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.”
Trade License Dubai - Get Licensed in 3 to 7 Working Days
A trade license in Dubai is the mandatory government permit that legally authorises you to conduct business in the UAE. Issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland companies, or by the relevant free zone authority for free zone businesses, your trade license is the foundation of everything - your bank account, your visa, your contracts, and your ability to invoice clients.
Takween Advisory is a licensed business consultancy based in Dubai. We manage the complete trade license process - from activity selection and trade name reservation through to license issuance, investor visa, and bank account opening - with most free zone setups completed in 3 to 7 working days.
500+ Trade Licenses Successfully Processed
10+ Years Navigating UAE Licensing Rules
Trade Licenses Issued Across 30+ UAE Jurisdictions
Compliance-Focused Licensing Support
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What do you need for your Dubai trade license?
We handle new setups, annual renewals, and license amendments end to end.
Why Every Business in Dubai Needs a Valid Trade License
Operating without a valid trade license in Dubai is a criminal offence. Penalties include fines starting from AED 5,000, forced business closure, and deportation for expatriates. But beyond legal compliance, your trade license is what unlocks every core business function in the UAE.
Open a UAE corporate bank account
Hire employees and apply for work visas
Sign contracts and lease office space
Apply for UAE investor residence visa
Import and export goods through UAE customs
Invoice clients and receive payments as a legal entity
Register for UAE VAT and corporate tax compliance
How to Verify a Trade License in Dubai & UAE
Always confirm a company's license is valid before entering any business agreement. Use these official government portals:
- Ministry of Economy: – Search all UAE-registered companies via the National Economic Register.
- Dubai DET: – Check any mainland Dubai license status, expiry date, and registered activities on the Dubai Economy and Tourism portal.
- Dubai Land Department: – Verify real estate company licenses using the Dubai REST App.
- Other Emirates: – Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, and Fujairah each have dedicated DED portals for trade name and license verification.
TESTIMONIALS
What Clients Say About Takween Advisory
Google
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.”
Getting you licensed
What the trade licence engagement brings together
Category determination
Your business activity decides which of the six licence categories you need, so we read your model and place it cleanly in the commercial, professional, industrial, general-trading, e-commerce, or tourism lane before anything is filed.
Jurisdiction recommendation
We assess whether a mainland DET licence or a free-zone permit serves you better, weighing direct UAE market access against cost and the faster free-zone route.
Activity-catalogue selection
From the DET catalogue of over 2,000 approved activities we pick the ones that match your operations, mindful that a mainland licence can carry up to ten activities with each extra one priced separately.
Name, approval, and constitution
The trade name is reserved, initial approval is secured, and any Memorandum your structure needs is drafted so the licence file is complete and consistent.
Issuance and licence collection
The application is carried through to the issued licence, with most free-zone setups completed in three to seven working days of a complete submission.
Visa and banking enablement
Because the licence underpins your investor visa, bank account, and contracts, we move straight from issuance into the visa and banking steps that make the company operational.
Two calls, then the file
From the right category to a licensed business
The licence is one document but it begins with two judgement calls — which category and which jurisdiction — and getting those right is what keeps the rest of the setup fast and penalty-free.
01
Activity and category fit
We translate what your business actually does into the correct licence category, since choosing the wrong one is among the most common and costly setup mistakes.
02
Jurisdiction selection
Based on whether your customers sit inside the UAE or abroad, we recommend a mainland DET licence for direct local trade or a free zone for cost-efficient international operation.
03
Company-name reservation
A name that meets the UAE naming rules and clears the register is reserved with the chosen authority.
04
No-objection checkpoint
The authority records its no-objection to your activity, legal form, and ownership — the checkpoint that precedes incorporation papers.
05
Documents and any required MOA
Identity papers, address proof, and a notarised Memorandum for mainland LLC or partnership structures are completed and lodged together.
06
Fee settlement and issuance
With approvals in hand the licence and registration fees are paid and the trade licence is released, ready to anchor your visa, bank account, and invoicing.
The starter documents
What most trade-licence applications need
Shareholder passports
A passport copy for every shareholder is the foundation document each authority opens the file with.
Photograph and Emirates ID
A white-background passport photograph, plus an Emirates ID where the applicant already holds UAE residency, completes the identity record.
Residential-address proof
A utility bill or bank statement no more than three months old confirms a reachable address for the applicant.
Completed application form
The authority's application form, filled to its template, sets out the entity, its activities, and its ownership.
