Dubai is an international business center and remains a top destination for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. With its tax-incentive environment, strategic location, and business-friendly legislation, it’s no surprise that Dubai continues to be a top-choice for starting a business. But one of the key milestones in starting a business in Dubai is acquiring a business license. Knowing the costs and the prerequisites that come with a Dubai business license is vital when planning your business.

We are going to give you detailed information about how much it will cost to obtain a business license in Dubai in 2025. We’ll cover different kinds of licenses, what affects the cost and the process to get a business license. Whether you are planning to establish a small business, open branch of the company, or register a business in Dubai, it will aid you in getting to the kernel of the business.

Classifications of Business Licenses in Dubai

But before we get into the fees it’s worth understanding the different types of company licenses available in Dubai. The price of your license is dependent on your type of business. Dubai, on a whole, typically has three basic types of business licenses:

Commercial License:

Perfect for businesses engaged in trade, or the sale of goods and services.

This kind of merchant account is usually offered for retail merchants, wholesalers, and online retail businesses.

Industrial License:

For a business which is into: manufacturing, fabrication, or any kind of industrial activities.

This License is required to set up industrial or manufacturing in Dubai.

Professional License:

It is usually received by freelancers and other types of professionals.

Furthermore, businesses in Dubai are also able to select free zone licenses, which are created for companies which are located in one of the many free zones of the UAE. These licenses usually provide greater flexibility for foreign ownership and tax benefits, but they have their own distinct costs and stipulations.

Cost of a Dubai Business License Cost of a Duba 

The cost of setting up a business in Dubai varies by license type, business size and the area in which the business is located, as well as the onshore or offshore area you prefer to set up your business in. Mean AED 10,000 to a maximum of AED 50,000 or more/per month.. Here is a list of the main four contributors to the total price of a Dubai trade licence:

A. License Fee

Business License Cost The basic cost to acquire a business license in Dubai is through a license fee. This may vary depending on the type of business and your location. A commercial license typically is charged between AED 10,000 and AED 15,000 and an industrial license is charged at a range of AED 15,000 to AED 25,000, as a rule of thumb. Professional licenses are generally cheaper and are usually between AED 8000 to AED 12,000.

B. Trade Name Registration

As part of the process to register your business in Dubai, you have to select a trade name, which also does not come for free. The trade name registration costs vary from AED 500 to AED 2,000. But the total price can vary based on the uniqueness of the name, and whether it needs approval from certain agencies.

C. Visa and Immigration Fees

If you plan to take employees or even relatives to Dubai with you, visa and immigration costs will also have to be taken into account. A UAE visa for employees could cost from AED 3,000 to even AED 10,000, depending on the visa type and their designation. You will be required to pay for the visas of your employees if you are establishing a company in a free zone.

D. Facilities and Rent Expenses

Then office space is another major factor that affects the cost of your business license. Offices requirements in Dubai are strict, so office space costs and facility locations vary greatly depending on the size and position of your business. In general, the free zones tend to have cheaper rates, from AED 10,000 a year for a shared office in some free zones. On the flip side, office rents on the mainland can be far higher, especially in prime locations such as Downtown Dubai or DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre).

Final thoughts: 

Getting a business license in Dubai can be an investment in the future of your company, but it’s important to be fully aware of the costs involved. Based on the category, location and type of business you have, you can come to a decision intelligently within your pocket. Business in Dubai Good for startups Entrepreneurs here have numerous opportunities, but good planning and budgeting are very important! No matter if you choose a free zone or mainland license, have a full grasp of what determines the total cost of your license.

In 2025, Dubai is still one of the most sought after cities for business setup thanks to its connectivity to the rest of the world, modern infrastructure, and relaxed regulations. With the right information and strategy, you can not only manage but control the costs and one can successfully begin their business in this up and coming city.