UAE
Trade License
The foundation of every legal business operation in the UAE.
5
Main licence types
3–10
Working days
100%
Foreign ownership (most activities)
0%
Personal income tax
Overview
A trade license in Dubai is the legal permit that lets a person or company carry out a specific business activity in the emirate. Obtaining a business licence involves selecting a business activity, choosing a legal structure (Mainland or Free Zone), registering a trade name, securing initial approval, arranging office space, and paying the applicable fees. It is essential for any commercial activity in the city, including production, services and trading.
The Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) — formerly the Department of Economic Development (DED) — issues the UAE trade license, also known as a business license. Dubai offers several licence types, primarily Commercial, Professional, Industrial, Tourism and Freelance, governed by DET or the relevant Free Zone authority. The type of licence you need is determined mainly by your core revenue-generating activity, and it permits your company to carry out specific commercial operations across the United Arab Emirates.
At Evolva, we guide entrepreneurs through every step of the trade license process — from choosing the right activity and legal structure to submitting the final application — so you can launch your Dubai business with complete confidence.
Why a Dubai Trade License Matters
A trade license unlocks the full range of legal, financial and reputational advantages that come with operating a properly registered UAE company.
Tax Advantages
Dubai offers substantial tax benefits, including exemptions from corporate tax for certain qualifying activities and no personal income tax, letting business owners retain more of their profits.
Encourages Domestic & Foreign Trade
A trade license widens your ability to conduct international trade, opening up manufacturing, importing, local distribution and export opportunities.
Boosts Credibility
Customers and partners extend far more trust to licensed businesses. Holding a Dubai trade license strengthens your company's standing in domestic and international markets.
Sponsorship Opportunities
A trade license makes it easier to relocate and build a life in Dubai by permitting you to sponsor dependants such as family members or employees.
Fast, Simple Setup
Acquiring a Dubai trade license is generally less complicated and quicker than in many other jurisdictions, letting companies start operating within weeks.
Government Support
The UAE government and Ministry of Economy provide official licensing support and facilitate SME growth and remote entrepreneurship through a transparent regulatory framework.
Types of Trade Licences in Dubai
The type of trade license you need depends entirely on your core business activity.
Commercial Trade Licence
For businesses that acquire or sell products — covering a wide variety of wholesale and retail trading activities.
Professional Trade Licence
For individuals or businesses providing professional services, such as accountants, attorneys, consultants and other specialists.
Industrial Trade Licence
For businesses engaged in manufacturing or industrial production, such as factories and assembly plants.
E-Commerce Trade Licence
For companies conducting the online sale of products and services through websites, marketplaces and social platforms.
General Trading Licence
Lets a company trade an unrestricted range of general goods under a single licence instead of separate activity-specific permits.
Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore — Which Licence Do You Need?
The location of your intended business setup also determines the kind of Dubai trade license you need.
Mainland Licence
Lets you transact directly with the local market anywhere in the UAE. Issued by DET, typically structured as an LLC, and can also serve as the parent entity for a free zone branch.
Free Zone Licence
Issued by the regulatory body of a specific free zone, offering 100% foreign ownership and often faster, more streamlined licensing — though it generally limits trading outside the zone or UAE mainland without a distributor.
Offshore Licence
For an offshore company that can only transact outside the UAE, mostly used for international trade structuring. Offers tax benefits and confidentiality, but no physical UAE office.
Instant vs Standard Trade Licences
| Licence Type | Approx. Cost | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant / E-Trader Licence | From AED 1,070 | About 5 minutes | Home-based businesses; limited activities, no visa issuance |
| DED Trade Licence (Invest in Dubai portal) | AED 1,070 + AED 300 Chamber membership | Same day | Single establishment licence issued under your trade name |
| Normal Mainland Licence | AED 10,000 – 25,000 | 3–10 working days | Requires an MOA and an Ejari-registered tenancy contract |
| Free Zone Licence | AED 8,000 – 12,500+ | 3–10 working days | 100% foreign ownership; flexi-desk often accepted in place of an office |
Figures are indicative and subject to authority changes — confirm current fees with your consultant.
How to Get a Trade License in Dubai
You can navigate the requirements and procedures for a Dubai trade license using the process below.
- 1
Choose your company name
Select a distinct trade name that follows UAE naming conventions and is not already claimed by another active company.
- 2
Establish your legal structure
Choose from Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Partnership, Branch of a Foreign Company or Free Zone Company — each carries different ownership and liability implications.
- 3
Specify your business activities
List the economic activities your business will undertake. Each Dubai trade license permits a maximum of 10 activities.
- 4
Select your business location
Mainland applicants need a tenancy contract on real premises, attested via Ejari, submitted with the application paperwork.
- 5
Complete and submit your application
Finish your application form covering both main and supplementary business activities, then send it to DET for initial approval.
- 6
Provide licence parties' information
Supply detailed information on all partners — address, nationality, phone number, job title and ownership interests.
- 7
Pay your licence fees
Use one of the accepted payment methods to settle the licence fee and issuance fee.
- 8
Submit legal documents for signature
Provide involved parties with legal documents, such as the Memorandum of Association, for electronic signature — all partners must be enrolled on the relevant portal.
- 9
Receive your final trade licence
Once all payments and signatures are complete, you receive your final licence and all associated paperwork.
Documents Required for a Dubai Trade Licence
Ensure all supporting documentation is neatly structured and submitted with your application to prevent delays.
- Completed trade licence application, signed by every manager in the firm
- Memorandum of Association, ideally drafted with legal assistance
- Trade name reservation approval from DET
- Passport copy of each managing partner
- Emirates ID copy of each managing partner, if UAE resident
How to Renew Your UAE Trade Licence
Start renewing your trade license before it expires to avoid penalties.
- 1
Obtain the required approvals
Depending on the nature of your firm, secure any necessary authorisations and approvals before renewal.
- 2
Check for compliance
Confirm your operations, lease and permits are current and adhere to local laws.
- 3
Pay renewal fees
The required renewal fees depend on your business activity and licence type.
Why Choose Evolva for Your Trade Licence?
Gaining access to the numerous business benefits in the UAE requires a correctly filed trade license. Evolva removes every obstacle between you and yours.
End-to-End Licensing Support
From activity selection to final licence issuance, we manage the entire DET or free zone application on your behalf.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees — you know exactly what your trade license will cost before we begin.
Fast, Compliant Filings
We prepare your MOA, trade name application and supporting documents correctly the first time, avoiding costly delays.
One Dedicated Consultant
You work with a single point of contact who understands your business from the first consultation through to licence issuance.
Renewal & Compliance Management
We track your renewal dates and manage the annual process so your licence never lapses.
Mainland, Free Zone & Offshore Expertise
Whichever jurisdiction fits your business model, our consultants can structure and file it correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start your Trade License setup?
Speak to an Evolva consultant for a tailored quote and a clear timeline.
Related Services
Ecommerce License
Sell products and services online legally in the UAE, across your own store, marketplaces and social channels.
General Trading License
Trade an unrestricted range of general goods under a single licence instead of activity-specific permits.
Professional License
For consultants, specialists and service providers trading on professional skill rather than goods.
Ready to get started with Trade License?
Speak with an Evolva consultant today and get a tailored quote for your business setup.