Memorandum and tenancy where required
Mainland LLC and partnership structures add a notarised Memorandum, and mainland applications add a valid Ejari-registered tenancy.
Speed, stacked fees
Timing, fee layers, and what slows issuance
How fast the licence issues
Free-zone licences are typically released within three to seven working days of a complete file, while a mainland DET licence runs to one to three weeks depending on the activity and any external regulator approvals.
- Free-zone issuance in 3–7 working days
- Mainland DET issuance in 1–3 weeks
- External approvals where the activity needs them
What the cost is built from
The total is a stack of separately set charges — government licence fees, premises costs, immigration fees, and service charges — rather than one fixed price, which is why the path you choose changes the figure so much.
- Government licence and registration fees
- Premises or flexi-desk costs
- Activity count and visa charges
What the licence then obliges
Once issued the licence must be renewed annually, with a DET late-renewal fine of AED 250 and a far steeper AED 5,000 charge for operating after expiry, alongside the corporate-tax bands of 0% up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it.
- Annual renewal, AED 250 late fine
- AED 5,000 fine for trading expired
- 0% / 9% corporate-tax bands at AED 375,000
Guidance that sticks
Where our trade-licence support reaches
Category-choice accuracy
We steer you away from the wrong licence category, the mistake that forces a costly re-issue, by fixing the right one against your real activities at the start.
Jurisdiction cost-modelling
We lay the mainland and free-zone paths side by side on cost, market access, and tax so the jurisdiction you pick is the one that fits the business, not a guess.
Activity scaling
We advise on adding activities to a single licence and the supplementary fee each carries so growth happens without a second permit.
Renewal and tax continuity
We track your annual renewal and your corporate-tax and VAT positions so the licence never lapses and registration deadlines are never missed.
6 Types of Trade Licenses in Dubai — Which One Do You Need?
Choosing the wrong license type is one of the most common and costly mistakes new business owners make. Your business activity determines your license type. Here are all six categories Dubai issues, with clear guidance on which applies to your business.
1. Commercial License
Issued to businesses engaged in buying and selling goods. This is the most widely issued license type in Dubai and covers trading activities including import, export, distribution, retail, and wholesale. Each product category typically requires a specific activity to be listed on the license.
- Best for: Trading companies, importers, exporters, retailers, distributors, general traders
- Issued by: DET (mainland) or free zone authority
- Government fee range: AED 12,000 – AED 25,000 (mainland DET) | AED 8,000+ (free zone)
2. Professional License
Granted to individuals and firms providing specialised services or consultancy. A professional license on the mainland typically allows 100% foreign ownership without requiring a local Emirati sponsor, making it one of the most accessible license types for expatriate professionals.
- Best for: Consultants, IT firms, accountants, designers, engineers, marketing agencies, educators, lawyers
- Issued by: DET (mainland) or free zone authority
- Government fee range: AED 10,000 – AED 15,000 (mainland DET)
3. Industrial License
Required for any business involved in manufacturing, processing, assembly, or packaging. An industrial license also permits the import of raw materials needed for production. Applicants must obtain approval from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), which requires a minimum manufacturing facility capital of AED 250,000.
- Best for: Manufacturers, food processors, packaging operations, assembly companies
- Issued by: DET + MoIAT approval required
- Government fee range: AED 15,000 – AED 25,000+ (varies with facility and activities)
4. General Trading License
A broader version of the commercial license that permits trading across multiple unrelated product categories under a single license — without needing separate licenses for each product line. Widely used by UAE-based multi-product trading businesses.
- Best for: Multi-product traders, importers with diverse inventory, wholesale distributors
- Government fee range: AED 15,000 – AED 40,000 (mainland) | from AED 8,000 in select free zones
5. E-Commerce License
A dedicated license for businesses selling products or services online. One of the fastest-growing license categories in Dubai, with several free zones offering affordable e-commerce-specific packages with low entry costs and no requirement for physical office space.
- Best for: Online stores, Amazon/Noon sellers, dropshippers, digital product businesses, SaaS companies
- Cost range: AED 5,500 – AED 15,000
6. Tourism License
A sector-specific license for companies operating in Dubai's tourism and hospitality sector. Issued by DET with additional compliance requirements monitored by tourism authorities. Required for any business providing travel, tour, hotel, or tourism-related services.
