The Dubai LLC is the most popular business structure for entrepreneurs and investors setting up on the mainland. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reform, foreign nationals can own 100% of a mainland LLC — removing the old requirement for a UAE national to hold 51% of shares.
But what does it actually cost? The honest answer: it depends on several variables. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of every cost you should account for in 2026.
The Quick Summary
- Total first-year LLC setup cost: AED 20,000 to AED 50,000+ depending on activity and office
- Full-service setup (license + MOA + approvals): From approximately AED 16,000 upward
- License issued: typically 5 to 10 working days after approvals
Component-by-Component Cost Breakdown
1. Trade Name Reservation — AED 620 to AED 2,000
Reserving your company name with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is the first step. Standard names cost AED 620. Non-Arabic or premium names can run up to AED 2,000. The reservation is valid for 60 days.
2. Initial Approval — AED 100 to AED 200
The DET issues an initial approval before the formal license, allowing you to begin document preparation and MOA drafting. Cost varies by business activity and jurisdiction.
3. DET Trade License — AED 7,000 to AED 25,000
This is the core government fee and varies by license category:
- Commercial license (trading activities): AED 10,000 to AED 15,000
- Professional license (consulting, services): AED 7,000 to AED 12,000
- Industrial license (manufacturing): AED 12,000 to AED 18,000
- General trading license (multi-category): tends toward the higher end, AED 15,000 to AED 25,000
In 2026, businesses can add up to 10 activities under a single license. The first three activities are typically included; each additional activity costs approximately AED 1,000.
4. Memorandum of Association (MOA) Drafting & Notarisation — AED 1,500 to AED 3,000
The MOA is the constitutional document of your LLC. It must be drafted, notarised, and filed. Professional drafting services typically cost AED 1,500 to AED 3,000.
5. Office Space — AED 5,000 to AED 50,000+ per year
This is often the largest variable in the budget. Mainland licenses require a physical office:
- Flexi-desk arrangements: AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 per year
- Shared or serviced office: AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 per year
- Private office (commercial lease): AED 25,000 to AED 50,000+ depending on location
The office size directly determines your visa allocation. Businesses with larger offices can sponsor more employees.
6. Ejari Registration — AED 200 to AED 500
The official tenancy contract registration with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) is required for mainland license holders.
7. Visa Fees — AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per visa
Visa costs include processing, medical tests, Emirates ID, and insurance. Most new LLCs require at least one investor visa (for the owner). Each additional employee visa follows the same cost structure.
8. Dubai Chamber Membership — AED 300 to AED 600
Most mainland LLCs are required to register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce annually.
9. Additional External Approvals — AED 1,000 to AED 10,000
Certain regulated activities require sector-specific approvals before the DET will issue the license. Examples include Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for healthcare, Dubai Municipality for food businesses, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for transport-related activities.
Annual Renewal Costs
Plan for annual renewal costs broadly similar to initial setup — minus the one-time registration and MOA costs. Typical renewal costs:
- DET license renewal: AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 (same as initial, varies by activity)
- Office lease renewal: subject to market rates, can increase annually
- Visa renewals: AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per person
- Ejari renewal: AED 200 to AED 500
- Dubai Chamber renewal: AED 300 to AED 600
Do You Still Need a Local Sponsor?
No — for the vast majority of business activities. The 2021 Commercial Companies Law amendment removed the local sponsorship requirement for over 1,000 commercial and professional activities. Foreigners can own 100% of their mainland LLC. Only a narrow range of strategic sectors (such as oil and gas exploration and certain security services) still require local participation.
Every business is different. Your exact cost depends on your activity type, office choice, and visa requirements. Our team provides precise, line-item cost breakdowns so you know exactly what you are committing to before you sign anything.
