Omar H.
Startup Founder
“From licence selection to banking support, Takween gave us a clear path and helped us avoid delays we would have hit on our own.”
Commercial License Dubai – Fast, Simple & Fully Compliant
A commercial license in Dubai is the official authorization issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to businesses involved in buying, selling, importing, and exporting goods within the UAE. Issued for specific products or product categories, it is the legal foundation for companies planning general trading, wholesale trading, retail trading, distribution, or e-commerce activities ensuring full compliance with UAE regulations for every commercial activity your business operates.
500+ Commercial Licenses Successfully Processed
10+ Years Navigating UAE Licensing Rules
Commercial Licenses Issued Across 30+ UAE Jurisdictions
Compliance-Focused Licensing Support
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What will you be trading?
A commercial license covers a wide range of trading activities - pick the categories that fit your business.
Can a Foreigner Get a Commercial License in Dubai?
Yes - foreign investors can fully own a commercial license in Dubai under the UAE's updated foreign ownership regulations. A commercial license in Dubai can be structured as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or sole proprietorship depending on your business activity and number of shareholders. Expatriate investors can now hold 100% foreign ownership on a Dubai mainland commercial license across most commercial activities - including general trading, wholesale trading, retail trading, import export, and e-commerce - without requiring a local sponsor.
An LLC remains the most preferred structure for a commercial license in Dubai, supporting a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 50 shareholders. The liability of each shareholder is limited to their share in the company's capital - ensuring full financial protection, reduced personal risk, and complete compliance with UAE commercial license regulations.
Which Commercial Activities Qualify for 100% Foreign Ownership in Dubai?
The UAE government has introduced major reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership for most commercial activities under a Dubai mainland commercial license - meaning foreign investors can now fully own their business without requiring a local Emirati partner. However, certain commercial activities such as food trading, medical products, or regulated import export businesses may still require additional government approvals or a local partner depending on the nature of the activity. It is essential to verify whether your chosen commercial activity qualifies for full foreign ownership before applying for your commercial license in Dubai.
Selecting the right ownership structure - whether an LLC, branch office, or subsidiary company - is a critical decision that impacts your business activity selection, investment size, banking approvals, and long-term expansion plans in the UAE. Working with an experienced commercial license consultant in Dubai ensures your ownership structure is correctly set up, fully compliant with UAE regulations, and optimized for your specific commercial activity from day one.
TESTIMONIALS
What Clients Say About Takween Advisory
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Reviews5.0 rating based on Google reviews
Mariam A.
SME Owner
“Their team made the compliance side simple. We always knew what was next, what was required, and how to stay on schedule.”
James T.
Consultancy Director
“Takween handled our setup with speed and precision. The communication was consistent, and every step felt organized and well managed.”
Leila R.
International Investor
“What stood out was the practical guidance. They did not just explain options, they recommended the structure that actually fit our goals.”
Ana Maria C.
Business Owner
“Takween made the setup process feel structured from day one. Every document, approval, and next step was handled with clarity.”
Luka P.
Founder
“What I valued most was how fast the team moved. They helped us avoid delays and kept the launch timeline under control.”
Mark D.
Managing Partner
“Their advice was practical, not generic. We got a setup route that fit our goals and the execution was smooth throughout.”
Mila S.
Operations Lead
“The communication was consistent and precise. We always knew what was pending, what was approved, and what came next.”
Peter N.
International Consultant
“Takween handled the process with confidence and speed. It saved us time internally and gave us much more certainty.”
Sofia A.
Investor
“They explained the tradeoffs clearly and helped us choose the right structure without wasting time on the wrong options.”
Nadia R.
E-commerce Founder
“The process felt organized from start to finish. Takween helped us launch quickly while keeping the compliance side under control.”
Karim S.
SME Director
“We came in with a lot of uncertainty and left with a clear plan. The team was responsive, practical, and easy to work with.”
Permitted to trade
What the commercial licence engagement puts in place
Product-category scoping
Because a commercial licence is granted against named product categories rather than a blanket trading right, we list each line you intend to buy and sell so nothing you actually move sits outside the permit.
Authority routing
We determine whether the Department of Economy and Tourism or a free-zone registrar is the correct issuer for your category mix, then lodge the file with the body that will accept your activities.
