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Professional Trading & Services Code: 4520003

Auto Mechanical Repair

Mainland License — Compare Across 3 UAE Emirates

Cheapest from

AED 250

Abu Dhabi

3 emirates available

Last verified: May 2026

Government Fee Comparison

Abu Dhabi Cheapest

ADDED — Per-activity fee

AED 250

DED fee: AED 250

Dubai 100% Foreign

DET — Base + 5% of rent

Approvals: Motor vehicle repairing

Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent

AED 9,500

30K rent

AED 10,500

50K rent

AED 12,000

80K rent

Sharjah 100% Foreign

SEDD — Per-license (quote required)

Approvals: Sharjah Municipality - Environment Department

Quote required

Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C

Government DED/DET fees only. Does not include office rent, visa, or external approval costs. Last verified: May 2026.

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About This Activity

Includes workshops that repair mechanical failures in motor vehicles, such firms are allowed to sell the products relevant to the service provision, such as, spare parts in non-bulk quantities.

Our Analysis

AED 250 for an auto mechanical repair license in Abu Dhabi. That's one of the cheapest professional activity fees in the entire country. Dubai charges at least AED 8,000 through its formula — 32 times more.

The UAE has over 5 million registered vehicles. Every one eventually needs a mechanic. Auto repair workshops are everywhere — from organised industrial zones to back-street garages. The market is massive, fragmented, and perpetually busy.

Dubai's auto repair market is the largest. Al Quoz, Ras Al Khor, and Sharjah Industrial are densely packed with workshops. But Dubai's license cost and rent make it expensive to compete at the budget end of the market. Many small workshops operate from Sharjah with a Sharjah license, serving Dubai customers who drive over for cheaper repairs.

Abu Dhabi's Mussafah industrial area is the capital's auto repair hub. At AED 250, the license barrier is almost non-existent.

100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor. You'll need workshop premises that meet municipality health and safety standards, plus environmental compliance for waste oil disposal.

Abu Dhabi at AED 250 for budget-friendly workshop setup. Dubai if you're targeting the premium end.

For auto parts trading in free zones, see FreeZoneCompare.com.

Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.

Considering a free zone instead?

Compare free zone packages for similar activities at our sister site.

FreeZoneCompare.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Auto Mechanical Repair license cost in Abu Dhabi?

The government DED fee for a Auto Mechanical Repair license in Abu Dhabi is AED 250. This is the cheapest among the 3 emirates where this activity is available. Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, and external approval charges.

Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Auto Mechanical Repair license?

Abu Dhabi offers the lowest government fee at AED 250. However, total setup costs also depend on office rent, visa requirements, and any external approvals needed for this activity.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Auto Mechanical Repair business in the UAE?

Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Auto Mechanical Repair — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.

What approvals are needed for a Auto Mechanical Repair license?

Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Motor vehicle repairing (Dubai), Sharjah Municipality - Environment Department (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.

How much does a Auto Mechanical Repair license cost in Dubai?

Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.

Is Auto Mechanical Repair available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?

Auto Mechanical Repair is available for mainland licensing in 3 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.

What type of license is Auto Mechanical Repair in the UAE?

Auto Mechanical Repair falls under the Professional license category in the UAE. Professional licenses cover consultancy, services, and skilled trades.

Is it cheaper to get a Auto Mechanical Repair license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?

Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper at AED 250 versus Dubai's estimated AED 10,500 (at AED 50,000 rent). However, Dubai offers a larger market with 3.6 million residents and 16 million annual tourists.

How long does it take to get a Auto Mechanical Repair mainland license?

Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.

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