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When conducting business in the UAE, a trade license is required. The licenses are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and the process varies from one emirate to another. Commercial, industrial, professional, and tourism licenses are the main categories of licenses in the UAE. However, the government also grants a number of additional licenses that are particular to other kinds of activities.
Each company will need a unique Dubai trade license depending on the type of business. The cost of a Dubai trade license will vary depending on the kind of business and the license that is being sought.
A trade license in Dubai is an official permit issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that legally authorizes businesses to operate within Dubai. It is mandatory for all business entities operating in Dubai Mainland, and the type of license required depends on your specific business activities.
One of the most crucial elements of company formation in Dubai is a trade license. With proactive assistance and direction from knowledgeable consultants, obtaining a business license in Dubai is not at all a difficult task. We have compiled a list of the various types of trade licenses which you can get in Dubai:
In Dubai, professional licenses are provided to those who meet the necessary academic standards and intellectual and technical proficiency requirements. For instance, individuals who offer IT services, professionals, artists, and craftsmen, among others, can apply for a professional license in Dubai. The company entity can also be registered as a Civil Works Company if there are multiple owners.
Who Can Apply for a Professional License in Dubai?
Persons wishing to work in the following fields can apply for a professional license in Dubai:
Cost of Professional License in Dubai: Starting from AED 7,500 to AED 15,000 depending on the business activity and location.
For businesses and individuals engaged in the production of goods for the industrial sector in Dubai, an industrial license is required in order to start and operate without any hindrances. For an industrial license to be granted, it is a must that the concerned business should have a physical location in the UAE, typically in designated industrial zones.
Types of Industrial Licenses Available in Dubai:
Cost of Industrial License in Dubai: Starting from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 depending on the manufacturing activity and facility requirements.
Dubai issues commercial licenses to people and businesses engaged in the purchase and selling of goods. Companies are able to carry out trading operations both inside and outside of the UAE with the help of a commercial license. In Dubai, there are various commercial license categories available depending on the type of business activity.
For instance, there are numerous company license types and business activity listings in Dubai for the trade of specific products like computers, automobiles, equipment, and building materials. When registering the company with the relevant authorities, whether on the mainland or in free zones, the investor must select a specific business license in Dubai.
Commercial Trade Licenses Available for Your Business:
Cost of Commercial License in Dubai: Starting from AED 12,000 to AED 35,000 depending on the trading activities and business setup.
Individuals and businesses that offer travel and tourist-related services in Dubai are awarded a tourism license. This license is the one that companies utilize the most, as Dubai is one of the UAE’s most popular tourist destinations. They are made available to business owners that run establishments that offer services including hotel rentals, campgrounds for tourists, cruise ship rentals, dining establishments, bed and breakfasts, and travel agencies, among others.
What Commercial Activities Can You Undertake with a Tourism License?
Cost of Tourism License in Dubai: Starting from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 depending on the scope of tourism activities.
Apart from the four main categories, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) also issues specialized licenses for:
To apply for any trade license with DET, you’ll need the following documents:
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Trade License in Dubai
The trade license cost in Dubai varies based on several factors:
| License Type | Approximate Cost (AED) | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Professional License | 7,500 – 20,000 | 2 Year |
| Commercial License | 12,000 – 45,000 | 2 Year |
| Industrial License | 15,000 – 50,000 | 2 Year |
| Tourism License | 10,000 – 25,000 | 2Year |
| E-commerce License | 11,500 – 23,000 | 2 Year |
| Freelance License | 7,500 – 20,000 | 12Year |
Note: These are approximate costs and may vary based on:
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) mandates that the holder of a trade license should receive all necessary permits and authorizations from pertinent governmental and local bodies in order to renew the trade license annually to keep operating hassle-free.
Step 1: Renew your tenancy contract (Ejari)
Step 2: Gather required documents:
Step 3: Submit renewal application through DET portal or approved business centers
Step 4: Pay renewal fees (typically 70-90% of initial license cost)
Step 5: Receive your renewed trade license
Important: You can renew your trade license up to 30 days before expiry. Late renewals incur penalty fees of approximately AED 1,000 for the first month and additional charges for subsequent delays.
Yes, you can modify or add business activities to your existing trade license. Follow the below-mentioned process to get your business activity changed:
Step 1: Submit an application to DET for activity modification
Step 2: Obtain approval from relevant government authorities (if the new activity requires external approvals)
Step 3: Provide required documents:
Step 4: Pay the activity modification fees (approximately AED 1,000 – 3,000 per activity)
Step 5: Publish an announcement in local newspapers (if required for significant changes)
Step 6: Receive your updated trade license from DET
A company’s ability to modify its trade name is subject to a number of requirements:
Cost of Changing Business Activity: Ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000, depending on the number and nature of activities being added or modified.
In Dubai, operating a business without a valid trade license is against the law and can result in:
In light of this, it is essential to ensure that the Dubai trade license renewal is completed promptly to avoid further fines and legal complications.
Getting a trade license from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is your first step toward building a successful business in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or established company looking to expand, Dubai offers the perfect ecosystem for growth.
All of this may seem complicated or time-consuming, but there are numerous businesses in Dubai that are skilled in managing all trade license-related processing. Working in tandem with knowledgeable consultants can help you save time and money because they can maintain workflow while your company concentrates on expanding your business.
Shuraa India is a great place to start when looking for a trustworthy consultant. With over 26 years of experience in UAE business setup, we offer:
Typically 5-10 business days with all documents ready. Complex activities requiring multiple approvals may take 2-4 weeks.
Yes, since 2021, foreign investors can own 100% of their mainland business in most sectors without requiring a UAE national partner.
Mainland licenses (issued by DET) allow you to trade anywhere in UAE and internationally, while free zone licenses have geographical restrictions but offer other benefits like 100% repatriation of profits and tax exemptions.
You can typically include multiple activities under one license category, but each additional activity may incur extra fees (approximately AED 1,000 per activity).
Yes, most licenses require a registered business address with a valid Ejari-registered tenancy contract. However, flexi-desk and virtual office options are available for certain professional licenses.
Yes, you’ll need either a commercial license with e-commerce activity or a dedicated e-commerce license issued by DET.
About the author
Kajol KanojiaKajol is a skilled writer and UAE corporate advisor with deep expertise in business consulting. She specializes in guiding entrepreneurs, simplifying UAE business setup, and navigating local regulations, market trends, and cultural nuances. Through her insightful blogs and practical advice, Kajol helps Indian and global entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses in the UAE efficiently and successfully.
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