The UAE Green Licence guide is a sustainability-focused licensing product from Expo City Dubai. It is designed for businesses working in green technology, clean technology, circular economy and climate action that can demonstrate credible environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials. It forms part of the UAE’s first Green Innovation District at Expo City Dubai.
This distinction matters. The UAE Green Licence is not the same as the UAE Green Residence visa, and it is not a general trade licence that every business can obtain simply by describing itself as sustainable. Expo City Dubai evaluates eligibility and provides a dedicated business setup and sustainability support framework.
What Is the UAE Green Licence?
The UAE Green Licence is a licensing product offered through Expo City Dubai for sustainability-led businesses. The official brochure describes it as a product designed to nurture environmentally conscious businesses committed to clean energy, the circular economy and green technology.
The licence sits within the Green Innovation District, a joint initiative involving Expo City Dubai and the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The Ministry says the district is intended to support businesses involved in areas such as the circular economy, urban farming and sustainable products and services.
Who Is Eligible for a UAE Green Licence?
The Green Licence is aimed at green, clean-technology and climate-action-focused businesses, from startups to established companies, that can demonstrate strong ESG practices. Eligibility is evidence-based rather than based only on a company name or a general sustainability statement.
- Businesses developing clean or green technologies.
- Companies working on circular-economy products or services.
- Climate-action businesses with scalable sustainability solutions.
- Businesses focused on energy or water efficiency.
- Companies offering sustainable products or services with measurable environmental relevance.
- Established businesses with recognised ESG ratings, certifications or comparable evidence.
- Smaller businesses that can demonstrate sustainability impact through the evidence-based qualification process.
Expo City Dubai’s first licence cohort, issued in July 2026, included businesses working in climate technology, e-waste management, circular economy, carbon assurance, carbon standards and food rescue. This demonstrates the range of sustainability activities that can fall within the framework, but it does not mean every business in those sectors automatically qualifies.
How the Green Licence Qualification Works
There are two broad qualification pathways described by the UAE’s official reporting on the programme. More established companies may qualify by demonstrating recognised ESG ratings or equivalent credentials from accredited agencies. Smaller or growing organisations can be considered through an evidence-based methodology.
- Prepare evidence showing what the business does and how it contributes to sustainability.
- Provide relevant ESG ratings, certifications, reports, policies or documented track records where available.
- For businesses without formal ESG ratings, prepare clear evidence of the sustainability value of the product, service or operation.
- Be ready for Expo City’s eligibility review before moving through the licensing process.
The qualification assessment is important because the Green Licence is designed around demonstrated sustainability credentials, not simply a marketing claim.
What Benefits Does the UAE Green Licence Offer?
The Green Licence combines company setup with access to a sustainability-focused business ecosystem. Expo City Dubai’s 2026 brochure lists a package of potential benefits with an estimated market value of more than AED 400,000. The brochure also makes clear that this is an estimated value and that the actual value received depends on individual usage and requirements.
- Discounted Green Licence fees and flexible licence durations and setup options.
- Preferential leasing and occupancy terms.
- Participation in the Green Majlis for sustainability-focused leadership dialogue.
- Advisory support and opportunities to pilot solutions through Urban Lab.
- Facilitated introductions to industry, government and ecosystem partners.
- Business visibility through Expo City platforms and selected promotional opportunities.
- Opportunities connected with UAE growth programmes and business missions.
- Collaboration opportunities with MAJRA and other sustainability-focused initiatives.
- Fast-track access to the UAE Green Intellectual Property Desk.
- Support for commercialisation and investor connections.
- Sustainability clinics and guidance for climate action and circular-economy practices.
- Support and training related to worker welfare and recognised sustainability standards.
These are programme benefits rather than guaranteed cash payments or grants. Eligibility, availability and actual value depend on the business and the applicable terms.
UAE Green Licence Cost in 2026
Expo City Dubai’s 2026 Green Licence brochure publishes different packages depending on whether the business leases premises at Expo City Dubai or uses a shared-desk arrangement.
| Setup type | Package / term | Published price |
| Businesses leasing premises | 1 year | AED 14,000 |
| Businesses leasing premises | 3 years | AED 32,000 |
| Businesses leasing premises | 5 years | AED 48,000 |
| Shared desk | Basic, 1 year | AED 10,000 |
| Shared desk | Premium, 1 year | AED 15,000 |
The published prices cover the package items specified by Expo City Dubai. The brochure states that prices exclude Knowledge and Innovation Fees and remain subject to eligibility and terms. Premises, visas, external approvals, additional government charges and other operating costs can also affect the total budget.
