Setting up a business on Dubai’s mainland offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs, including access to the local market and the ability to operate anywhere within the UAE. However, before starting your mainland business, it’s essential to understand the various licensing costs and fees involved in the process. In this article, we’ll break down the key components of mainland business licensing costs and fees to give you a clear understanding of what to expect when starting a business in Dubai.
- Types of Mainland Licenses and Their Costs
The cost of obtaining a mainland business license in Dubai depends on the type of business activity you plan to carry out. Here are the main categories of business licenses in Dubai’s mainland:
Commercial License
Professional License
Industrial License
Each license type comes with its own set of specific fees and requirements, including the necessity for additional permits depending on the industry.
- Trade Name Registration Fees
Before applying for your business license, you must register a unique trade name for your business. The trade name registration process involves checking for availability and securing the name with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Trade Name Registration Fee
Additional Charges for Name Approvals
It’s essential to ensure your trade name adheres to DED guidelines to avoid delays in registration.
- Office Space Rent and Lease Costs
Dubai’s mainland business licensing regulations require you to have a physical office space. The cost of office rent varies significantly based on the location, size, and type of office.
Office Space
Flexi-Desk Options
The location of your office impacts not only your overall expenses but also your business’s visibility and accessibility.
- Visa and Sponsorship Fees
For businesses in the Dubai mainland, visas are required for both the owners and employees. The number of visas you can apply for depends on the size of your office space and your business activity. Here’s a breakdown of visa-related costs:
Investor Visa
Employee Visas
Dependents’ Visas
In addition to the visa costs, there are medical insurance and health screening fees for visa applicants, which can range from AED 500 to AED 2,000.
- Other Regulatory and Government Fees
Depending on the business type, there are several additional fees that may apply:
Municipality Fees
Licensing Fees
Chamber of Commerce Membership
Renewal Fees
- Miscellaneous Costs
Additional costs may arise depending on the nature of your business. These may include:
Legal and Consultancy Fees
Marketing and Branding
Final Wrapping
Setting up a mainland business in Dubai is a great way to tap into the UAE’s thriving market, but it requires careful consideration of the various licensing costs and fees involved. From trade name registration and office space rent to visa costs and regulatory fees, understanding the full scope of expenses will help you plan your budget and avoid unexpected costs. By factoring in all of these elements, you can ensure that your business setup in Dubai is as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
