Licence Fees in the UAE
Dubai
| Item | AED |
|---|---|
| Issuance or renewal of a licence | 600 |
| Initial approval | 100 |
| Trade name reservation | 200 |
| Foreign or numeric trade name | 2,000 |
| Trade name with "Dubai", "Emirates" or "Gulf" | 2,000 |
| Commercial register | 200 |
Source: Dubai Legislation: Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011 approving fees of the Department of Economic Development1
This schedule dates from 2011 and Dubai has since reduced or cancelled some fees, for example by Resolution No. 19 of 2021. The Department of Economy and Tourism confirms the amount due when you apply.2
A free zone company that wants to work on the Dubai mainland pays AED 10,000 a year for a branch licence, or AED 5,000 for a temporary permit.6,7
Abu Dhabi
| Item | AED |
|---|---|
| Issue an economic licence, all local authority fees included | 790 |
| Renew the licence | 890 |
| Trade name | 50 |
| Add an economic activity | 100 |
| Add an industrial product | 500 |
| Register an economic lease contract | 50 |
Source: WAM: ADDED details reduced economic licence fees in Abu Dhabi3
Sharjah
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Issue or renew a licence | 8% or 13% of the lease, depending on the activity |
| Add an activity | AED 300 each |
| Technical evaluation | AED 150 |
| Add or remove a partner or service agent | AED 500 each |
| Late renewal | 25% of the licence fees, up to AED 3,000 |
Source: Sharjah Economic Development Department: Services and fees4
Ras Al Khaimah
| Economic licence category | AED to issue or renew |
|---|---|
| First | 10,000 |
| Second | 5,000 |
| Third | 2,500 |
| Fourth | 1,000 |
| Fifth | 400 |
| E-commerce website licence | 3,000 |
Source: Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council: Resolution No. 6 of 2026 on Economic Development Department service fees5
The schedule took effect on 23 March 2026. It also sets a government fee of AED 5,500 for a professional or trade licence issued by the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Authority, with AED 10,000 more for branches of companies licensed outside the emirate.5
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a trade licence in Dubai?
Under Dubai's fee schedule, issuing or renewing a licence costs AED 600, plus AED 100 for initial approval, AED 200 for the trade name and AED 200 for the commercial register. Other approvals and premises add to the total.
Sources
- Dubai Legislation: Executive Council Resolution No. 13 of 2011 approving fees of the Department of Economic Development
- Dubai Legislation: Executive Council Resolution No. 19 of 2021 concerning reduction and cancellation of fees
- WAM: ADDED details reduced economic licence fees in Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah Economic Development Department: Services and fees
- Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council: Resolution No. 6 of 2026 on Economic Development Department service fees
- Dubai Legislation: Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025 regulating free zone establishments' activities
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism: Free zone companies can operate on the mainland
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.