For that reason, the published licence fee should be treated as one part of the setup budget rather than the complete cost of establishing and operating a company.
What Is Included in the Green Licence Packages?
The brochure lists initial approval and registration, the Green Licence and Company Card for the relevant packages. The premises-based packages also include flexible employee allocation, while the shared-desk packages include unlimited shared-desk access according to the selected package.
The exact package should be checked with Expo City Dubai before application because eligibility, terms, premises arrangements and available options can change.
How to Apply for a UAE Green Licence
Expo City Dubai’s published application journey starts with an eligibility assessment and then moves into workspace selection and licensing. A practical application sequence is:
- Check eligibility: Review whether your product, service or business model fits the Green Licence’s sustainability focus.
- Prepare evidence: Collect ESG ratings, certifications, sustainability reports, policies, impact evidence or other supporting material relevant to your business.
- Submit the qualification information: Provide the required information to Expo City Dubai for eligibility review.
- Confirm the workspace: Choose the applicable office, shared desk or other permitted workspace arrangement.
- Prepare company documents: Provide the legal and identification documents required for the company structure and activity.
- Submit the licence application: Complete the applicable Expo City Dubai free-zone licensing process after qualification.
- Complete registration: Finalise the applicable registration, lease and company documentation requirements.
- Begin operations and use the ecosystem: Once licensed, the business can use the applicable workspace, sustainability services and ecosystem benefits under the programme terms.
Expo City Dubai also provides an official Green Licence guide and brochure for applicants. Expo City Dubai Green Licence information should be checked before submitting an application.
Documents and Evidence You Should Prepare
The exact document list can vary with the company type and activity. A sustainability-focused applicant should nevertheless prepare a clear evidence file before starting the process.
- Passport and identification documents for shareholders, managers or relevant applicants.
- Company incorporation documents where an existing entity is applying.
- A clear description of the proposed business activity.
- Business plan or information explaining the product, service and target market.
- ESG ratings or sustainability certifications, where available.
- Environmental or sustainability reports and documented initiatives.
- Evidence of measurable climate, circular-economy, energy, water or other sustainability impact.
- Relevant policies or management systems supporting ESG claims.
- Supporting approvals for activities that are separately regulated.
The purpose is not to create a large document pack for its own sake. The evidence should clearly show why the business belongs in a sustainability-focused licensing ecosystem.
Which Businesses May Benefit From This Licence?
The Green Licence is most relevant to businesses whose core product, service or operating model is connected to sustainability. It can be relevant across different company sizes and sectors when the eligibility criteria are met.
- Clean technology and climate technology ventures.
- Circular-economy and waste-reduction businesses.
- Energy-efficiency and water-efficiency solutions.
- Sustainable food and resource-use businesses.
- Environmental data, carbon and sustainability assurance services.
- Businesses developing technologies or services that support measurable climate action.
- Innovators that need a sustainability-focused ecosystem for pilots, R&D or commercialisation.
A conventional business should not assume that adding a sustainability statement to its website will make it eligible. The activity and supporting evidence need to fit the programme.
UAE Green Licence vs a Standard Business Licence
| Factor | Green Licence | Standard business licence |
| Purpose | Designed for sustainability-focused businesses with demonstrated credentials. | Designed for the permitted activities of the chosen licensing authority. |
| Eligibility | Includes a sustainability qualification/evidence component. | Based mainly on the authority’s activity, legal structure and licensing requirements. |
| Location | Expo City Dubai / Green Innovation District ecosystem. | Depends on the selected mainland or free-zone authority. |
| Ecosystem | Includes sustainability services, collaboration and innovation-related benefits. | Benefits depend on the selected jurisdiction and licence. |
| Cost | Expo City publishes specific Green Licence packages, subject to eligibility and terms. | Varies widely by authority, activity, premises and visa requirements. |
The comparison is about the licensing framework, not a claim that one option is universally better. A business should select the route that matches its activity and operating requirements.
Is the UAE Green Licence the Same as the Green Visa?
No. This is one of the most important distinctions for anyone researching the term online. The Green Licence is a business licensing product associated with Expo City Dubai’s Green Innovation District. The UAE Green Residence, commonly called the Green Visa, is an immigration and residency route.
