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Commercial Trading & Services Code: 4620201

Livestock Trading

Mainland License — Compare Across 3 UAE Emirates

Cheapest from

AED 500

Abu Dhabi

3 emirates available

Last verified: May 2026

Government Fee Comparison

Abu Dhabi Cheapest

ADDED — Per-activity fee

AED 500

DED fee: AED 500

Dubai 100% Foreign

DET — Base + 5% of rent

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: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

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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Our Analysis

Abu Dhabi charges AED 500 for livestock trading. Dubai's formula starts at AED 8,000. Sharjah on application.

Livestock trading covers cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. The UAE imports significant livestock for meat consumption and the culturally important camel and horse markets. Abu Dhabi's Al Ain livestock market is the largest in the country.

Dubai's meat consumption drives import demand. The Eid season spikes livestock trading volumes dramatically.

Municipality veterinary health clearance and MOCCAE import permits required.

100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor.

Abu Dhabi at AED 500 for the Al Ain livestock hub. Dubai for import distribution.

Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Livestock Trading license cost in Abu Dhabi?

The government DED fee for a Livestock Trading license in Abu Dhabi is AED 500. 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 Livestock Trading license?

Abu Dhabi offers the lowest government fee at AED 500. 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 Livestock Trading business in the UAE?

Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Livestock Trading — 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 Livestock Trading license?

Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.

How much does a Livestock Trading 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 Livestock Trading available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?

Livestock Trading 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 Livestock Trading in the UAE?

Livestock Trading falls under the Commercial license category in the UAE. Commercial licenses cover trading, import/export, and retail activities.

Is it cheaper to get a Livestock Trading license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?

Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper at AED 500 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 Livestock Trading 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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تجارة المواشي والاغنام

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Compare across 5 emirates