In the fast-paced world of business, Dubai is one of the prime destinations for company establishment and business development. One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when thinking about establishing a company in Dubai is the trade license fees. These fees are an essential part of the establishment costs, and vary depending on the type of company and its activity.
Itqan stands out as a vital partner in this context, providing specialized services that facilitate the process of understanding and managing commercial license fees in Dubai. Itqan works to guide investors and entrepreneurs through this complex process, by analyzing the required fees and explaining them clearly and transparently.
Itqan services include providing financial consultations to determine the expected costs and financial planning necessary to cover the commercial license fees. In addition, Itqan helps prepare and submit the necessary documents and applications to obtain a commercial license smoothly and efficiently.
Through its vital role, Itqan promotes a comprehensive and regulated understanding of business license fees in Dubai , and helps startups and medium businesses achieve financial compliance and success in Dubai’s growing business environment.
Trade license fees in Dubai
Commercial license fees in Dubai are considered an essential part of the costs of establishing a company in Dubai in this vital economic emirate. These fees vary based on several factors, such as the type of company, its activity, and its location, and new and existing companies must pay these fees regularly to maintain the validity of their business licenses. Itqan helps you understand and manage these fees in a transparent and effective manner.
- Annual license fees: depend on the type of company and its activity, and change between different sectors. The amount of this fee is usually determined based on factors such as the company’s size and annual revenue.
- License Renewal Fee: This fee is required annually to maintain the validity of the business license, and varies based on the type of company and regulatory requirements.
- Media Permit Fees: If your company is in the media business, you may need to pay additional fees to obtain special media permits.
- Additional government services fees: These fees include additional services that the company may need from government agencies, such as building permits or work permits.
The Itqan team works to help companies fully understand these fees, determine the required and expected financial values, in addition to providing support in preparing and submitting the necessary documents to obtain and renew the commercial license .

Cost of a Dubai business license
Basic steps to apply for a commercial license
The basic steps to apply for a business license in Dubai include several important steps that you need to follow carefully. Here’s an overview of these steps:
- Determine the company’s activity: You must first determine the company’s activity that you wish to practice. A business can be general or specialized.
- Choosing the legal type of company: You must choose the appropriate legal type for your company, such as a joint-stock company or a limited liability company.
- Choosing a company name: You must choose a company name that complies with local laws and is available for use.
- Determine the company’s headquarters: The company’s headquarters must be located, whether it is in a free zone or a regular commercial area.
- Preparing the necessary documents: Submitting an application for a commercial license requires preparing a set of basic documents, such as a copy of the lease contract for the main headquarters, shareholders’ passports and personal photos, and other documents depending on the type of company.
These are the basic steps to apply for a business license in Dubai. It is important to adhere to local and legal procedures and requirements during this process to ensure the success of the application and the validity of the license.
Differences between the cost of a business license and an establishment license in Dubai
Element | business license | Establishment license |
---|---|---|
the description | Authorizes individuals to conduct business individually or as part of a local corporation. | Companies are authorized to conduct business legally in Dubai. |
Targeted establishments | Individuals, self-employed professionals, seasonal workers and foreign workers. | Local companies and foreign companies that wish to establish a branch in Dubai. |
Main costs | – Business registration fees. – Annual renewal fees. | – Company registration fees. – Annual renewal fees. – Consultation and legal services fees. |
Terms and requirements | – Providing a local agent. – Determine the permitted profession. | – Determine the type of company (limited liability company, public company, etc.). – Determine the permitted commercial activities. – Providing documents such as contracts and financial documents. |
Impact on nationality | Does not require UAE citizenship. | UAE citizenship may be required for certain activities or types of companies. |
Tax and legal advantages | – Failure to pay personal income tax. – Possibility of obtaining a residence visa. | – Carrying out commercial activities legally. – Possibility of dealing with government agencies and other institutions. |
Development and growth | The business license can be transferred to a local company under some conditions and requirements. | The company can be developed into a branch of a foreign company or expand business activities. |
Responsibility and obligations | Liability is limited to a natural person. | Liability is limited to the capital invested in the company. |
Advantages and disadvantages | – Low costs and easy procedures. – Ability to work individually. | – Possibility of dealing with larger clients and larger projects. – Additional tax benefits. |
Permitted activities | All professional and commercial activities may be carried out if approved by the relevant authorities. | All permitted commercial activities can be practiced in Dubai. |
The time period for establishment and procedures | Fast establishment can take only several days. | The procedures for establishing a company require several weeks to complete. |
This table summarizes some of the main differences between the cost and conditions of a business license and a license to establish a company in Dubai. Investors should consult with Itqan Company to obtain accurate information and guidance about business licenses in Dubai.
