Trade license document for a Dubai company
Licensing

Trade License in Dubai: Types, Process & Requirements

What a Dubai trade license is, the main types, how to apply step by step, the documents required and the common mistakes that cause delays.

Invest in Dubai8 min read

A trade license is the legal permit that lets your company operate in Dubai. It is one of the first steps in any business setup in Dubai and a common route for investors building an operating business.

What It Is

Your trade license defines which activities you may legally carry out. Issued by the DET on the mainland or by a free zone authority, it is renewed annually and underpins your visas and bank account.

License Types

The three core types are commercial trading, professional services, and industrial manufacturing. The right one depends on your activity and chosen jurisdiction — compare mainland vs free zone before you apply.

Choosing the wrong activity list is the most common cause of rejected applications. List every activity you plan to run within the next year to avoid amending the license later.

How to Apply

Reserve a trade name, get initial approval, prepare your documents, then pay the fees to receive the license. Costs vary by activity and jurisdiction — see our business setup cost guide.

Documents

Passport copies of shareholders, the reserved trade name, initial approval, a tenancy contract or flexi-desk agreement, and the MOA where required. With these ready, a license can often be issued within days. Many license holders later qualify for the Dubai investor visa.

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