A company may need both business licensing and residence arrangements depending on its founders and employees, but the two processes serve different purposes. Do not treat a Green Licence as a residence visa or assume that holding one automatically grants residence status.
Tax and Compliance Considerations
A Green Licence does not by itself create a blanket tax exemption. The company remains subject to the UAE tax rules that apply to its legal structure, income and activities. Corporate Tax treatment should be assessed separately from the sustainability benefits of the licence.
VAT registration, accounting records, invoicing, corporate tax registration and other compliance duties should also be reviewed where applicable. A sustainability-focused licence does not remove ordinary business compliance obligations.
BSE can support businesses with Accounting Services and related tax and compliance coordination after formation.
How BSE Can Help With Green Business Setup
A Green Licence application has an eligibility layer in addition to normal company formation steps. Business Setup Experts can help a founder organise the broader setup process and identify where authority confirmation is needed.
- Business activity and jurisdiction planning.
- Company formation and licensing coordination.
- Free-zone setup support.
- Visa and immigration assistance where applicable.
- Government-document and PRO support.
- Accounting, VAT and Corporate Tax coordination.
- Corporate banking preparation and application support.
If you are evaluating the business setup in Dubai route, BSE can help you compare the proposed structure with the activity, workspace and visa requirements.
For founders who specifically need a free-zone structure, our Free Zone Business Setup services can be considered alongside the Green Licence requirements. For immigration requirements, see BSE’s Visa Services. Green Licence holders may still have routine government and immigration paperwork after incorporation. Business Setup PRO Services in Dubai can support government-document processing, visa-related transactions and other administrative requirements.
Faqs
Q1.What is the UAE Green Licence?
The UAE Green Licence is Expo City Dubai’s sustainability-focused licensing product for businesses that can demonstrate relevant environmental, social and governance credentials and work in areas such as clean technology, green technology, circular economy and climate action.
Q2.Who can apply for a UAE Green Licence?
Startups and established businesses can be considered if their activities and sustainability credentials meet the programme’s requirements. Eligibility is assessed by Expo City Dubai, so a business should not assume approval based only on its industry label.
Q3.How much does a UAE Green Licence cost?
Expo City Dubai’s 2026 brochure lists AED 14,000 for a one-year premises-based package, AED 32,000 for three years and AED 48,000 for five years. Shared-desk packages are listed at AED 10,000 for Basic and AED 15,000 for Premium. Knowledge and Innovation Fees are excluded, and the packages are subject to eligibility and terms.
Q4.Is the Green Licence the same as the UAE Green Visa?
No. The Green Licence is a business licensing product associated with Expo City Dubai. The Green Visa is a UAE residence route. They have different purposes and requirements.
Q5.Does a Green Licence mean the company pays no Corporate Tax?
No. The Green Licence does not create a blanket Corporate Tax exemption. Tax treatment depends on the UAE Corporate Tax rules applicable to the company, its income and its circumstances.
Conclusion
The UAE Green Licence is a new business licensing route built around sustainability, climate action and green innovation. It is specifically connected with Expo City Dubai’s Green Innovation District and is designed for companies that can demonstrate credible ESG credentials or measurable sustainability-related activity. That makes it different from an ordinary trade licence and also completely separate from the UAE Green Visa.
For a business considering this route, the most important step is to check eligibility before focusing on the licence price. Your product or service should have a clear connection to clean technology, circular economy, climate action, energy or water efficiency, sustainable products or another recognised sustainability area. Evidence matters, especially for businesses seeking to qualify through the programme’s assessment process.
The 2026 Expo City brochure provides published Green Licence packages, but those prices are not the complete cost of running a company. Workspace, visas, external approvals, employee requirements, accounting, tax compliance and other operating expenses may add to the overall budget. The programme also offers an ecosystem of sustainability services, collaboration opportunities, innovation support and promotional benefits, with the published value depending on actual use and applicable terms.
If you are considering a Green Licence as part of your business setup in Dubai, Business Setup Experts can help you organise the wider company formation process and identify the information you need to confirm with Expo City Dubai. Our team can also assist with free-zone setup, visas, PRO requirements and accounting support as your business moves from formation into operations.
To discuss your proposed activity and setup requirements, contact Business Setup Experts through the contact page or reach us on WhatsApp.
