How to Start a FinTech Startup in Dubai: Licensing Paths, Costs, and Golden Visa Options (2026 Guide)
Key highlights Fin-tech founders must choose between a DFSA-regulated DIFC license for payments, lending, or wallets, and a non-regulated free zone license for software tools. Free zone license promotions currently start around AED 11,900 for a one-year package, though pricing is time-bound and subject to change without notice. Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025 now […]
AI Business License in Dubai: DIFC Costs, Eligibility & Application Process (2026 Guide)
Key Highlights The DIFC AI Licence costs USD 1,500 per year, a 90 percent subsidy off DIFC’s standard commercial rate. A minimum coworking flexi-desk is mandatory; fully remote setups aren’t permitted under this license. The license opens a pathway to the UAE Golden Visa, but you must apply separately through the entrepreneur category. No dedicated […]
UAE E-Commerce Licensing Explained: Free Zone vs Mainland Rules
Key highlights Dubai free zone companies can now access the mainland through a Branch License (AED 10,000, 12 months) or a Free Zone Operating Permit (AED 5,000, 6 months) under Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025. Mainland branch activity is taxed at 9 percent corporate tax under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 and […]
KHDA Training Institute License in Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide to Costs, Process, Permits and Renewal
Key Highlights KHDA training institute permits a cost between AED 15,000 and AED 25,000 depending on your number of training activities. A single short workshop only needs a temporary AED 5,000 non-institute permit, not a full license. KHDA approval takes about 8 working days once your application is complete. Your permit is valid for one […]
How to Liquidate a Free Zone Company in Dubai, UAE: Step-by-Step Guide 2026
Key Highlights Liquidation is a formal government process that ends your company’s legal existence, while letting a license lapse just accrues penalties without closing anything on record. DMCC’s full termination process takes 45 to 60 days, including two separate 14-day public notice periods. IFZA charges AED 2,000 for business license cancellation, plus separate visa and […]
How to Start a Warehouse Business in Dubai, UAE (2026 Guide)
Key Highlights Warehousing in Dubai requires a specific license, not a general trading license, and JAFZA, Dubai South, and IFZA each offer different license structures and pricing. JAFZA’s Logistics license costs AED 15,000 per year flat but excludes buying or selling stored goods. Dubai South’s warehousing license starts from AED 12,500 per year with digital […]