- Best for: Travel agencies, tour operators, hotel apartments, tourism service providers
- Issued by: DET with additional approvals from relevant tourism authorities
Mainland vs Free Zone Trade License — The Complete Comparison
The single most important decision in your Dubai business setup is choosing between a mainland license and a free zone license. Both are legally valid. Both allow 100% foreign ownership. But they differ significantly in cost, market access, and what you can do day-to-day. Here is the full comparison.
| Factor | Free Zone License | Mainland License (DET) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting license cost | From AED 5,750 | From AED 12,000 |
| Total Year 1 cost (incl. visa) | AED 11,000 – AED 25,000 | AED 40,000 – AED 115,000 |
| Setup time | 3–7 working days | 1–3 weeks |
| Foreign ownership | 100% — always | 100% in most sectors (post-2021 law) |
| Sell directly in UAE market | Via local distributor or agent only | Yes — direct market access |
| Physical office required | No — flexi-desk or virtual office | Yes — min. registered office with Ejari |
| UAE corporate tax | 0% for qualifying free zone entities | 9% on profits above AED 375,000 |
| Investor visa eligibility | Yes — included in most packages | Yes |
| Best suited for | Online businesses, consultancy, international trade, digital services | Retail, restaurants, B2B with UAE clients, real estate, government contracts |
Choose a free zone license if you primarily sell internationally, operate online, provide consultancy or professional services, or want the most cost-efficient setup with zero corporate tax on qualifying income.
Choose a mainland license if your customers are based inside the UAE and you need direct market access — for example, a retail shop, restaurant, real estate agency, or B2B services firm with UAE corporate clients.
Trade License Dubai Cost 2026 — Complete Fee Breakdown
The cost of a trade license in Dubai is not a single fixed number. It is a combination of government fees, premises costs, immigration fees, and service charges — each set by a different authority. Below is a full, transparent breakdown for both free zone and mainland paths.
Free Zone Trade License — Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Budget Setup (AED) | Mid-Range Setup (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Trade License Fee | 5,750 – 6,500 | 12,000 – 15,000 |
| Registration / Admin Fee | Included in package | Included in package |
| Virtual Office / Flexi Desk | Included in package | Included in package |
| Investor Visa (1 person) | 3,000 – 4,000 | 3,000 – 4,500 |
| Emirates ID + Medical Fitness | ~1,000 | ~1,000 |
| Takween Advisory Service Fee | 1,500 – 2,500 | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Estimated Year 1 Total | AED 11,250 – 14,000 | AED 17,500 – 23,500 |
Mainland Trade License (DET) — Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Basic Setup (AED) | Full Setup (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Name Reservation (DET) | 620 | 620 |
| Initial Approval (DET) | 120 | 120 |
| DET License Issuance Fee | 12,000 – 15,000 | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Market Fee (5% of annual rent) | 1,000 – 2,000 | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Office Rent (min. registered premises) | 20,000 – 40,000 / yr | 40,000 – 80,000 / yr |
| Ejari Registration | ~220 | ~220 |
| MOA Notarisation (LLC / partnership) | 900 – 2,000 | 900 – 2,000 |
| Investor Visa (1 person) | 3,000 – 4,000 | 3,000 – 4,500 |
| Emirates ID + Medical Fitness | ~1,000 | ~1,000 |
| Takween Advisory Service Fee | 2,000 – 4,000 | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Estimated Year 1 Total | AED 40,860 – 68,960 | AED 64,740 – 121,460 |
Note: All government fees are set by DET and the relevant free zone authority. The figures above reflect 2026 rates. Takween Advisory charges are clearly separated from government fees — you will always receive a transparent, itemised quote before any payment.
How to Get a Trade License in Dubai — Step by Step
The trade license process follows a defined sequence of steps, each with its own government authority, fee, and timeline. Here is exactly what happens from decision to licensed business.
- Define Your Business Activity Your activity determines your license type, jurisdiction options, and any required external government approvals. DET maintains a catalogue of over 2,000 approved activities. You can list up to 10 activities on a single mainland license, with each additional activity carrying a supplementary fee. Takween Advisory will review your business model and identify the correct activities — avoiding the costly mistake of choosing the wrong category.
- Choose Your Jurisdiction — Free Zone or Mainland Based on your business activity and target market, decide between a free zone license and a mainland DET license. If you primarily serve international clients or run an online business, a free zone is usually more cost-effective and faster. If your customers are inside the UAE and you need to trade directly with them, mainland is the right path. Takween Advisory assesses your model and recommends the most strategic and cost-efficient jurisdiction for your specific situation.
- Reserve Your Trade Name Submit your preferred company name for approval by DET (AED 620 government fee) or your chosen free zone authority. UAE naming rules apply: the name must reflect your business nature, cannot reference government bodies or religious terms, cannot conflict with registered trademarks, and must be unique in the register. Approval typically takes 1–2 working days. The reservation is valid for 180 days.
