Dubai Commercial License Cost 2026

Dubai Commercial License Cost 2026 : Complete Breakdown, Smart Savings & The Ultimate Guide for Entrepreneurs, Traders & E-Commerce Founders

If you're searching for Dubai commercial license cost, you’re already exploring one of the most powerful business opportunities in the UAE. A commercial license is the backbone of Dubai’s trading landscape — the license you need to import, export, distribute, store, and trade goods across local and global markets.

Whether you want to start:

• A trading company
• An online store
• An import/export business
• A general trading business
• Product distribution
• Wholesale or retail operations

— it all begins with a commercial license.

But here’s the challenge:

Most entrepreneurs have no idea how the commercial license cost actually works. They see random numbers online, conflicting quotes from business setup consultants, and confusing “special packages” that hide fees.

You deserve clarity.

In this long-form guide, you’ll discover:

• The real Dubai commercial license cost for 2026
• What determines the price
• Mainland vs free zone cost differences
• Visa-related costs
• Warehouse and office requirements
• How to reduce your cost significantly
• Which business activities qualify as "commercial"
• How the setup process works step by step
• Hidden costs entrepreneurs overlook
• The smartest way to structure your commercial business
• When to choose general trading vs specific trading
• Why Dubai is the world’s best trading hub

Throughout this article, you’ll also find strategic CTAs directing you to your most powerful business resource:

The Dubai Business Setup Guide (261 Pages)

Your complete roadmap to launching and scaling your Dubai business — including full cost breakdowns, step-by-step licensing instructions, checklists, and 7 powerful bonuses.

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Let’s begin.

What Is a Dubai Commercial License?

A commercial license in Dubai allows you to engage in trading, which includes:

• Buying and selling goods
• Importing and exporting
• Distributing products
• Operating e-commerce activities
• Dropshipping
• Trading through warehouses or storage units

Anything involving physical goods, whether local or global, falls under the commercial license category.

It's one of the most in-demand licenses in the UAE because Dubai is:

• A global logistics hub
• A tax-friendly business destination
• A gateway between East and West
• A world leader in re-export trade
• Home to a massive e-commerce economy
• A business-first environment with minimal restrictions

But here’s what most entrepreneurs don’t know:

Not all commercial licenses cost the same.

Your cost depends on:

• Whether you choose mainland or free zone
• The number of trading activities you add
• Whether you include general trading
• Whether you need visas
• Whether you need storage or a warehouse
• The free zone you choose
• Whether your products require special approvals

Let’s dig into costs.

Dubai Commercial License Cost (2026): Realistic Price Ranges

Dubai commercial licenses generally cost between:

AED 8,000 and AED 30,000+,

depending on jurisdiction and requirements.

But these numbers don’t tell the real story.

Let’s break this down clearly.

Free Zone Commercial License Cost

A free zone commercial license is typically the cheapest option for entrepreneurs who want to:

• Sell products online
• Import/export goods globally
• Store goods in free zone warehouses
• Sell internationally
• Operate an e-commerce store
• Ship from supplier to customer (dropshipping)

Free zone commercial license cost normally ranges between:

AED 8,000–15,000 for simple trading

AED 15,000–25,000 for general trading

Why the difference?

Because general trading lets you trade multiple unrelated goods under one license — making it more expensive due to the broader regulation scope.

Free zone commercial licenses also include:

• 100% foreign ownership
• No customs duties within the free zone
• No corporate tax for many activities
• Easy import/export flexibilities
• Simplified warehousing solutions
• Visa packages (optional or included)

Free zones are ideal if:

• Your customers are outside the UAE
• You ship products abroad
• You dropship
• You sell through Amazon, Noon, Shopify, etc.
• You want the most affordable setup

Mainland Commercial License Cost

A mainland commercial license in Dubai costs more because:

• You can trade anywhere in UAE
• You can sell directly to local markets
• You can open shops, warehouses, and physical showrooms
• You have broader access to government and enterprise clients

Expect mainland commercial license costs around:

AED 12,000–30,000+,

depending on your business activity and office selection.

Mainland also requires:

• Ejari (office contract)
• Immigration card
• Potential external approvals

If your business involves:

• Local trading
• Retail shops
• Distribution inside Dubai
• Real estate for warehousing
• Wholesale operations

Then the mainland commercial license is the better choice despite slightly higher costs.

Dubai Commercial License Cost Components (Explained Simply)

To understand the overall cost, we must examine the elements that make up the price.

1. Trade Name Reservation Fee

Small cost for reserving your business name.

2. Initial Approval Fee

Paid to the free zone or DED (mainland).

3. License Issuance Fee

The largest portion of your payment.

4. MOA or Legal Documentation

Required for mainland companies.

5. Office or Warehouse Space (Mainland)

Free zones often allow flexi-desks. Mainland does not.

6. Establishment Card

Required for running visas.

7. Visa Costs (Optional)

If you need visas, factor in medical, Emirates ID, stamping, and insurance.

8. Customs Code (For Trading)

Required for import/export operations.

9. Chamber of Commerce Membership

Mandatory on the mainland.

Here’s the simple truth:

Free zones = fewer cost components.

Mainland = more cost components but more business freedom.

Your Dubai Business Setup Guide explains all of these in great detail.

👉 Download it now: https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

General Trading License vs Commercial License: Cost Differences

A commercial license allows trading specific goods.

A general trading license allows trading almost anything (with some restrictions like pharmaceuticals, weapons, etc.).

The difference in cost is simple:

A general trading license is more expensive because it covers more activities.

Expect an additional:

• AED 3,000–7,000 in free zones
• AED 5,000–10,000 in mainland

If you plan to trade multiple categories like:

• Electronics
• Clothing
• Accessories
• Home goods
• Beauty products
• Fitness equipment

— then general trading gives you full flexibility.

