Supermarket
Mainland License — Compare Across 2 UAE Emirates
Government Fee Comparison
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
SEDD — Per-license (quote required)
Approvals: Sharjah Municipality - Health Department
Quote required
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
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Our Analysis
Supermarket licensing in Dubai runs through the formula: AED 8,000 base plus 5% of your retail rent. For a 500 sqm supermarket in a residential area at AED 200,000 annual rent, that's AED 18,000 in government fees.
Sharjah is available on application. Abu Dhabi fee data for this specific activity code is absent from our records — check ADDED directly.
Supermarkets in the UAE serve a population that eats out frequently but also stocks up for home cooking. The market ranges from hypermarkets (Carrefour, LuLu) to neighbourhood convenience stores.
Dubai Municipality food safety certification, civil defence approval, and ESMA product labelling compliance are mandatory.
100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor.
Dubai for the largest consumer market. Sharjah for lower rent in residential areas serving Dubai commuters.
For retail 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.
Related Activities in Trading & Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Supermarket license?
Fee structures vary by emirate. Abu Dhabi charges per-activity fees, Dubai uses a formula (base + 5% of rent), Ajman charges a flat AED 600, and Sharjah calculates per-license. Contact each emirate's DED for exact quotes.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Supermarket business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Supermarket — 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 Supermarket license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Sharjah Municipality - Health Department (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Supermarket 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 Supermarket available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Supermarket is available for mainland licensing in 2 emirates: Dubai, 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 Supermarket in the UAE?
Supermarket falls under the Commercial license category in the UAE. Commercial licenses cover trading, import/export, and retail activities.
How long does it take to get a Supermarket 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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