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            Types of Business Trade Licenses in Dubai

      Business License
      Kajol Kanojia 16 Mar 2026 9 minutes

          Table of Contents

         1. What Is a Trade License in Dubai?
         2. Why Do You Need a Trade License in Dubai?
         3. Types of Business Trade Licenses in Dubai: A Complete Breakdown
         4. Comparison Table: Types of Trade Licenses in Dubai
         5. Additional Specialized Licenses in Dubai
         6. How to Renew Your Business Trade License in Dubai
         7. Can I Change the Business Activity of My Existing Trade License?
         8. Penalties for Operating Without a Valid Trade License
         9. Why Choose Shuraa India for Your Dubai Trade License?

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            Table of Contents

           1. What Is a Trade License in Dubai?
           2. Why Do You Need a Trade License in Dubai?
           3. Types of Business Trade Licenses in Dubai: A Complete Breakdown
           4. Comparison Table: Types of Trade Licenses in Dubai
           5. Additional Specialized Licenses in Dubai
           6. How to Renew Your Business Trade License in Dubai
           7. Can I Change the Business Activity of My Existing Trade License?
           8. Penalties for Operating Without a Valid Trade License
           9. Why Choose Shuraa India for Your Dubai Trade License?

          Dubai offers one of the world’s most business-friendly environments, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from across the globe. Whether you plan to launch a startup, open a retail store, provide professional services, or establish a manufacturing unit, obtaining the right trade license is the first step toward operating legally in the emirate.

          Choosing the appropriate trade license is crucial because it determines the business activities you can undertake, the approvals you need, your company structure, and the jurisdictions in which you can operate. Selecting the wrong license can lead to regulatory issues, additional costs, and operational restrictions. Understanding the different license categories helps business owners make informed decisions and build a strong foundation for long-term growth.

          Several government authorities oversee business licensing in the UAE. In Dubai, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is responsible for issuing mainland trade licenses, while various free zone authorities manage licenses within their respective jurisdictions. Depending on your business activity, approvals may also be required from specialized authorities such as the Ministry of Economy, Dubai Municipality, and other regulatory bodies.

          What Is a Trade License in Dubai?

          A trade license in Dubai is an official permit issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that legally authorizes businesses to operate within Dubai. It is mandatory for all business entities operating in Dubai Mainland, and the type of license required depends on your specific business activities.

          Why Do You Need a Trade License in Dubai?

          A trade license ensures your business complies with UAE regulations and allows you to open corporate bank accounts and obtain visas. It also enables access to local and international markets while enhancing your company’s credibility and building trust among customers, partners, and investors.

          Types of Business Trade Licenses in Dubai: A Complete Breakdown

          One of the most crucial elements of company formation in Dubai is a trade license. With proactive assistance and direction from knowledgeable consultants, obtaining a business license in Dubai is not at all a difficult task. We have compiled a list of the various types of trade licenses which you can get in Dubai:

          1. Professional License in Dubai

          In Dubai, professional licenses are provided to those who meet the necessary academic standards and intellectual and technical proficiency requirements. For instance, individuals who offer IT services, professionals, artists, and craftsmen, among others, can apply for a professional license in Dubai. The company entity can also be registered as a Civil Works Company if there are multiple owners.

          Who Can Apply for a Professional License in Dubai?

          Persons wishing to work in the following fields can apply for a professional license in Dubai:

            * Information Technology Network Services
            * Information Technology Consultancies
            * Marketing and Research Consultancies
            * Human Resource Consultancy
            * Commercial Brokerage
            * Marketing Management
            * Tax Consultancy
            * Legal Consultancy
            * Accounting and Auditing Services
            * Engineering Consultancy
            * Architectural Services
            * Interior Design Services
            * Photography and Videography
            * Educational Services

          Cost of Professional License in Dubai: Starting from AED 7,500 to AED 15,000 depending on the business activity and location.

          2. Industrial License in Dubai

          For businesses and individuals engaged in the production of goods for the industrial sector in Dubai, an industrial license is required in order to start and operate without any hindrances. For an industrial license to be granted, it is a must that the concerned business should have a physical location in the UAE, typically in designated industrial zones.

          Types of Industrial Licenses Available in Dubai:

            * Appliance and Machinery Factory
            * Furniture Manufacturing
            * Dairy Products Manufacturing
            * Animal & Birds Feed Manufacturing
            * Meat Products Manufacturing
            * Carpet Production
            * Garment Production
            * Electronics Assembly
            * Food Processing
            * Plastic Manufacturing
            * Textile Production
            * Chemical Manufacturing

          Cost of Industrial License in Dubai: Starting from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 depending on the manufacturing activity and facility requirements.

