A Dubai logistics licence costs AED 20,000–45,000 all-in, depending on whether you choose mainland (DET) or a free zone such as JAFZA. You'll need to register with Dubai Customs as an economic operator, secure warehouse space, and comply with MOHRE labour rules. Processing typically takes 10–15 working days.

What Is a Dubai Logistics Licence?

A logistics licence in Dubai authorises your company to provide warehousing, distribution, and supply-chain management services. This falls under activity code 5210 (warehousing and storage) or 5229 (other transportation support activities) at the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). If you're setting up a Dubai business setup in logistics, you must distinguish between a general freight-forwarding licence (import/export brokerage only) and a third-party logistics (3PL) licence (which includes storage, handling, and fleet operation). The regulatory framework in 2026 remains aligned with UAE federal customs law and Emirates Chamber of Commerce standards.

Need clarity on your logistics setup structure? Contact DBS: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.

Mainland vs. JAFZA: Where Should You Register?

You have two primary routes: Dubai mainland (via DET) or Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). Mainland registration costs AED 20,000–30,000 all-in and offers access to the entire emirate without export restrictions; however, you'll face standard corporate tax obligations and must hold a valid commercial licence. JAFZA registration costs AED 28,000–45,000 all-in and provides 100% foreign ownership, customs exemptions, and zero corporate tax for the first 15 years—ideal for regional distribution hubs. JAFZA requires a warehouse footprint (minimum 1,000 m²) and is preferred by multinational 3PL operators. Mainland works best for domestic last-mile and local freight forwarding. Both routes require separate Dubai Customs registration as an economic operator.

Cost Breakdown: 2026 All-In Pricing

Exact costs depend on entity size, visa count, and warehouse location. DBS provides fixed-fee quotes—no hidden charges.

Key Regulatory Bodies & Activity Codes in 2026

The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues your trade licence and assigns your ISIC activity code (5210 for warehousing, 5229 for transport support). JAFZA operations are issued directly by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority but still require DET sponsorship. Dubai Customs (under the Ministry of Finance) mandates registration as a customs broker or freight-forwarding agent—a separate process that takes 5–10 working days and costs AED 2,000–4,000. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) approves employment visas and labour compliance, which can add 3–7 working days to your timeline. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) may require membership for certain 3PL activities (optional but recommended for credibility). Dubai business setup consultants can coordinate all these approvals in parallel.

All regulatory approvals must be completed before commencing logistics operations—non-compliance can result in penalties up to AED 50,000.

Warehouse & Fleet Requirements

Mainland logistics companies must maintain a minimum warehouse footprint of 500 m² for domestic operations and 1,500 m² if you handle import/export. JAFZA-based operators require at least 1,000 m² of dedicated warehouse space and proof of temperature-controlled storage if handling pharma or F&B. Your vehicles must be registered with Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) under your company name; a typical fleet of 5–10 vehicles requires vehicle registration documents, comprehensive insurance (AED 1,500–3,000 per vehicle annually), and driver permits (held by MOHRE-approved employees). Third-party logistics (3PL) licences explicitly permit sub-contracting storage and transport to other carriers; freight-forwarding licences do not. Warehouse rental in JAFZA ranges from AED 80–150 per m² annually; mainland locations typically cost AED 60–120 per m² annually depending on proximity to Port Rashid or Dubai Internet City.

3PL vs. Freight Forwarding: The Legal Distinction

A freight-forwarding licence (activity code 5229) allows you to arrange customs clearance, documentation, and carriage on behalf of importers and exporters—you do not hold inventory. A 3PL licence (activity codes 5210 + 5229 combined) permits you to own or lease warehouse space, hold client goods in stock, manage inventory systems, and control last-mile delivery. In Dubai 2026, 3PL requires proof of warehouse infrastructure and inventory-management software; freight forwarding does not. If you aim to build a regional distribution centre with multiple customer accounts, you need a 3PL licence. If you're brokering imports/exports for clients without touching cargo, freight forwarding suffices. Both require Dubai Customs registration, but only 3PL mandates quarterly inventory audits and bonded-warehouse compliance documentation.

Unsure which licence fits your business model? WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a free scoping call.

Timeline & Next Steps

End-to-end setup takes 10–15 working days under optimal conditions: 2–3 days for DET/JAFZA application, 5–7 days for Customs economic operator registration, 3–5 days for MOHRE visa approvals, and 1–2 days for trade-licence issuance. Delays occur if your proposed warehouse location is not pre-cleared or if your business plan lacks detail. Dubai Business Services fast-tracks approvals by pre-submitting complete documentation bundles to each regulator simultaneously. We've processed 80,000+ setups since 2009 and average 12 days for logistics licences, including warehouse lease negotiation. Your first step is a 20-minute consultation to confirm your activity scope, free-zone eligibility, and budget.

Ready to launch? Contact DBS today: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a logistics licence cost in Dubai in 2026?

A Dubai logistics licence costs AED 20,000–30,000 all-in on the mainland and AED 28,000–45,000 in JAFZA. Costs include trade-licence issuance (DET/JAFZA), Customs registration, MOHRE visa processing, and initial compliance. Warehouse deposits and vehicle registration are additional. DBS provides fixed-fee quotes with no hidden charges.

Should I set up a logistics company in JAFZA or the Dubai mainland?

Choose JAFZA if you plan a regional distribution hub, need 100% foreign ownership, or want tax exemption for 15 years; expect costs of AED 28,000–45,000 and a 1,000 m² minimum warehouse. Choose mainland (DET) if you focus on domestic last-mile delivery, prefer lower setup costs (AED 20,000–30,000), or need mainland-only access. JAFZA incurs no corporate tax; mainland does.

What is the difference between a freight forwarding and a 3PL logistics licence in Dubai?

Freight forwarding (activity code 5229) allows customs brokerage and carriage arrangement with no inventory holding. A 3PL licence (codes 5210 + 5229) permits warehouse ownership, stock holding, and inventory management. Only 3PL requires dedicated warehouse space (500+ m² mainland, 1,000+ m² JAFZA), inventory software, and quarterly audits.

Do I need a Dubai Customs code for a logistics company?

Yes, both freight forwarding and 3PL operations require Dubai Customs registration as an economic operator. This separate process costs AED 2,000–4,000, takes 5–10 working days, and is mandatory before any cargo movement. Customs registration is issued by Dubai Customs (under the Ministry of Finance) and is independent of your trade licence.

How long does it take to get a logistics licence in Dubai?

Standard processing is 10–15 working days: DET/JAFZA approval (2–3 days), Customs registration (5–7 days), MOHRE visas (3–5 days), and trade-licence issuance (1–2 days). DBS expedites by submitting complete bundles to all regulators in parallel. We've processed 80,000+ setups since 2009 and achieve 12-day average completion.

What warehouse size and fleet do I need for a Dubai logistics licence?

Mainland logistics requires 500 m² minimum for domestic, 1,500 m² for import/export. JAFZA requires 1,000 m² minimum. Fleet size is flexible—even one vehicle suffices if you use sub-contractors (allowed under 3PL). All vehicles must be RTA-registered in your company name with comprehensive insurance (AED 1,500–3,000 per vehicle annually).

Can I get a logistics licence in Dubai if I am a 100% foreign-owned company?

Yes, but only via JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone). Mainland DET licences require a 51% local Emirati partnership unless you qualify for a 100% foreign exemption (rare). JAFZA-registered 3PL and freight-forwarding companies can be wholly foreign-owned and enjoy zero corporate tax for 15 years, making it the preferred route for international operators.

Get expert help in 20 minutes

Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.