Apply for a Trade Licence in Dubai
Obtain a trade licence in Dubai through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) — the legal authorisation to operate a business in the emirate, available as Professional, Commercial, Industrial, or E-Commerce licence types.
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BUSINESS SETUP WIZARD
Eligibility
Service providers and professionals — consultancies, technical services, professional practices. 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor required.
Buying, selling, and trading goods specified on the licence — covers import/export, retail, and wholesale activities.
Manufacturing activities — importing raw materials, production, and exporting finished goods. Requires physical office space in Dubai.
Businesses marketing products or services online through digital channels. Required for companies operating e-commerce platforms.
Required Documents
Identity verification for DET registration
DET checks name availability and compliance with naming rules
Defines the scope of licensed activities on the trade licence
Physical or virtual office address is mandatory for DET registration
Required for visa processing if applying for an establishment card
Process Timeline
- 1
Trade name reservation
Submit your preferred trade name options to DET for availability check and approval. Names must comply with DET naming guidelines.
1–2 business days
- 2
Initial approval & activity selection
DET reviews the application and issues initial approval for the selected business activities. Additional approvals may be required from external authorities for certain activities.
2–3 business days
- 3
MOA drafting & document submission
Prepare the Memorandum of Association (for LLCs) or sole establishment documents. Submit all required documents to DET along with proof of office address.
3–5 business days
- 4
Licence issuance
Once all documents are approved, DET issues the trade licence. You can then apply for visas, open a corporate bank account, and begin operations.
2–3 business days
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of trade licence are available in Dubai?
Four main types: Professional (service providers), Commercial (buying/selling goods), Industrial (manufacturing), and E-Commerce (online businesses). Each covers different business activities.
What is the difference between Professional and Commercial licences?
A Professional licence covers service-based activities (consulting, IT, design) and allows 100% foreign ownership. A Commercial licence covers trading of goods (import, export, retail) and may require different ownership structures for certain activities.
Do I need a local sponsor for a trade licence?
For Professional licences, no sponsor is needed — 100% foreign ownership is allowed. For Commercial and Industrial licences, recent reforms allow full foreign ownership for most activities, but some may still require a local partner.
What are the benefits of a Dubai trade licence?
Legal authority to operate in Dubai, access to local and international trade, no personal income tax, corporate tax exemptions for certain activities, ability to sponsor visas for employees and dependents, and established business credibility.
How much does a trade licence cost?
Government fees vary widely by licence type and business activity. Professional licences generally start lower than Commercial licences. Contact Amer MBS for a cost estimate based on your specific activity.
What is the difference between getting a new licence and renewing one?
A new licence involves initial registration, trade name approval, and activity selection through DET. Renewal is the annual extension of an existing licence. Amer MBS handles both — see our Trade Licence Renewal service for renewals.
Information sourced from DED.gov.ae (DET) — verified 2026-03-19
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