How much does it cost to register a trade mark in the UAE?

Filing a trade mark in the United Arab Emirates costs from approximately AED 6,850 per class when filing directly with the UAE Ministry of Economy. UAE government fees are among the highest in the world for trade mark registration, and the total cost can be significantly higher once you factor in mandatory local agent fees, publication costs, and legalisation requirements. If you file via the Madrid Protocol from Australia, costs start from around AUD 6,500 for a single-class application including WIPO fees and professional fees.

This article covers the government fees, explains what drives the total cost, and compares direct filing with the Madrid Protocol.

Need a cost estimate? Use our international filing fee calculator for a personalised quote, or contact us to discuss your UAE filing strategy.

Quick cost summary

Filing method	Per class (approx.)	Notes
UAE direct (Ministry of Economy)	AED 6,850+	Plus agent fees, publication, legalisation
Madrid Protocol (WIPO fees only)	653 CHF base + 1,420 CHF (UAE designation)	Per class
Madrid Protocol via Markster	From ~AUD 6,500 total	One class

UAE government fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the type of mark and processing requirements. The figures above are approximate — verify current fees with the UAE Ministry of Economy or your local agent.

All fees are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Check the WIPO Madrid fee calculator for the latest Madrid Protocol rates.

What affects the cost?

High government fees

The UAE has some of the highest trade mark registration fees in the world. The government filing fee alone is approximately AED 6,850 per class, and additional fees apply at various stages of the process (examination, publication, registration certificate). The total government cost for a single-class application can reach AED 10,000 or more.

Mandatory local agent

Foreign applicants must appoint a licensed UAE trade mark agent to file directly. Agent fees in the UAE are typically higher than in many other jurisdictions, often ranging from AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 or more per class. This is a significant cost component.

Publication and legalisation costs

The UAE requires trade mark applications to be published in two local newspapers (one Arabic, one English) at the applicant's expense. Publication costs can add AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 to the total. Additionally, if filing directly, certain documents may need to be legalised (notarised and apostilled), which adds further costs.

Language requirements

Applications must include Arabic translations. The trade mark itself may also need to be transliterated into Arabic characters. Your local agent will handle this, but it contributes to the overall agent fee.

Number of classes

Fees are charged per class. Unlike some jurisdictions that offer discounts for additional classes, the UAE charges the full rate for each class, making multi-class applications expensive.

Direct filing vs Madrid Protocol

Filing directly with the UAE Ministry of Economy

Item	Approx. cost
Government filing fee	AED 6,850+ per class
Publication costs	AED 3,000–5,000
UAE agent fees	AED 3,000–8,000+ per class
Legalisation/notarisation	AED 1,000–3,000
Estimated total (one class)	AED 13,850–22,850+ (~AUD 5,700–9,400+)

Pros:

• The registration is standalone and independent of your Australian registration
• Your UAE agent can provide advice on local requirements and customs
• Full control over the application process

Cons:

• Very expensive overall
• Mandatory local agent, publication, and legalisation requirements add significant cost
• Complex and time-consuming administrative process
• Only covers the UAE

Filing via the Madrid Protocol

Item	Cost
WIPO base fee	653 CHF (~AUD 1,050)
UAE designation fee	1,420 CHF (~AUD 2,290) per class
Professional service fee	From AUD 2,750 (covers up to 3 countries)
Estimated total (one class)	From ~AUD 6,500

Pros:

• Typically cheaper than direct filing in the UAE
• No need for document legalisation at the filing stage
• No need to appoint a UAE agent upfront
• Single application can cover the UAE and other countries simultaneously
• Avoids the local publication requirement at the WIPO stage

Cons:

• The international registration depends on your base Australian registration for the first five years
• If the UAE office raises a provisional refusal, you will need to engage a local agent to respond
• Less control over local procedural requirements

Key consideration: The UAE is one of the few countries where the Madrid Protocol is often the cheaper and simpler option, even for a single country, because it bypasses many of the expensive local requirements (publication, legalisation, mandatory agent at filing). This is the opposite of most other jurisdictions where direct filing is cheaper for a single country.

For a detailed comparison, see our article on the pros and cons of filing directly vs using WIPO.

Local agent requirements

Foreign applicants must appoint a licensed UAE trade mark agent for direct filings. The agent must be registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy.

If you file via the Madrid Protocol, a local agent is not required at the filing stage. If the UAE office issues a provisional refusal, you will need to engage a UAE agent to respond.

Renewal fees and obligations

UAE trade mark registrations last for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely.

Requirement	When	Approx. fee
Renewal	Every 10 years	AED 5,000+ per class
Agent fees for renewal	At renewal	AED 2,000–5,000

The UAE does not require periodic proof of use to maintain a registration. However, a trade mark can be cancelled if it has not been used for five consecutive years.

Renewal fees in the UAE are also relatively high compared to other jurisdictions. Budget for these ongoing costs when deciding whether to file in the UAE.

Example cost scenarios

Scenario	Approx. cost
One class, direct filing (all-in)	AED 13,850–22,850 (~AUD 5,700–9,400)
One class, Madrid Protocol via Markster	From ~AUD 6,500
Two classes, direct filing	AED 25,000–40,000+ (~AUD 10,300–16,500+)
UAE + US + EU via Madrid (one class each)	From ~AUD 8,800

Use our international filing fee calculator for a tailored estimate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to trade mark a name in the UAE?

The government filing fee is approximately AED 6,850 per class, but the total cost including agent fees, publication, and legalisation can reach AED 13,850 to AED 22,850 or more for a single class. Filing via the Madrid Protocol from Australia starts from around AUD 6,500 for one class and is often cheaper overall.

Do I need a UAE agent to file a trade mark?

Yes, if you file directly. Foreign applicants must appoint a licensed UAE trade mark agent. If you file via the Madrid Protocol, no UAE agent is needed at the filing stage, though one may be required if the UAE office raises objections.

How long does UAE trade mark registration take?

The UAE typically takes 10 to 14 months from filing to registration. The process includes examination, publication, and a 30-day opposition period.

Is the Madrid Protocol cheaper than filing directly in the UAE?

In most cases, yes. The UAE is one of the few jurisdictions where the Madrid Protocol is typically cheaper than direct filing, because it avoids the expensive local publication, legalisation, and mandatory agent requirements at the filing stage.

Why are UAE trade mark fees so high?

The UAE government fees for trade marks are higher than most other countries. Combined with mandatory publication in two newspapers, document legalisation requirements, and local agent fees, the total cost can be substantial. These requirements are part of the UAE's regulatory framework and are not optional for foreign filers.

Do I need to use my trade mark in the UAE to keep it registered?

There is no mandatory use filing requirement at renewal. However, a third party can apply to cancel your registration if the mark has not been used in the UAE for five consecutive years.

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For an overview of international filing options, see how to file an international trade mark.

Ready to protect your brand in the UAE? Get a fee estimate or contact us to discuss your options.

Please note, the information in this article is general in nature and is not legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice tailored to you and your circumstances.