- Obtain Initial Approval Submit your application for initial approval (AED 120 DET fee for mainland). This confirms the government has no objection to your proposed activity, legal form, and ownership structure. Initial approval is not your license — it is the prerequisite checkpoint before incorporation documents and final license issuance.
- Submit Documents and Complete MOA (if required) Documents required for most applications: For mainland LLC or partnership structures, a Memorandum of Association (MOA) must be drafted and notarised (AED 900 – AED 2,000). For mainland applications, a valid tenancy contract (Ejari) is also required. Takween Advisory prepares all documents and handles the notarisation process on your behalf.
- Passport copy of all shareholders
- Passport-size photograph (white background)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, max 3 months old)
- Emirates ID (if already a UAE resident)
- Completed application form
- Pay License Fees and Receive Your Trade License Once all documents are approved, pay the license and registration fees. For free zone setups, your trade license is typically issued digitally within 3–7 working days of complete submission. For mainland setups, the full process takes 1–3 weeks.
- Apply for Your UAE Investor Visa (Recommended) Your trade license entitles you, your partners, and employees to apply for UAE residence visas. The process includes a medical fitness test at a DHA-approved centre, Emirates ID application with ICP, and an entry permit through GDRFA. Typically completed in 10–20 days. Takween Advisory manages this entire process in-house through our authorised Amer centre.
- Open Your UAE Corporate Bank Account With a valid trade license and residence visa, you can apply to open a UAE business bank account. Bank account opening is one of the most misunderstood steps — the wrong choice of bank for your business profile can result in rejection. Takween Advisory matches your business structure, activity, and shareholder profile to the right banking partner, significantly improving approval speed and success rate.
Trade License Setup Timeline
| Stage | Free Zone Timeline | Mainland (DET) Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Trade name reservation | Same day | 1–2 working days |
| Initial approval | Included in submission | 1–3 working days |
| Document review and MOA | 1–2 days | 3–7 days |
| License issuance | 3–7 working days | 1–3 weeks |
| Investor visa (if required) | 10–20 days | 10–20 days |
| Corporate bank account | 1–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Full setup (license + visa + bank) | 3–5 weeks | 5–8 weeks |
Best Free Zones for a Trade License in Dubai and UAE (2026)
There are over 45 free zones across the UAE. Choosing the right one for your business type, visa needs, and banking goals makes a significant difference in both cost and long-term operations. Here are the most popular free zones for SMEs and first-time business owners.
| Free Zone | Min. License Fee (AED) | Visas Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai) | ~12,900 | Up to 3 | Flexible activities, strong banking profile, Dubai address |
| SHAMS (Sharjah) | ~5,750 | 1 | Budget setups, solo founders, media and digital activities |
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | ~6,500 | Flexible | Trading, light manufacturing, cost-conscious setups |
| Meydan Free Zone (Dubai) | ~12,000 | 1+ | Multi-activity businesses, Dubai address, professional services |
| DMCC (Dubai) | ~20,000+ | 1+ | Commodities trading, premium businesses, established companies |
| Dubai South | ~15,000 | 1+ | Logistics, aviation, e-commerce, nearshore to Al Maktoum Airport |
Note: Prices may vary depending on the activity. For updated pricing, please contact Takween Advisory.
Trade License Renewal in Dubai — What You Need to Know
Every Dubai trade license must be renewed annually. Late or missed renewal triggers fines, visa complications, bank account restrictions, and in severe cases, administrative closure and blacklisting. Start your renewal process at least 30 days before expiry.
Documents Required for Renewal
- Copy of existing trade license
- Valid tenancy contract with Ejari (mainland — must have minimum 1 month validity beyond renewal date)
- Audit report (required for certain mainland company types)
- Current external approvals (if applicable to your activity)
- Payment of renewal fees
Late Renewal Penalties (DET Mainland)
| Violation | Administrative Fine (AED) |
|---|---|
| Late license renewal (past expiry date) | AED 250 |
| Operating without a valid license | AED 5,000 |
| Practising an activity not listed on the license | AED 2,000 |
| Failure to resolve violation within DET deadline | AED 5,000 |
Beyond financial penalties, an expired license blocks all employee visa renewals, may restrict your corporate bank account, and can escalate to administrative closure and blacklisting — which prevents all government transactions for your company and its stakeholders. Takween Advisory sends renewal reminders and manages the complete annual renewal process on your behalf, ensuring you never face avoidable fines.
