Hi, I’m Daniel Foster, an entrepreneur from Canada and wanting to set up a business in the UAE. Can someone guide me through the steps for setting up a mainland business in the UAE as a foreigner in 2026? I need clarity on the required approvals, documents, and overall process involved. What should I know before starting my business journey in Dubai?
In simple terms, the Dubai mainland trade license cost in 2026 is the total government and registration fee required to legally operate a business on the UAE mainland, which varies depending on your business activity and structure, and professional Dubai company formation services can help estimate it accurately.
For a new business, expect the following typical costs:
- Base license fee: AED 10,000–15,000 for commercial or professional activities.
- Trade name reservation & initial approval: AED 620–2,000.
- Dubai Chamber membership: AED 300–600.
- MOA notarization and legal documents: AED 1,000–4,000.
- Office space and Ejari registration: AED 15,000–50,000+ depending on location.
This is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to legally operate anywhere in Dubai and access government contracts. For example, many startups choose DIFC for financial activities, while trading companies are often set up in DMCC or Al Quoz.
In practice, most founders also combine this with opening a mainland business bank account in UAE to start transactions smoothly. Planning ahead with professional guidance helps control costs and ensures your first year runs without surprises.
