What are the types of commercial licenses in the Emirates?

In the United Arab Emirates, trade licenses are one of the basic elements that contribute to regulating and facilitating business. Business licenses represent the official document that gives companies and businesses the right to legally conduct their business activities in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations. By obtaining a commercial license, companies ensure their compliance with all legal requirements, which enhances the confidence of customers, partners and investors in their operations.

The UAE is characterized by a diverse commercial licensing system that includes different types of licenses, suitable for various commercial, industrial and service activities. These licenses range from general licenses issued by the Department of Economic Development in each emirate, to special licenses granted in free zones, which provide additional benefits such as full foreign ownership and tax exemptions.

The process of obtaining commercial licenses in the UAE is considered an organized and smooth process, as it includes several basic steps such as submitting the required documents, fulfilling the licensing conditions, and paying the prescribed fees. These procedures contribute to ensuring that new companies operate within a clear legal framework, which enhances the business environment and contributes to attracting more investments.

Commercial licenses are an essential part of the business infrastructure in the UAE, as they provide businesses with a legal cover that allows them to grow and expand. Understanding the types of licenses and their requirements helps companies make appropriate decisions about the type of license that matches their business activity and needs, which contributes to enhancing their success and sustainability in the dynamic business market in the UAE.

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.

Steps to obtain commercial licenses in the UAE

Obtaining a commercial license in the UAE requires following several basic steps to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Here are the detailed steps to obtain a commercial license:

1. Determine the type of business activity: Determine the business activity you wish to practice and ensure that it complies with the activities permitted in the emirate in which you intend to establish the company.
2. Choose a business name: Choose a business name for your company that complies with local laws. The name must be unique and not conflict with other registered names.
3. Preparing a business plan: Prepare a detailed business plan that explains your business, target market, and financial projections. This document may be required while applying for a license.
4. Determine the location: Determine a location for the company’s headquarters, and go to the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authority in the emirate to obtain approval for the location.
5. Submitting a commercial license application: Fill out the commercial license application through the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authority. The application may require the submission of some documents such as passports, birth certificate, lease contract, and information about the business activity.
6. Verify trade names: Make sure the trade name you have chosen is available and not already registered. You can verify this through the website of the Department of Economic Development or the relevant authority.
7. Obtaining the necessary approvals: Some commercial activities require additional approvals from the relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Health, the Transport Authority, or others depending on the type of activity.
8. Payment of fees: Pay the prescribed fees to obtain the commercial license. Fees vary based on the type of activity and the location of the company.
9. Receiving the commercial license: After completing the procedures and paying the fees, you will obtain the commercial license. The license is issued electronically or you can collect it from the Department of Economic Development office.
10. Registration with Chambers of Commerce: Register your company with local chambers of commerce, if necessary. This may be necessary for some businesses.
11. Open a company bank account: Open a business bank account to facilitate financial transactions and manage the company’s funds.
12. Obtaining Work Visas: Apply for employee work visas if you plan to employ individuals.

What are the types of commercial licenses in the UAE?

In the United Arab Emirates, there are different types of commercial licenses that suit different commercial, industrial and service activities. The main types of business licenses include:

• General commercial licence: Issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in each emirate, and is intended for companies that engage in multiple, non-specialized commercial activities. This license often includes commercial activities such as retail and general trade.
• Professional license: Granted to companies that provide professional services such as consulting, law, engineering, and training. This license requires the submission of documents proving the qualifications and professional experience of applicants.
• Industrial licence: for companies operating in the industrial or production sector. This license includes activities related to manufacturing, production, and factory management. Applicants for this license need to submit operating plans and details about industrial facilities.
• Tourist licence: Granted to companies operating in the tourism or hospitality sector, such as hotels and travel agencies. This license includes activities related to tourism and hospitality services.
• Business license in free zones: Issued by the administrative bodies of free zones such as Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Media City. This license provides benefits such as full foreign ownership and tax exemptions. Requirements for obtaining a license vary depending on the free zone and type of business activity.
• Food licence: for companies operating in the food sector, such as restaurants, cafes, and food stores. This license includes requirements related to food safety and quality standards.
• Health license: Granted to companies operating in the health sector or dealing with medical products. This license requires approvals from health authorities such as the Dubai Health Authority.
• Special commercial license: includes specialized commercial activities that may require additional licenses based on the nature of the activity. These activities include export and import, property management, and others.
• Environmental license: for companies that engage in activities that affect the environment, such as heavy industries or companies that deal with chemicals. This license requires obtaining a permit from the UAE Environment Agency.

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 located in Dubai Economy. This portal enables you to obtain that approximate estimate of all the expenses and fees that you must pay from In order to obtain a commercial license.

How to renew a trade license in Dubai

Renewing a commercial license in Dubai is a process that requires adherence to a number of steps to ensure that the license remains valid and does not cause any interruption in the company’s activity. Here are the basic steps to renew a commercial license in Dubai:

• Review renewal requirements: Review the conditions and requirements for renewing the commercial license by the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai or the entity responsible for issuing the license in the free zone in which the company operates.
• Updating data: Make sure to update company data such as contact details, address, and any other information that may be outdated or changed.
• Submitting an application: Submit a license renewal application through the website of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai or through the free zone electronic system, if you work in a free zone. You can also visit service centers specialized in submitting renewal applications.
• Payment of fees: Pay the required renewal fees, which may vary depending on the type of license and company activity. Payment can be made electronically through the available payment gateway or through approved centers.
• Receiving the new license: After submitting the application and paying the fees, the documents will be reviewed and the license updated. You can receive the new commercial license through the same channels you used to submit the application, whether online or through the relevant centers.
• Updating company records: Make sure your company records and any other legal documents are updated to reflect the new license renewal.

In conclusion, trade licenses in the UAE are essential for legalizing economic activities and ensuring companies comply with local and international regulations. The UAE, through its legal and regulatory structures, provides a distinguished business environment that contributes to enhancing economic growth and attracting investments. By renewing business licenses periodically, companies can continue their operations smoothly and ensure compliance with the required standards.

The process of obtaining and updating the commercial license is considered one of the most important steps that ensures business continuity and avoids any disruption that may affect commercial activity. Therefore, it is necessary for companies to be aware of all license requirements and procedures, and to stay in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure smooth renewal and avoid any legal problems that may arise.

Realizing the importance of commercial licenses in the UAE supports the country’s vision of enhancing the business environment and making it a preferred destination for investors. By adhering to legal procedures and renewing licenses in a timely manner, companies can effectively contribute to the local economy and successfully achieve their goals.

The most important frequently asked questions about the commercial license in Dubai