Ship Rental Intermediator
Mainland License — Compare Across 3 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 3,750
Abu Dhabi
3 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
ADDED — Per-activity fee
AED 3,750
DED fee: AED 3750
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
Quote required
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
Want the exact total cost for your setup?
A setup partner can give you a complete breakdown including office, visa, and approval fees.
Our Analysis
Abu Dhabi charges AED 3,750 for ship rental intermediary services. Dubai at AED 8,000 minimum. Sharjah on application.
Ship brokerage and chartering is a specialist maritime activity. Matching vessel owners with cargo charterers, negotiating charter party agreements, and managing vessel employment. The UAE's position as a global shipping hub supports a mature brokerage market.
Dubai is the regional maritime centre. DMCC, Dubai Maritime City, and DIFC house most ship brokers and maritime service companies.
Abu Dhabi at AED 3,750 serves the tanker and offshore vessel market linked to ADNOC operations.
Federal Maritime Authority registration required.
100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor.
Dubai for dry cargo and container brokerage. Abu Dhabi at AED 3,750 for tanker and offshore chartering.
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 Transport, Storage & Logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Ship Rental Intermediator license cost in Abu Dhabi?
The government DED fee for a Ship Rental Intermediator license in Abu Dhabi is AED 3,750. 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 Ship Rental Intermediator license?
Abu Dhabi offers the lowest government fee at AED 3,750. 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 Ship Rental Intermediator business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Ship Rental Intermediator — 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 Ship Rental Intermediator license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Moni Marine Department and Customs (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Ship Rental Intermediator 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 Ship Rental Intermediator available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Ship Rental Intermediator 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 Ship Rental Intermediator in the UAE?
Ship Rental Intermediator falls under the Professional license category in the UAE. Professional licenses cover consultancy, services, and skilled trades.
Is it cheaper to get a Ship Rental Intermediator license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper at AED 3,750 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 Ship Rental Intermediator 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.
Ready to get started with Ship Rental Intermediator?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from a vetted mainland setup partner.
Reply within 2 hours · No commitment
وسيط تأجير السفن