Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management
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
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
RAK DED — Category-based
AED 400–10,000
RAK uses 5 fee categories (AED 400-10,000). Exact category depends on activity.
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About This Activity
Includes firms and holding companies formed to invest their funds and hold the assets of subsidiary corporations which carry out various commercial, transport, contracting and finance activities, it includes operating and managing said subsidiaries.
Our Analysis
Abu Dhabi charges AED 3,750 for an investment in commercial enterprises license. Dubai's formula starts at AED 8,000. Sharjah on application.
This holding-company-style license lets you invest in, acquire, and manage commercial businesses. It's the mainland equivalent of a holding company — owning stakes in restaurants, trading firms, retail chains, or service businesses.
Dubai's M&A market is the most active. Private equity firms, family offices, and serial entrepreneurs use this license to build portfolio businesses. The DIFC has its own holding structures, but mainland investment licenses offer direct access to the local market.
Abu Dhabi at AED 3,750 is competitive for a license that enables portfolio-scale business operations. The capital's Economic Vision 2030 actively encourages diversified investment.
The trade-off: investment companies face additional scrutiny around capital adequacy and beneficial ownership disclosure. The DED license is straightforward; the operational requirements are not.
100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor.
Dubai for portfolio diversification. Abu Dhabi at AED 3,750 for government-adjacent investment.
For investment holding free zone options (DIFC, ADGM), 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management license cost in Abu Dhabi?
The government DED fee for a Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management 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 Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management 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 Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management — 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 Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Investment (Dubai). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management 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 Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management is available for mainland licensing in 3 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, RAK. 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 Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management in the UAE?
Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management falls under the Commercial license category in the UAE. Commercial licenses cover trading, import/export, and retail activities.
Is it cheaper to get a Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management 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 Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management 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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