UAE Trade License Cost Calculator
Calculate mainland company setup costs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & other Emirates
Mainland vs Freezone Comparison
| Feature | Mainland | Freezone |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% foreign (most activities) | 100% foreign |
| Office Requirement | Physical office mandatory | Flexi desk options available |
| UAE Market Access | Direct trade allowed | Via local distributor |
| Starting Cost | AED 25,000 - 50,000 | AED 12,000 - 25,000 |
| Visa Eligibility | Based on office size | Package dependent |
| Activities | All business types | Specific to freezone |
📋 Required Documents
- • Passport copies of all partners
- • UAE Entry stamp/visa page
- • Passport-size photographs
- • Tenancy contract (EJARI)
- • NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
- • Business plan (for certain activities)
⚡ Timeline
- Name Reservation: 1-2 days
- Initial Approval: 1-3 days
- MOA Signing: 1 day
- License Issuance: 2-5 days
- Visa Processing: 5-7 days per visa
- Total Setup Time: 2-4 weeks
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on typical market rates for 2026. Actual costs may vary depending on the specific business activity, government fee changes, and service provider charges. Professional and industrial licenses may require additional approvals and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mainland companies can trade directly within the UAE market without restrictions, while freezone companies typically need a local distributor to sell within the UAE. Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE, while freezone companies operate within their specific freezone or internationally.
Yes! Since 2021, foreign investors can own 100% of mainland companies in most business activities in the UAE. Certain strategic sectors like oil & gas, defense, and some professional services may still require a UAE national sponsor.
The timeline varies by emirate and business activity, but typically takes 2-4 weeks from start to finish. This includes name reservation, initial approval, document attestation, office setup, and final license issuance. Complex activities may take longer.
Yes, mainland companies require a physical office space. The size of the office determines how many visas you can get. Options include flexi desks (most economical), shared offices, or dedicated office spaces. The office contract must be registered with EJARI.
Annual renewal typically costs 60-80% of the initial setup cost. This includes license renewal, establishment card renewal, immigration card renewal, and office rent. You may also need to renew visas for employees.