Commercial licenses in the UAE are one of the basic pillars that support economic and commercial growth in the country. As one of the most attractive destinations for global investments, the UAE provides a regulated and rapidly expanding business environment that supports business establishment and development. The advanced system of commercial licenses contributes to the organization and development of the private sector, making it a major starting point for any commercial activity.

The UAE has a strong reputation as a global economic center thanks to its modern infrastructure, commercial facilities, and flexible policies that encourage investment. Business licenses provide a legal framework that helps businesses comply with local regulations, and ensures business activities are organized in a way that promotes sustainability and growth. The types of commercial licenses in the Emirates vary to meet the needs of various economic activities, ranging from commercial and service activities to industrial activities, which provides companies with multiple options according to the nature of their work.

Issuing commercial licenses in the UAE includes several main steps, starting from determining the type of business activity and registering the trade name, all the way to submitting the required documents and obtaining the final license. This system is characterized by efficiency and transparency, which contributes to accelerating the establishment process and making it easier for local and international investors alike.

In addition, trade licenses in the UAE allow companies to benefit from a range of incentives and benefits, such as tax exemptions and facilitation in import and export procedures, which enhances the ability of companies to achieve success and growth in a competitive market.

Commercial licenses in the UAE are considered the cornerstone of any business looking to succeed and continue in a vibrant economic environment.

What are the types of commercial licenses in the UAE?

Basic steps to obtain a business license

Obtaining a business license in the UAE requires following a series of basic steps to ensure compliance with local laws and achieving success in starting a business. Here are the basic steps to obtain a business license:

1. Determine the type of business activity: Determine the business activity or activities you wish to engage in. This includes choosing the type of activity (commercial, industrial, professional) that is consistent with the nature of your work.
2. Choose a business name: Choose a business name that is unique and appropriate for your business. Make sure the name does not match other business names and is in compliance with local laws and regulations regarding trade names.
3. Trade name registration: Register the trade name by submitting an application to the competent authorities such as the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the responsible body in the free zone in which you wish to work.
4. Choosing the appropriate location: Select a suitable location to conduct your business. This requires leasing an office or commercial location that meets legal space and environmental requirements.
5. Preparing the required documents: Collect and prepare the required documents such as passports, personal photos, articles of incorporation, proof of address, and activity licenses if necessary.
6. Submitting a license application: Submit an application to obtain a commercial license to the relevant authority, such as the Department of Economic Development in non-free zones, or the competent authority in free zones.
7. Obtaining the necessary approvals: You may need to obtain additional approvals from other government agencies based on the type of activity. These approvals may include special permits or certifications from regulatory bodies.
8. Payment of fees: Pay the prescribed fees to obtain the commercial license. Fees vary based on the type of license, type of activity, and location.
9. Receiving the commercial license: After completing all the previous steps and paying the fees, the responsible authority will issue the commercial license. Make sure you receive the official copy of the license.
10. Adherence to regulations and requirements: Ensure compliance with all regulations and requirements related to the business, including registering employees, paying taxes, and renewing the license when it expires.
11. Activating the business activity: After obtaining the license, you can legally start your business activity, including contracting with clients, operating the office, and launching commercial operations.

Commercial license in Dubai

In order to be able to practice any commercial activity in Dubai, you must first know the commercial license in Dubai and its different types. In the event that you want to practice any type of commercial project that can be practiced in Dubai, in this case you must send an email to the website for the classification. Activities, with a clear statement of your commercial activity that you want to practice so that you can obtain a license for it from the body responsible for issuing these licenses.

However, the Licensing Department, as well as the Commercial Registration Department, have provided many quick services by launching this initiative called the Instant License, which can make businessmen obtain that license very quickly and within a time not exceeding five minutes as well, and after that It is possible for all partners to come to these specialized centers to obtain the license in order to obtain this license.

But there are specific types of business licenses that can be practiced in Dubai:

• A trade license in Dubai allows these companies to carry out those commercial activities that are clearly specified in the license.
• The trade license in Dubai is also for practicing that general trade that helps businessmen to practice those commercial activities that are not restricted to a set of activities.
• There is also a commercial license in Dubai that allows the provision of those services that are clearly mentioned in the license.
• The license allocated for organizing these events and organizing these meetings and conferences.
• Also, the license designated for operating a business, and this permit is specific to those companies that have a strong desire to obtain a contract in order to work in the free zone.

