum Year 1 cost for a mainland sole establishment with the smallest eligible office in a secondary commercial zone and one investor visa is approximately AED 32,000 to AED 38,000. This assumes: DED professional license AED 10,000-12,000, minimum office Ejari AED 12,000-14,000, one visa AED 3,500-5,000, and government registration fees AED 3,000-5,000. This minimum is only achievable for professional service activities, not commercial trading or industrial activities.
How much does it cost to renew a Dubai mainland license?
Annual license renewal costs the same as the initial annual fee: AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 for the DET license fee. Add office rental renewal at market rate (typically 10-20% annual increases in high-demand zones), visa renewals at AED 2,500-4,000 per person every 2 years, and external audit fees from AED 8,000 annually. Total annual renewal cost for a small mainland business is typically AED 40,000 to AED 80,000.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?
Yes. The UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020, effective June 2021, allows 100% foreign ownership of mainland companies in most commercial activities. A UAE national partner or local sponsor is no longer required for the majority of DET-licensed activities. Certain strategic sectors (oil and gas, military, security services) maintain restrictions, but these do not apply to most standard commercial, professional, or industrial activities.
Do I need an office to get a mainland license in Dubai?
Yes. All Dubai mainland license holders must have a physical office with a registered Ejari tenancy contract. Virtual offices are not accepted by DET for most license categories. Minimum office space requirements depend on the activity type, but typically start at 100-200 sqm for commercial activities. The office location must be in an approved commercial zone — residential buildings are not eligible for commercial Ejari registration.
What is the difference between a commercial and professional license cost?
Commercial licenses (for trading, retail, import/export) cost AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 annually at DET. Professional licenses (for consultancy, services, professional activities) typically cost AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 annually — slightly lower. Both require office space. The key difference is that professional licenses can be issued to a sole establishment (individual owner) without a minimum share capital requirement, while commercial licenses for LLCs require a Memorandum of Association with specified share capital.
About the Author
Adil Ahmad
Adil Ahmad is a business setup consultant at Gulf Corporate Services, based in Dubai. He advises entrepreneurs, investors, and international businesses on Dubai mainland company formation, DET licensing, Ejari coordination, and UAE corporate compliance. Adil writes to give investors accurate, complete cost information for planning their Dubai mainland business setup.