Trade-name clearance
A name that reflects your goods and survives the register's uniqueness and trademark checks is reserved, with reserves held against a clash.
Initial-approval handling
The proposed category list is put to the authority for an in-principle nod confirming your goods are tradable under the licence before any issuance fee is paid.
Constitution and premises file
Where your structure needs one, the Memorandum is drafted, and the tenancy plus its Ejari record are assembled to evidence the registered address the issuance demands.
Issuance and trading readiness
The licence is collected and paired with the company stamp and Chamber introductions so you can invoice and contract for the listed goods from the first day.
Categories done right
From a product list to a tradable permit
A commercial licence stands or falls on category accuracy, so the work is matching your real goods to the right activity codes before the authority ever reviews the file.
01
Goods inventory and category mapping
We list every product line you plan to import, distribute, or sell and translate it into the authority's activity codes, since trading outside a listed category later draws a penalty.
02
Issuer selection
With the category mix known, the file is directed to the DET or to a free-zone authority depending on where your goods can legally be licensed.
03
Trade-name lock-in
A compliant company name is secured and held while the rest of the application is built.
04
Category in-principle clearance
The authority confirms it has no objection to the listed product categories, the legal form, and the ownership before incorporation papers are finalised.
05
Documents, address, and constitution
Identity papers, the Memorandum where required, and the Ejari-backed premises proof are completed and filed as a single pack.
06
Fee settlement and collection
Once approvals clear, the issuance fee is paid and the commercial licence is released, authorising trade in exactly the goods listed on it.
Building the file
What goes into the commercial-licence file
Owner and manager identity set
Passport copies and photographs for each owner and the appointed manager establish who stands behind the trading entity.
Name and initial-approval certificates
The reserved trade-name certificate and, where issued, the initial-approval note confirm the application has cleared its first checkpoints.
Memorandum or agent agreement
Depending on the structure, the Memorandum of Association or a Local Service Agent agreement sets out the entity's legal footing.
Premises and Ejari proof
A tenancy contract and its Ejari registration evidence the registered business address mainland issuance requires.
Current-sponsor release
For applicants already resident in the UAE, a no-objection letter from the current sponsor clears the path to the new licence.
Category-specific external approvals
Certain goods — among them medical equipment or foodstuffs — carry an extra regulator sign-off we identify against your category list and pursue in advance.
What sets the cost
Timing, fee drivers, and what trips a trading file
How the sequence paces out
Each stage clears before the next opens, so the pace is set by how cleanly your category list passes initial approval rather than by the issuance step itself.
- Name and category approval
- Premises and constitution
- Licence collection
What moves the figure
The number of product categories on the licence, the legal form, the partner count, and the office and approval requirements together set the cost, which is why no two commercial licences price the same.
- Count of listed product categories
- Legal structure and partner number
- Office and external-approval needs
What bounces a trading file
Trouble comes from a category omitted at filing, a name that collides with the register, or a regulated good listed without its external approval attached.
- A product category left off the list
- A trade name that fails the uniqueness check
- Regulated goods missing a regulator nod
As your trade grows
Where our commercial-licence support reaches
Category-to-operations alignment
We keep the goods on your licence in step with what you actually trade so an audit never finds you selling outside the permit.
Multi-category scaling
When you add product lines, we advise whether they sit under your existing licence or call for a separate activity so expansion stays compliant.
Regulated-goods navigation
For categories that touch a second regulator, we coordinate the additional clearance so the goods can ship without a hold.
Hiring-capacity guidance
We relate your office footprint to the staff you can sponsor so your trading team can grow without an early premises change.
Commercial License in Dubai – At a Glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) – Mainland / Free Zone Authority |
| License Validity | 1 year (renewable annually) |
| Best For | General trading, wholesale, retail, import export, e-commerce, distribution |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% foreign ownership available for most commercial activities |
| Legal Structure | LLC, Sole Establishment, Branch of Foreign Company |
| Visa Eligibility | Yes – based on office size and package |
| Office Requirement | Ejari (Mainland) / Flexi-desk (Free Zone) |
| VAT Registration | Required if annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000 |
What Is a Commercial License in Dubai?
A commercial license in Dubai is issued to companies that generate revenue through buying and selling physical goods, whether locally within the UAE or internationally through import and export. It is one of the most commonly issued business licenses in Dubai and covers a broad range of product-based commercial activities.
