Many investors mistakenly believe that setting up a business in the Emirates requires excessive start-up capital. This guide reveals proven methods for obtaining a Dubai business license at a competitive price without compromising the quality of your structure. Here you will discover the specific financial levers you need to launch your business while controlling every expense.
Options for a budget-friendly commercial license
Free zone: the default choice for starting light
For tight budgets, free zones remain the most obvious option. They cut unnecessary costs. Above all, you retain 100% foreign ownership.
In terms of finances, the entry fee is around AED 15,000. This amount covers registration and the basics for a Dubai business license. It's a lightweight structure to get started with, so the financial risk remains very limited.
Mainland: more expensive, but what are the advantages?
The Mainland carries more weight, often ranging between AED 25,000 and AED 50,000. This is the price you pay for directly targeting the local market. Here, you pay for your freedom of action.
Breaking down costs: what really drives up the bill
Have you chosen the area? Good. But be careful, the devil is in the financial details, and the final cost will depend on very specific choices.
The type of activity and legal structure
The price hierarchy is clear: a professional license geared toward services often reduces the cost compared to a commercial trading license. Keep in mind that regulated sectors such as healthcare require official stamps that must be paid for, which increase the cost.
Your legal structure also affects the budget: opting for an FZE in a free trade zone radically changes the initial entry fee.
The office: from flexi-desk to physical office
Premises are often the main financial drain, but it is possible to slash this expense without mercy to preserve your cash flow.
Type of Office
Estimated Annual Cost (EAC)
Ideal for...
Flexi-desk / Shared desk
Starting at AED 5,000
Freelancers and startups on a tight budget
Private Physical Office
AED 100,000 and above
Established teams requiring dedicated space
Starting out without breaking the bank: steps to take and pitfalls to avoid
Once the budget has been clarified, it's time to take action. But be careful: speed should not mean rushing.
Key steps for an optimized application
Forget the endless paperwork of yesteryear. Today, Dubai has massively digitized its procedures for formidable efficiency. With just a few clicks, your file moves forward, far from the usual administrative red tape.
Here are the steps to follow to make your project a reality:
Select your business activity and the ideal jurisdiction (Free Zone or Mainland).
Register a unique trade name with the relevant authority.
Submit your documents, often just passports and a summary business plan.
Pay the fees to obtain your official business license.
Avoid costly mistakes
Don't be blinded by an attractive introductory price. Underestimating recurring costs such as annual renewals or visa fees can quickly drain your cash flow if the license is unsuitable.
Thinking you can save money by doing without experts is often a risky calculation. Solid support secures your investment and prevents you from falling into the classic traps of starting a business in the Emirates. It's your best insurance.
Obtaining a business license in Dubai on a controlled budget is entirely feasible by targeting the right jurisdiction. Whether it's a Free Zone or the Mainland, the key isto optimize your structural choices. To secure your investment and avoid hidden costs, expert guidance remains your best asset.
FAQ Cheap business license in Dubai
What is the actual cost of a commercial license in Dubai?
The start-up budget varies considerably depending on the jurisdiction chosen. For an economical option, Free Zone licenses generally start at around AED 15,000. If you opt for a freelance permit, the cost can even drop to between AED 6,000 and AED 8,000 depending on the zone.
On the other hand, setting up a business on the mainland, which offers direct access to the local market, represents a heavier investment, often between AED 25,000 and AED 50,000, mainly due to the requirements associated with physical premises.
How to obtain a business license in the United Arab Emirates?
The process is now highly digitized and fast. The first step is to choose your business activity and jurisdiction (Free Zone or Mainland), then reserve your business name with the relevant authority (DED or Free Zone Authority).
Once these choices have been validated, you will need to submit your personal documents (passport, visa) and pay the registration fees. The license is often issued, allowing you to then apply for your visas and open a bank account.
What exactly is a commercial license?
This is the legal document that authorizes a company to engage in the purchase, sale, and trade of goods in the Emirates. It is essential for any company wishing to import, export, or distribute products within the territory or internationally.
It is important to distinguish it from the professional license, which is intended for service providers and craftsmen. The choice between the two will directly impact your legal structure and your start-up costs.
How to obtain a freelance permit in Dubai?
A freelance permit is the ideal solution for starting out at a lower cost without renting office space. To obtain one, you need to contact specific free zones such as Dubai Media City, IFZA, or Meydan, which offer packages designed for solo entrepreneurs.
The procedure is simplified: you generally just need to provide a copy of your passport, a photo, and sometimes proof of qualification in your field. This is the fastest option for legally billing for your services.
Download the guide to setting up a company in Dubai and the UAE.