For niche trading, stick to a regular commercial license to save money.

Which Business Activities Fall Under the Commercial License?

Commercial licenses cover hundreds of activities, including:

• E-commerce trading
• Amazon FBA trading
• Dropshipping
• Import/export operations
• General trading
• Wholesale and retail
• Building materials trading
• Fashion and apparel trading
• Cosmetics trading
• Electronics trading
• Automotive parts trading
• Foodstuff trading (approval required)
• Furniture trading
• Household appliances trading
• Gift items and accessories trading
• Packaging material trading
• Jewelry and imitation jewelry trading

But remember:

Some categories — especially food, chemicals, and medical items — require external approvals and may increase your overall cost.

The UAE Business Activity Selection Cheatsheet (included in your Dubai Business Setup Guide) will help you choose the cheapest and most suitable activity instantly.

Additional Costs to Consider (Most Entrepreneurs Overlook These)

A Dubai commercial license has a few potential extra costs depending on your business model.

Let’s break them down.

1. Warehouse or Storage Facility

If you need storage, you must rent a warehouse or use a fulfillment center.

Options include:

• Free zone warehouses
• 3PL storage companies
• Amazon warehouses
• Noon warehouses

Costs vary dramatically depending on size and location.

2. Customs Registration

If you import or export:

You need a customs code, which has a government fee.

3. Import/Export Fees

Customs duties apply when goods enter mainland UAE.

4. Insurance

Some warehouses require insurance coverage.

5. Approvals for Restricted Goods

Some items require:

• Food Safety approvals
• Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA)
• Dubai Municipality permits
• DHA or other authority reviews

These add to your cost.

6. Compliance & Renewals

Expect license renewal costs annually.

Many entrepreneurs forget this and get surprised later.

The Dubai Business Setup Guide includes full renewal cost breakdowns and budget planning templates.

How to Reduce Your Dubai Commercial License Cost

Now the part you’ve been waiting for — how to save money.

Here are the smartest ways to lower your cost:

1. Choose a Free Zone Instead of Mainland

Free zones can reduce your commercial license cost by 40–60%.

2. Start with a 0-Visa License Package

If you're trading online, you may not need visas initially.

3. Avoid General Trading Unless Necessary

If you only sell fashion items, why pay more for "general trading"?

4. Use Third-Party Fulfillment Centers

Avoid warehouse rental costs.

5. Go Digital

Selling online removes the need for physical store approvals.

6. Choose Activities Without External Approvals

Foodstuff? Expensive.
Electronics? Cheap.
Choose wisely.

7. Compare Free Zone Packages

Some include:

• License
• Establishment card
• Flexi desk
• Visa allocation

— all in one.

This can save you thousands of dirhams.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Dubai Commercial License

Here is the full process from start to finish.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

The foundation of your license.

Step 2: Choose Mainland or Free Zone

Free zone = cheaper.
Mainland = more trading freedom.

Step 3: Decide on Company Structure

LLC vs FZCO.

Step 4: Reserve Your Business Name

Quick and easy.

Step 5: Get Initial Approval

Usually granted within 24–72 hours.

Step 6: Submit Required Documents

Passport copies, etc.

Step 7: Pay Licensing Fees

The license is issued afterward.

Step 8: Apply for Establishment Card

Required for visas.

Step 9: Apply for Visas (Optional)

You can add these later.

Step 10: Open Your Bank Account

Use your trade license.

Step 11: Begin Trading

Import, export, sell, scale — the Dubai market is open to you.

Why Dubai Is the Best Place in the World to Launch a Trading Business

Dubai’s commercial license is more than a legal document — it’s a gateway to a global marketplace.

Here's why:

• Zero income tax for many businesses
• World-class logistics infrastructure
• The fastest-growing e-commerce market in the Middle East
• An international business environment
• A strategic location connecting 4.5 billion people
• Easy global shipping
• A stable economy
• Pro-investment government policies
• Easy business setup
• Investor-friendly residency pathways

If you're launching a trading business, there’s no better place on earth.

The Smartest Way to Start Your Trading Business (With Zero Guesswork)

You could spend weeks researching…

You could get 10 different quotes from 10 different consultants…

You could get confused, overwhelmed, and misled…

Or you can follow a proven roadmap, created specifically for Dubai entrepreneurs:

The Dubai Business Setup Guide — 261 Pages

A complete guide showing:

✔ Exact commercial license cost breakdown
✔ Cheapest free zones for trading
✔ Step-by-step setup instructions
✔ Mainland vs free zone trading comparison
✔ Visa cost insights
✔ Customs and warehouse guidelines
✔ Product approval requirements
✔ Mistakes to avoid when starting a trading business
✔ 7 powerful bonus guides worth hundreds of dollars

PLUS:

FREE access to the Dubai Startups & Entrepreneurs Community

A private support space for founders who purchased the book.

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https://dubaiuae.gumroad.com/l/DubaiBusinessSetupGuide

If you're serious about launching:

• A trading company
• An e-commerce store
• A wholesale business
• A general trading company
• An import/export operation

This guide is your blueprint.

Final Thoughts: The Dubai Commercial License Is Your Gateway to Global Growth

Understanding the real Dubai Commercial License Cost is the first — and most important — step toward building a profitable presence in the UAE.

Now you know:

• What a commercial license is
• The actual cost range
• Free zone vs mainland differences
• Additional costs and approvals
• How to keep your cost low
• How to complete the setup process
• Why Dubai is the world’s best trading hub

Your next step is simple:

Get the Dubai Business Setup Guide and let it walk you through the process with clarity, confidence, and speed.

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Disclaimer: Regulations, procedures, and tax rules can change. This book provides general information and frameworks; always verify current requirements and seek professional advice for your specific situation.