Unlike a professional license for service-based businesses or an industrial license for manufacturing and production, a commercial license is specifically for companies involved in the movement, distribution, and sale of goods.
| License Type | Best For | Main Activity | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial License | Trading businesses | Buying & selling goods | Electronics trading, retail stores, import export |
| Professional License | Service providers | Consulting / services | Marketing agency, IT consultancy |
| Industrial License | Manufacturing | Production / factories | Food manufacturing, textile production |
Business Activities Covered Under a Commercial License in Dubai
A commercial license in Dubai allows businesses to engage in a wide range of product-based commercial activities.
Trading and General Commerce
- General trading license Dubai – multiple product categories under one license
- Import and export of goods across UAE and international markets
- Wholesale trading and bulk supply chain operations
- Retail trading license Dubai – physical stores and outlets
- Distribution company Dubai – local and regional supply operations
E-commerce and Digital Retail
- E-commerce license Dubai – selling physical products online
- Cross-border e-commerce import export operations
- Online retail and digital marketplace businesses
Automobile Trading
- Sale and distribution of vehicles
- Automobile spare parts trading
- Auto accessories and equipment supply
Electronics and IT Products
- Computer systems and hardware trading
- Communication and networking equipment
- Software and IT-related product distribution
Construction and Contracting Materials
- Building materials trading
- Construction equipment supply
- Industrial tools and heavy machinery
Food and Beverage Trading
- Foodstuff trading and distribution
- Packaged food import and export
- Agricultural product trading
Medical and Healthcare Equipment
- Medical and surgical equipment trading
- Healthcare product distribution
Textile and Garment Trading
- Readymade garments and fashion items
- Textile products import and export
Furniture and Home Products
- Furniture trading and home décor
- Office equipment and furnishings supply
Important: Some commercial activities such as food trading, medical products, chemicals, and cosmetics require additional approvals from external government authorities before a commercial license in Dubai can be issued.
Commercial License Dubai – Mainland vs Free Zone
One of the most important decisions when applying for a commercial license in Dubai is choosing between a Dubai Mainland setup and a UAE Free Zone setup.
| Factor | Mainland Commercial License | Free Zone Commercial License |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) | Free Zone Authority |
| UAE Market Access | Direct access to UAE local market | Limited – requires distributor for local sales |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% foreign ownership available | 100% foreign ownership available |
| Office Requirement | Physical office + Ejari mandatory | Flexi-desk options available |
| Visa Eligibility | Based on office size | Based on license package |
| Customs and Import Export | UAE local market operations | Re-export and global operations |
| Best For | Local UAE retail, wholesale, distribution | International trading, e-commerce, re-export |
Most businesses targeting the UAE local market opt for a Dubai mainland commercial license. Free zone commercial licenses are often better for international operations, e-commerce, or re-export activities.
Can a Foreigner Get a Commercial License in Dubai?
Yes, foreign investors can fully own a commercial license in Dubai under the UAE's updated foreign ownership regulations.
An LLC remains one of the most preferred structures for a commercial license in Dubai, supporting a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 50 shareholders.
Which Commercial Activities Qualify for 100% Foreign Ownership in Dubai?
The UAE government has introduced major reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership for most commercial activities under a Dubai mainland commercial license.
Selecting the right ownership structure, whether an LLC, branch office, or subsidiary company, is a critical decision for your business setup.
Documents Required for a Commercial License in Dubai
To apply for a commercial license in Dubai, you need to submit a set of mandatory documents to the relevant authority.
Basic Documents Required
- Completed application form with proposed company name
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photographs of all applicants
- Trade name approval certificate from the relevant authority
- Initial approval certificate from DET or Free Zone authority
Business and Legal Documents
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Local Service Agent Agreement (if applicable)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari registration for Mainland companies)
- Office lease agreement for registered business address
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor
- Business plan
- Approvals from external authorities
- Financial statements or capital details
- Emirates ID and visa copy
The exact documents required vary depending on your business activity and jurisdiction, including Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore.
How to Get a Commercial License in Dubai – Step-by-Step Process
Obtaining a commercial license in Dubai involves a clear and structured process. Most applications are completed within 3 to 7 working days when all documents are in order.
Step 1 – Choose Your Business Activity
Identify the commercial activities you want to conduct under your license.
