Starting a company in Dubai, UAE, also involves obtaining a trade license. Our company formation representatives in Dubai can offer complete information about each type of business license required in the UAE, including the general trade license in Dubai. Please explore this article to get a clear picture of what a trade license in Dubai entails.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Who needs a trade license for business in Dubai | Foreign and local investors who want to start a business in Dubai |
Authority that issues a business license | DED (Department of Economic Development) |
Types of trade licenses | – commercial, – industrial, – professional, – for tourism |
| Activities that require a commercial license | – import and export, – sale of goods, – services |
| Activities that require a professional business license | – accounting, – IT, – education, – marketing, – management, – healthcare |
| Documents for obtaining a trade license | – Articles of Association, – rental lease, – approved trade name from DED |
| Trade license required for branches (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Timeframe for trade license issuance | A few weeks |
| Validity of a trade license | 1 year |
| Requirements for free zone companies | The same as for companies in Dubai mainland |
| Average cost of a trade license | Between AED 30,000 and AED 50,000, depending on the activities |
| Posibility of changing the trading license (YES/NO) | Yes |
| We provide support to obtain a trade license | Yes |
| We can represent foreign investors | Yes |
| Online formalities available | Yes |
Table of Contents
What types of trade licenses are available in Dubai?
- Commercial,
- Industrial,
- Professional,
- Tourism,
- Freelance, etc.
Who needs a commercial license in Dubai?
Company owners selling goods and services in Dubai. Import & export firms in Dubai are also required to obtain this type of license.
Who requires an industrial license in Dubai?
Enterprise owners are involved in the manufacturing & processing.
Who must apply for a professional license in Dubai, UAE?
- Accountants,
- IT specialists,
- Marketing specialists,
- Artisans,
- Consultants, etc.
You can also have more details in the following infographic we have prepared for you:
What documents are required to get a business license in Dubai in 2026?
- company’s Articles of Association,
- completed standard form,
- rental contract,
- the DED’s letter with the approval of the company name,
- passport and visa copies, as the case may be.
Where do I apply for a trade license in Dubai?
At the Dubai Department of Economy.
NOTE! A trade license costs start at around AED 12,500, depending on the classification/category.
Do I need a representative agent to apply for a trade license in Dubai, UAE?
A local service agent might be required to get a professional license in mainland Dubai.
NOTE! Our Dubai agents can guide you throughout the process of obtaining a trade license.
How do I obtain a general trade license in Dubai, and when is it necessary?
A general trade license is also issued by DED for entrepreneurs with import and export activities of multiple goods. This license can be issued for mainland companies and also for free zone firms in Dubai.
What is the eTrader license in Dubai?
It is an optimal business license for the Gulf Cooperation Council & UAE nationals for domestic companies in Dubai.
Are there special requirements for a business license in mainland Dubai compared to the ones in the free trade zones?
No, the requirements for a trade license in the special economic zones of Dubai also apply on the mainland. However, it is best to look for specialized help.
Do I need a trade license for each category of goods if my company sells various products in Dubai?
No, the general trading license will cover all the activities of your company if you want to sell goods in Dubai.
Do I need to apply for a trade license if I open a branch office in Dubai?
Yes, foreign companies opening branches in Dubai also need to apply for trade licenses if their activities are related to the industries that require such a license.
Do I need other licenses for other activities if I have obtained a trade license in Dubai?
Yes, you will need other license(s) if the trade license does not cover all the activities you want to perform.
Is it hard to obtain a trade license in Dubai?
No, there are no complexities regarding the trade license in Dubai. If all the documents are approved, DED will issue the necessary trade license for your business in Dubai.
What is the time frame to get a trade license in Dubai?
Some trade licenses can be issued in a few hours, while others can take about 15 days.
Would you like to open a company in Dubai in 2026 and need a license? We suggest you get in touch with our local representatives and find out more about the conditions imposed for a trade license in Dubai.