Legal structure, license, actual budget, visa, bank account, and pitfalls to avoid. Download the complete guide to setting up your company in Dubai with peace of mind.
Cheap business license in Dubai: how to start your business at a lower cost
Many investors mistakenly believe that setting up a business in the Emirates requires excessive start-up capital. This guide reveals proven methods for obtaining a Dubai business license at a competitive price without compromising the quality of your structure. Here you will discover the specific financial levers you need to launch your business while controlling every expense.
Options for a budget-friendly commercial license
Free zone: the default choice for starting light
For tight budgets, free zones remain the most obvious option. They cut unnecessary costs. Above all, you retain 100% foreign ownership.
In terms of finances, the entry fee is around AED 15,000. This amount covers registration and the basics for a Dubai business license. It's a lightweight structure to get started with, so the financial risk remains very limited.
Mainland: more expensive, but what are the advantages?
The Mainland carries more weight, often ranging between AED 25,000 and AED 50,000. This is the price you pay for directly targeting the local market. Here, you pay for your freedom of action.
This choice goes beyond simple math. In reality, your business model dictates the expense; understanding the Mainland vs. Free Zone matchup is therefore a step that should not be overlooked.
Breaking down costs: what really drives up the bill
Have you chosen the area? Good. But be careful, the devil is in the financial details, and the final cost will depend on very specific choices.
The type of activity and legal structure
The price hierarchy is clear: a professional license geared toward services often reduces the cost compared to a commercial trading license. Keep in mind that regulated sectors such as healthcare require official stamps that must be paid for, which increase the cost.
Your legal structure also affects the budget: opting for an FZE in a free trade zone radically changes the initial entry fee.
The office: from flexi-desk to physical office
Premises are often the main financial drain, but it is possible to slash this expense without mercy to preserve your cash flow.
Starting out without breaking the bank: steps to take and pitfalls to avoid
Once the budget has been clarified, it's time to take action. But be careful: speed should not mean rushing.
Key steps for an optimized application
Forget the endless paperwork of yesteryear. Today, Dubai has massively digitized its procedures for formidable efficiency. With just a few clicks, your file moves forward, far from the usual administrative red tape.
Here are the steps to follow to make your project a reality:
Avoid costly mistakes
Don't be blinded by an attractive introductory price. Underestimating recurring costs such as annual renewals or visa fees can quickly drain your cash flow if the license is unsuitable.
Thinking you can save money by doing without experts is often a risky calculation. Solid support secures your investment and prevents you from falling into the classic traps of starting a business in the Emirates. It's your best insurance.
Obtaining a business license in Dubai on a controlled budget is entirely feasible by targeting the right jurisdiction. Whether it's a Free Zone or the Mainland, the key isto optimize your structural choices. To secure your investment and avoid hidden costs, expert guidance remains your best asset.
FAQ Cheap business license in Dubai
What is the actual cost of a commercial license in Dubai?
The start-up budget varies considerably depending on the jurisdiction chosen. For an economical option, Free Zone licenses generally start at around AED 15,000. If you opt for a freelance permit, the cost can even drop to between AED 6,000 and AED 8,000 depending on the zone.
On the other hand, setting up a business on the mainland, which offers direct access to the local market, represents a heavier investment, often between AED 25,000 and AED 50,000, mainly due to the requirements associated with physical premises.
How to obtain a business license in the United Arab Emirates?
The process is now highly digitized and fast. The first step is to choose your business activity and jurisdiction (Free Zone or Mainland), then reserve your business name with the relevant authority (DED or Free Zone Authority).
Once these choices have been validated, you will need to submit your personal documents (passport, visa) and pay the registration fees. The license is often issued, allowing you to then apply for your visas and open a bank account.
What exactly is a commercial license?
This is the legal document that authorizes a company to engage in the purchase, sale, and trade of goods in the Emirates. It is essential for any company wishing to import, export, or distribute products within the territory or internationally.
It is important to distinguish it from the professional license, which is intended for service providers and craftsmen. The choice between the two will directly impact your legal structure and your start-up costs.
How to obtain a freelance permit in Dubai?
A freelance permit is the ideal solution for starting out at a lower cost without renting office space. To obtain one, you need to contact specific free zones such as Dubai Media City, IFZA, or Meydan, which offer packages designed for solo entrepreneurs.
The procedure is simplified: you generally just need to provide a copy of your passport, a photo, and sometimes proof of qualification in your field. This is the fastest option for legally billing for your services.
Legal structure, license, actual budget, visa, bank account, and pitfalls to avoid. Download the complete guide to setting up your company in Dubai with peace of mind.
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