Step 2 – Select Your Jurisdiction
Decide between a Dubai mainland commercial license or a free zone commercial license.
Step 3 – Reserve Your Trade Name
Choose a unique company name that complies with UAE naming regulations.
Step 4 – Obtain Initial Approval
Apply for initial approval from DET or your chosen free zone authority.
Step 5 – Decide Legal Structure
Select the appropriate legal structure such as Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Establishment, or Branch of a Foreign Company.
Step 6 – Secure Office Space
For mainland commercial license applications, you must lease a physical office space and register it through Ejari.
Step 7 – Prepare and Submit Documents
Submit all required documents including passport copies, MOA, trade name approval, and lease agreement.
Step 8 – Pay License Fees
Pay the applicable government fees based on your business activity, number of shareholders, and office requirements.
Step 9 – Receive Your Commercial License
Once approvals are completed, your commercial license in Dubai is issued, allowing you to open a corporate bank account in Dubai and apply for an investor visa.
Cost of a Commercial License in Dubai – 2026
The cost of a commercial license in Dubai varies depending on your business activity, legal structure, office space, and approvals required.
Key Factors That Affect Commercial License Cost in Dubai
- Number of commercial activities included in the license
- Legal structure
- Number of shareholders or partners
- Office space type
- Mainland vs Free Zone jurisdiction
- Additional government approvals
- Visa quota requirements
| Setup Type | Estimated Starting Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Zone Commercial License | From AED 12,000 – 18,000 | Flexi-desk included in most packages |
| Dubai Mainland Commercial License | From AED 18,000 – 30,000 | Ejari cost is additional |
| Commercial License Renewal Dubai | From AED 8,000 – 15,000 | Varies by activity and jurisdiction |
Note: The figures above are estimates only and may vary based on your business requirements.
Benefits of a Commercial License in Dubai, UAE
Obtaining a commercial license in Dubai gives your business access to a highly attractive and business-friendly market.
0% Personal Tax and Full Profit Repatriation
The UAE imposes no personal income tax, and eligible free zone businesses may benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income.
100% Foreign Ownership
Foreign investors can hold full ownership of a Dubai mainland commercial license across most business activities.
Access to UAE and Global Markets
Dubai is a strategic location for import export businesses, regional distribution, and e-commerce operations.
Investor Visa Eligibility
A valid commercial license in Dubai allows you to apply for a UAE investor visa.
Corporate Bank Account Opening
With a commercial license, your business can open a corporate bank account in Dubai.
Scalable Workforce
Commercial license holders can hire employees based on office size and visa quota.
Multiple Activities Under One License
A commercial license in Dubai allows multiple related commercial activities under one license.
Strong Business Credibility
Holding a valid commercial license in Dubai improves credibility with clients, suppliers, and banks.
How to Renew a Commercial License in Dubai
A commercial license in Dubai is valid for one year and must be renewed annually to keep your business legally operational.
Renewing a Dubai Mainland Commercial License (DET)
- Log in to the DET eServices portal
- Select the renewal option
- Review and update business activity details
- Submit a valid Ejari
- Pay the applicable renewal fees
- Receive your renewed commercial license
Renewing a Free Zone Commercial License
- Contact your free zone authority or consultant
- Review and update license activities
- Submit renewed office lease or flexi-desk agreement
- Pay the renewal fees
- Receive renewed commercial license
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost starts from approximately AED 12,000 for a free zone setup and AED 18,000 for a mainland setup.
Most commercial license applications are completed within 3 to 7 working days when all documents are prepared correctly.
Yes, foreign investors can obtain a commercial license in Dubai with 100% ownership for most activities.
Mainland licenses require a physical office with Ejari, while many free zone licenses allow flexi-desk options.
A commercial license is for buying and selling goods, while a professional license is for service-based businesses.
Yes, an e-commerce business selling physical products online requires a commercial license with the correct activity.
VAT registration is mandatory if annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
You must renew it annually through DET for mainland or through your free zone authority for free zone licenses.
Yes, a sole establishment or a single-shareholder LLC can be used for a one-person commercial business.
A mainland license gives direct UAE market access, while a free zone license is often better for international trade and e-commerce.
Trade the goods you choose, fully permitted
Hand Takween Advisory the product lines you want to buy and sell, and we will list the right categories, route the file to the correct authority, and carry it through to an issued commercial licence.