Cost of a business license in Dubai Free Zone

It is now possible in Dubai to know the cost of a commercial license in the Dubai Free Zone by using this instant license, which enables you to avoid the many sufferings that you go through during the stage of obtaining the commercial license, but also saves you a lot of time and effort as well.

The method of obtaining an instant license makes you learn faster the cost of a commercial license in the Dubai Free Zone and enables you to obtain that license while saving a lot of time. This new project is part of the UAE’s developments to help citizens in the process of obtaining commercial licenses and thus helps citizens speed up these services. To them and make it easy and fast to find out the cost of a business license in the Dubai Free Zone.

One of the simplest ways to help you get that simple estimate of the commercial license in the Dubai Free Zone is to use this portal for estimating the cost of issuing the license, which is in Dubai Economy. This portal enables you to get that approximate estimate of all the expenses and fees that you must pay from In order to obtain a commercial license.

Types of commercial licenses available in the UAE

In the UAE, a variety of business licenses are available to meet the needs of different businesses. Business licenses are classified based on the type of business activity and market requirements. Here are the most prominent types of commercial licenses available in the UAE:

1. Commercial license: Granted to companies that engage in commercial activities that include buying and selling goods and services. The commercial license includes general activities such as retail and wholesale trade.
2. Industrial licence: Granted to companies that carry out industrial activities, such as manufacturing, production, and assembly. This license requires verification of the availability of industrial facilities and equipment.
3. Professional License: Granted to businesses that provide professional services, such as legal consultation, training, medical, and engineering services. This license includes activities that depend on professional experience.
4. Tourist licence: Granted to companies that provide tourism services, such as travel agencies, hotels, and tourism offices. The tourist license includes activities related to tourism and hospitality.
5. Agricultural license: Granted to companies engaged in agricultural activities, such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and agricultural production. An agricultural license requires compliance with environmental and agricultural requirements.
6. Electronic commercial license: Granted to companies that operate commercial activities over the Internet, such as e-commerce, online stores, and digital platforms. This license includes activities that rely on e-commerce and technology.
7. Free license: Granted to companies that wish to operate in the free zones in the Emirates. This license provides benefits such as tax exemptions and full ownership.
8. Service activity license: Granted to companies that provide non-commercial services, such as maintenance, cleaning, hospitals, and factories.
9. Supply and Trade License: Granted to companies that supply goods and basic materials to the market. Includes commercial and logistical activities related to supply.

Documents required to obtain a business license

To obtain a commercial license in the UAE, a set of basic documents must be submitted to the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authority. Required documents generally include:

• Copy of Passport: Provide clear copies of passports of all shareholders and directors of the company.
• Personal Photos: Provide recent personal photos to investors and managers.
• Copy of Emirates ID: If the investors or managers are residents of the UAE, a copy of the Emirates ID must be provided.
• Company Articles of Association: It includes the Company’s Articles of Association and Articles of Association, which is a legal document that explains the details of the partners, the company’s objectives, and its management system.
• Office lease or title deed: A document proving the company’s address, such as an office lease or title deed if the office is owned.
• License application form: The application form for obtaining a commercial license that can be obtained from the Department of Economic Development or its website.
• No objection certificate: If there are other partners or investors from other countries, a no objection certificate may be required from the partners or interested parties.
• Business Plan: For some activities, you may need to submit a business plan that explains the company’s goals, market strategies, and financial plans.
• Additional documents depending on the type of activity: Some businesses may require additional documents or special licenses, such as health or environmental licenses.
• Registration fees: Pay the prescribed fees for registering the company and obtaining a commercial license.

At the conclusion of our article about commercial licenses in the Emirates , we see that commercial licenses play a pivotal role in establishing and regulating commercial activities within the country. The UAE, thanks to its advanced business environment and distinguished infrastructure, offers a wide range of options that suit various types of businesses, whether in free zones or non-free zones. Obtaining a commercial license is an essential step that ensures that commercial activity is conducted legally and efficiently, and opens doors to broad economic opportunities.

The importance of business licenses is that they give companies the ability to operate within a legal framework, which enhances their credibility and ensures their compliance with local laws. The process of obtaining a commercial license includes several main steps, such as determining the type of activity, choosing the trade name, submitting the required documents, and obtaining the necessary licenses from the competent authorities. These steps may seem complicated, but they are essential to ensuring business success and continuity.

The most important frequently asked questions about commercial licenses in the UAE