Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism

Commercial / professional trade licence

~AED 10,000–25,000 all-in (activity-dependent)

DET fee varies by activity; indicative range.

Registry: Corporate Tax (FTA)

Register via EmaraTax (AED 10,000 late penalty)

Registry: UBO filing

File UBO within 60 days; fines up to AED 100,000

DIFC/ADGM exempt; mainland in scope.

Registry: VAT (FTA)

Mandatory above AED 375,000 turnover (voluntary AED 187,500)

Trade name reservation

~AED 620 (180-day validity)

Minimum share capital

No fixed statutory minimum (must be 'adequate')

Setup timeline

~2–4 weeks (well-prepared ~7–14 days)

100% foreign ownership

Allowed for most activities (Federal Decree-Law 26/2020)

Strategic sectors remain restricted.

Needs external approval

Mainland activities are chosen from the classified list (2,000+); some require extra approval from external government entities before the licence is issued (e.g. legal, security, financial, health, telecom).

Determine activity & legal form

2,000+ activities; LLC/Sole/Branch

Reserve trade name & initial approval

Foreign investors need GDRFA approval

Sign MoA & register Ejari

Tenancy registered with Ejari (mandatory)

Pay fees & collect licence

Within 30 days of payment voucher