Government fees are required to obtain a business license
Government fees related to obtaining a commercial license in Jebel Ali and in the United Arab Emirates in general vary based on the type of license, company activity, capital size, and legal and regulatory requirements. Here’s what the fee usually includes:
- Application submission fees: These fees also include the fees paid to submit an application for a commercial license.
- License fees: These fees also include the fees for obtaining the final license after fulfilling all conditions and requirements.
- Consultation and legal services fees: Therefore, if you use consulting or legal services to assist in the process of obtaining the license, there may be fees associated with these services.
- National Social Welfare and Health Insurance Fund Fees: Then there may be fees associated with health and social insurance for employees and freelancers.
- Annual company re-registration fees: Also in some cases, there may be annual fees to re-register the company.
- Different fees based on the type of company: There can also be different fees for limited liability companies, sole proprietorships, and personal companies.
It is necessary to contact Itqan Company to obtain accurate details about the government fees required to obtain a commercial license in Dubai, as these fees can vary according to the individual circumstances of each company.

Create a license in Dubai
The cost of updating an existing business license in Dubai
The cost of updating a business license in Dubai depends on several factors, such as the type of company, its activity, the size of capital, and the company’s legal and regulatory registrations. However, general estimates of the expected costs of updating a business license in Dubai can be provided:
- Annual renewal fees: First and foremost, every company registered in Dubai is obligated to update its trade license annually, and the prescribed renewal fees must be paid. These fees vary according to the type of company and its activity.
- National Health Care and Health Insurance Fund Fees: In addition, there may be fees associated with health insurance and social care for employees and freelancers.
- Legal or accounting consultation fees: Therefore, if you need legal or accounting advice to update your business license, there may be fees associated with these services.
- Commercial registry and legal renewal fees: There may also be fees related to the commercial registry and legal updates necessary to update the company’s license.
- Different fees based on the type of company: Then fees may vary depending on the type of company, such as sole proprietorships, joint-stock companies, and limited liability companies.
Then these fees are variable and need to be accurately estimated by the relevant authority or through consultation with Itqan Company in Dubai. It is always recommended to check the updated fees required by the competent authorities before updating or renewing a commercial license in Dubai.
How can we support you with your business license?
Itqan Company can provide many services and support to help cover the cost of a business license in Dubai. Here are some of the ways Etqan can provide support:
- Free consultations: First and foremost, Itqan Company may provide free consultation sessions to provide advice on the process of obtaining a commercial license in Dubai and its expected costs.
- Cost analysis: Itqan can also help you analyze the cost of obtaining a commercial license in Dubai based on the type of company, its activity, and legal requirements.
- Determine financial needs: Itqan can then help you estimate the financial needs needed to cover the cost of a business license, including registration and licensing fees and other legal fees.
- Searching for financing: Itqan Company may also provide assistance in searching for external financing or special financing programs to cover the cost of obtaining a commercial license.
- Discounts and special offers: Sometimes, Itqan Company offers special offers or discounts on fees to its customers to reduce the cost of obtaining a commercial license.
- General guidance and support: Itqan also provides support and guidance at the general level regarding how to manage costs and financial planning to cover the cost of the trade license.
Your license in Dubai
Concluding this article, we all agree on the importance of understanding and knowing the business license fees in Dubai and preparing well before embarking on establishing companies in this vital economic emirate. By partnering with Itqan Company, investors and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to obtain the advice and support necessary to achieve success in this process.
Itqan Company is distinguished by a team of experts and professionals with deep experience in the field of establishing companies in Dubai, as it provides integrated services that include providing advice on the fees required for a commercial license, and providing legal and administrative support in licensing and establishment procedures.
As a trusted partner to clients, Itqan seeks to facilitate the process and provide innovative solutions to meet the needs of startups, medium and large companies in Dubai. With our support, investors can overcome challenges and achieve success and sustainability in Dubai’s thriving business market.
Let us cooperate together towards achieving commercial goals and ambitions, and let us make establishing companies in Dubai a successful and sustainable step by benefiting from the expertise and services provided by Itqan Company .
Frequently asked questions about commercial license fees in Dubai
What is the annual license fee in Dubai?
Annual license fees vary according to the type of company and its activity. Its amount is usually determined based on factors such as the company’s size and annual revenue.
Are there renewal fees for the commercial license?
Yes, companies must renew their business licenses periodically, and the fees required for this are variable based on the type of company and its details.
What additional fees are expected outside of the license fee?
Additional fees include media permit fees, and fees for additional government services such as building permits or work permits.
Does the license fee amount differ based on the location of the headquarters?
Yes, license fees can vary based on the location of the company’s headquarters, whether it is in a free zone or a regular commercial zone.
Can new businesses apply for fee reductions?
New businesses can apply for fee reductions based on factors such as the size of the investment and the jobs that will be created.