Looking to get a business license in the UAE without burning a hole in your pocket? You’re not alone. Thousands of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners are trying to figure out how to get started fast – and affordably. The good news? Dubai’s free zones offer some of the cheapest and most flexible options, especially if you’re looking to include visas. Let’s break down your choices, costs, and some helpful insights along the way.
First Step To Getting Your Business License In The UAE
Not every free zone in Dubai costs the same, and the price difference can be pretty wild. Some are built for big corporations. Others? Perfect for solo entrepreneurs or small teams.
Pro Tip: Always double-check if prices include visa fees, medical, Emirates ID, etc. Some zones show a license price but add the extras later.
Free Zone vs Mainland: What’s the Catch?
So, here’s the thing. People hear “mainland” and think of more freedom or government contracts. While that’s kinda true, it also comes with higher setup costs and stricter visa quotas.
| Feature | Free Zone License | Mainland License |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership | Can require a local agent (for some) |
| Cost | Lower, especially for 0–1 visa setups | Generally higher |
| Visa Quota | Limited (can be increased with flexi-desk or office) | Flexible |
| Scope of Operation | Within the free zone or internationally | Anywhere in the UAE |
If you’re starting small, honestly, the free zone might just be the smarter play. Especially with how affordable business licences in the UAE free zones have become lately.
Types of Licenses: Find What Fits Without Overpaying
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. It all depends on what you’re doing. Here’s the lowdown on the different types of business licenses in the UAE:
📦 Commercial License
Perfect for selling goods – online or offline. Great for trading companies, dropshipping businesses, or if you’re importing/exporting.
- Setup Cost: Starts around AED 6,875 in many free zones
- Tip: For online sales, check e-commerce license UAE regulations too
💼 Professional License
Service-based business? This one’s for you. Whether you’re offering consulting, marketing, or design – it’s your ticket.
- Requirements: Can need degree proof, depending on the field
- Popular among freelancers and solo entrepreneurs
🏭 Industrial License
This one’s for you if you’re into manufacturing or production.
- Cost: Higher due to facility requirements
- Extra steps: Approvals from environment, municipality, or health authorities
Understanding Visa-Linked Pricing
Alright, so a license alone doesn’t mean much if you plan to live in the UAE or hire staff. That’s where visa-linked packages come in.
Here’s a ballpark estimate for Dubai free zones (2025 data):
| License Type | 0 Visa | 1 Visa | 2 Visas |
| E-commerce | AED 5,750 | AED 12,500 | AED 14,290 |
| Professional | AED 6,875 | AED 13,165 | AED 15,000 |
| Commercial | AED 6,875 | AED 13,165 | AED 15,000 |
These usually include:
- Establishment Card
- Medical test & Emirates ID
- Visa application fees
- Basic office space or flexi-desk use
Some free zones even offer installment plans or seasonal promotions.
The UAE Business License Renewal Process: What to Expect
License done? Awesome. But don’t forget about renewal – it comes up every year.
- Timeline: Renew before expiry to avoid fines
- Fees: Same or slightly less than initial cost, depending on zone
- Docs Needed: Trade license, tenancy/flexi-desk proof, passport copies, visa pages
You’ll usually get reminders via email, but setting your own calendar alert is a good backup. No one wants those late penalties.
How to Apply Without the Headache
Applying for a business license in the UAE can feel scary… until you break it down.
Here’s a simple rundown:
- Choose your business activity – Make sure it’s approved in the zone
- Pick a license type – Commercial, professional, industrial, or e-comm
- Submit documents – Passport, photo, application forms, NOC if needed
- Pay and wait – Most zones approve in 1-3 days
Want to avoid the paperwork drama? Setup partners like SPC Free Zone can handle it for you and even throw in some perks like bank account assistance.
FAQ: Quick Answers You’ll Probably Google Anyway
SPC Free Zone currently offers one of the cheapest licenses starting at AED 5,750 (no visa). Add a visa and it’s AED 12,500 – all-in.
Yep, most free zones let you scale up your visa quota whenever needed. Just expect extra fees and possibly office upgrades.
Usually yes. But some banks may have a minimum deposit requirement or ask for office space proof.
Commercial is for product sales, trading, or e-commerce. Professional is for services like consulting, coaching, design, etc.
Nope. That’s one of the big perks – you get 100% ownership.
Only indirectly. You can sell to mainland customers through local distributors or agents. If you want full freedom, you can go for the mainland.
Not really. It varies depending on license type, visa count, free zone, and any seasonal offers or discounts.
Not hard at all. Submit required docs and pay the fee. Many zones now let you renew online.
Some free zones are approved in as little as 24–48 hours. Especially if you’ve got all your docs ready.
Yes, if you’re making sales. You technically need a license even if you’re just taking payments via DM.
Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Start Small
Getting a business license in the UAE doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re going solo or building something bigger, Dubai’s free zones offer a lot of value for entrepreneurs who are watching their spending.
The trick is to choose the right license, with the right number of visas, and understand your zone’s specific rules. Once that’s sorted – boom – you’re good to go.
If you’re serious about starting but don’t want to get lost in paperwork, platforms like SPC Free Zone can make things way easier.
