The UAE’s strategic geographical location, investor-friendly regulations, and efficient licensing procedures have rendered it an increasingly inviting place to establish new businesses. Consequently, entrepreneurs frequently enquire about the cost of a business license in the UAE and whether or not there are any hidden costs. At Dubai South Business Hub, excluding the establishment card, immigration, and visa-related charges, the business license in UAE price typically starts at AED 12,500. Although at its core the cost is transparent, additional expenses such as UAE business license renewal fees, administrative fees, and renewal fees should be taken into account.
Dubai South Business Hub provides clarity through a transparent business license cost calculator. In order to better understand the role and benefits of UAE Free Zones the UAE Ministry of Economy’s Free Zones overview showcases the many advantages of establishing a business in free zones. The list includes modern infrastructure, a variety of options at reasonable cost, 100% foreign ownership, and more.
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Several factors shape costs as per the business license in UAE price list:
An establishment card costs AED 2,000, while the base license fee for a new setup at Dubai South Business Hub is AED 12,500. Employee visas start at AED 3,500, while investor visas cost AED 4,000. License renewal charges generally match the initial cost, with AED 500 per month charged for late license renewals, and AED 100 per month for establishment card delays.
If you are trying to calculate small business license cost in Dubai, this table offers a transparent view of standard fees for new entrepreneurs:
| Item | Cost (AED) |
| New Business License | 12,500 |
| Establishment Card (1 Year) | 2,000 |
| Employee Visa | 3,500 |
| Investor Visa | 4,000 |
| License Renewal (Annual) | 12,500 |
| Late Renewal (per month) | 500 |
| Establishment Card Renewal | 2,200 |
| Flexi-desk (per year) | 357.14 |
While Dubai South Business Hub offers one of the most competitive base rates, it is essential to understand the complete picture of license registration fees Dubai. The commercial license price in Dubai may differ slightly from the professional license cost in UAE, depending on the activity scope and required approvals. If you opt for an online business license application cost in UAE, the pricing is comparable, but the process is faster and often more convenient.
Among the necessary expenses are:
Entrepreneurs frequently miss hidden costs for UAE business license such as NOC letters, annual business address or flexi-desk renewal (AED 357.14 per year), or optional concierge services like mail management (AED 750).
UAE business license renewal fees mirror initial license fees and must be paid annually. Late renewal penalties can range from AED 100 per month on establishment cards to AED 500 per month for license renewals.
Freelancers, consultants, and early-stage startups often find the cheapest business license in UAE packages ideal. These packages are designed for minimal overheads, offering limited visa allocations, flexi-desks, and shared facilities that meet basic operational needs without compromising compliance.
Selecting only the cheapest option can disregard factors such as long-term scalability, banking facilitation, and regulatory support. A UAE license fees comparison should take into consideration the overall value rather than upfront cost alone.
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Navigating the business license in UAE price involves more than finding the lowest number. It means accounting for administrative expenses, renewal fees, and optional services that promote compliance. Entrepreneurs can plan more efficiently with the guidance of Dubai South Business Hub’s scalable solutions and transparent pricing.
The type of activity, jurisdiction, and visa requirements all affect a business license in the UAE. The base price at Dubai South Business Hub is AED 12,500, excluding establishment cards or visa fees.
Selecting your activity, deciding between a free zone or mainland jurisdiction, obtaining a license, and visas are all necessary steps in starting a business in the UAE.
Launching a business in the UAE without a minimum budget is not possible. An upfront investment is necessary for licenses, establishment cards, visa applications, and associated expenses.
Yes, in order to operate lawfully in the UAE, all businesses must possess a valid trade or professional license.
UAE business licenses need to be renewed yearly, with penalties for late renewals.
Investor visas start at AED 4,000, while employee visas start at AED 3,500.
Professional licenses may be slightly cheaper than commercial licenses due to differences in activity classifications and approvals.
It allows certain business activities and facilitates visa processing.
Yes, Dubai South Business Hub supports online business license application UAE cost options.
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