Corporate Tax and VAT — What Dubai Trade License Holders Must Know
Since June 2023, all businesses registered in the UAE are subject to the federal corporate tax regime. The standard rate is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% on income above that threshold. Corporate tax registration through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) EmaraTax portal is mandatory for all resident companies — including both mainland and free zone entities — within three months of incorporation.
Free zone companies that meet the criteria for a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income. However, this requires strict compliance with the substance requirements set by the FTA. Takween Advisory provides guidance on corporate tax registration and qualifying entity eligibility.
UAE VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services. Businesses with taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000 per year must register for VAT. The details on your trade license must be accurately entered during both VAT and corporate tax registration — errors at this stage can cause filing complications and attract FTA penalties.
Why Business Owners Choose Takween Advisory for Their Trade License
Takween Advisory is a licensed business consultancy in Dubai specialising in company formation, trade licensing, PRO services, and immigration support across UAE mainland and free zones. We work with DET, IFZA, SHAMS, RAKEZ, Meydan, DMCC, and Dubai South.
- End-to-end management: We handle every step — activity selection, trade name reservation, document preparation, government submissions, and license issuance. You do not deal with government offices or paperwork.
- Transparent pricing: You receive a full itemised breakdown of government fees and our service fee before any payment. No hidden charges.
- Fast turnaround: Most free zone setups completed in 3–7 working days. We maintain priority relationships with all major free zone authorities.
- In-house visa and immigration team: Investor visas, employee visas, Emirates ID, medical fitness, and GDRFA processing — all managed under one roof through our authorised Amer centre.
- Bank account success: We match your business profile to the right UAE banking partner, improving approval rates and reducing processing time.
- Annual renewal management: We track your renewal dates and manage the complete process each year so your license never lapses.
- Activity amendments and modifications: Adding activities, changing trade names, amending share structures, or modifying your license — all handled by our team.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A free zone trade license in Dubai starts from AED 5,750, with a full Year 1 cost (including one investor visa and Emirates ID) from approximately AED 11,000. A mainland DET trade license carries government fees of AED 12,000 – AED 25,000+, with total Year 1 costs ranging from AED 40,000 to AED 115,000 once office rent, Market Fee, Ejari, and visa costs are included.
Free zone trade licenses are typically issued within 3–7 working days of a complete document submission. Mainland DET licenses take 1–3 weeks, depending on the business activity and any required external approvals from regulators such as DHA, RTA, or Dubai Municipality.
Yes. Following the 2021 amendment to Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, most mainland business activities now permit 100% foreign ownership without a local Emirati partner. Free zones have always permitted 100% foreign ownership. Some regulated activities may still require specific ownership structures — Takween Advisory confirms eligibility for your specific activity before you begin.
A mainland license is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and allows direct trading within the UAE market. A free zone license is issued by a specific free zone authority, offers lower setup costs and corporate tax advantages, but restricts direct trading on the UAE mainland — you would need a local distributor or agent to sell to UAE-based customers.
For mainland DET licenses, a registered physical office with a valid Ejari certificate is mandatory. Most free zones offer a flexi-desk or virtual office arrangement that satisfies the licensing requirement — and this is typically included in the license package at no extra cost.
Yes. DET permits up to 10 activities on a single mainland license, with each additional activity carrying a supplementary fee of AED 150 – AED 15,000 depending on the activity type. Free zones also allow multiple activities, though limits and fees vary by authority. Takween Advisory advises on the most cost-effective activity structure for your business.
Late renewal carries a DET fine of AED 250 for the delay itself. Operating without a valid license after expiry results in a further fine of AED 5,000. Beyond fines, an expired license blocks all employee and investor visa renewals, can trigger corporate bank account restrictions, and in severe cases escalates to administrative closure and government blacklisting.
The most affordable option is a free zone license through SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) starting from AED 5,750, or RAKEZ from AED 6,500. Both include a virtual office and one investor visa allocation. Full Year 1 cost including visa, medical, and Emirates ID starts from approximately AED 11,000.
Following the 2021 amendments to UAE Commercial Companies Law, most mainland activities no longer require a local Emirati sponsor or partner. Some regulated sectors may still have specific requirements. Free zones never required a local sponsor. Takween Advisory confirms ownership eligibility for your specific activity before you begin the setup process.
Get the right licence, the first time
Tell Takween Advisory what your business will do and who it serves, and we will fix the correct licence category and jurisdiction and carry the application through to an issued trade licence.