          3. Commercial License in Dubai

          Dubai issues commercial licenses to people and businesses engaged in the purchase and selling of goods. Companies are able to carry out trading operations both inside and outside of the UAE with the help of a commercial license. In Dubai, there are various commercial license categories available depending on the type of business activity.

          For instance, there are numerous company license types and business activity listings in Dubai for the trade of specific products like computers, automobiles, equipment, and building materials. When registering the company with the relevant authorities, whether on the mainland or in free zones, the investor must select a specific business license in Dubai.

          Commercial Trade Licenses Available for Your Business:

            * Trade related to Automobiles
            * Trading of Safety Gear
            * Trading of Used Furniture
            * Trade in Oil and Gas
            * Trading in Spare Parts
            * Trading of Publishing and Media Materials
            * Trading in Precious Metals and Gold
            * Trading of Chemicals
            * General Trading
            * E-commerce Trading
            * Food and Beverage Trading
            * Electronics and IT Equipment Trading
            * Construction Materials Trading
            * Textiles and Garments Trading
            * Medical Equipment Trading

          Cost of Commercial License in Dubai: Starting from AED 12,000 to AED 35,000 depending on the trading activities and business setup.

          4. Tourism License in Dubai

          Individuals and businesses that offer travel and tourist-related services in Dubai are awarded a tourism license. This license is the one that companies utilize the most, as Dubai is one of the UAE’s most popular tourist destinations. They are made available to business owners that run establishments that offer services including hotel rentals, campgrounds for tourists, cruise ship rentals, dining establishments, bed and breakfasts, and travel agencies, among others.

          What Commercial Activities Can You Undertake with a Tourism License?

            * Travel Agent Services
            * Inbound Tour Operator
            * Outbound Tour Operator
            * Sell tourism packages offline & online
            * Issue travel insurance
            * Provide accommodation and stay options
            * Provide supporting services related to visa
            * Sell flight, railway & bus tickets
            * Provide car rental services
            * Sell adventure tour packages
            * Hotel and Restaurant Management
            * Tourism Consultancy
            * Event Management for Tourism
            * Desert Safari Operations
            * Yacht and Cruise Services

          Cost of Tourism License in Dubai: Starting from AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 depending on the scope of tourism activities.

          Comparison Table: Types of Trade Licenses in Dubai

          Understanding the differences between commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, and e-commerce licenses can help you choose the right option for your company setup.

            Trade License Type     Suitable For           Key Activities                                             Issuing Authority                                   
            Commercial License     Trading businesses     Import, export, retail, and general trading                Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) / Free Zones
            Professional License   Service providers      Consulting, IT, marketing, and legal services              DET / Free Zones                                    
            Industrial License     Manufacturers          Production, processing, and assembly                       DET and relevant authorities                        
            Tourism License        Travel businesses      Travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality services  DET and Dubai’s tourism authorities                 
            Agricultural License   Farming businesses     Agriculture, livestock, and related activities             Relevant UAE authorities                            
            E-Commerce License     Online businesses      Online trading and digital services                        DET / Free Zones                                    
            Craftsmanship License  Skilled professionals  Carpentry, plumbing, repair, and technical services        DET / Free Zones                                    
            

            Additional Specialized Licenses in Dubai

            Apart from the four main categories, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) also issues specialized licenses for:

              * E-commerce License – For online businesses and digital marketplaces
              * Freelance License – For independent professionals and freelancers
              * Instant License – Fast-track licensing for approved business activities
              * Agricultural License – For farming and agricultural activities
              * Healthcare License – For medical and healthcare services (requires DHA approval)
              * Educational License – For schools, training centers, and educational institutions

            How to Renew Your Business Trade License in Dubai

            The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) mandates that the holder of a trade license should receive all necessary permits and authorizations from pertinent governmental and local bodies in order to renew the trade license annually to keep operating hassle-free.

            Trade License Renewal Process:

            Step 1: Renew your tenancy contract (Ejari)

            Step 2: Gather required documents:

              * Original trade license
              * Renewed tenancy contract (Ejari)
              * Renewal application form
              * Updated external approvals (if applicable)
              * Passport and Emirates ID copies of shareholders
              * Previous year’s financial statements (if required)

            Step 3: Submit renewal application through DET portal or approved business centers

            Step 4: Pay renewal fees (typically 70-90% of initial license cost)

            Step 5: Receive your renewed trade license

            Trade License Renewal Fees in Dubai:

              * Professional License Renewal: AED 5,000 – 12,000
              * Commercial License Renewal: AED 8,000 – 25,000
              * Industrial License Renewal: AED 10,000 – 35,000
              * Tourism License Renewal: AED 7,000 – 18,000

            Important: You can renew your trade license up to 30 days before expiry. Late renewals incur penalty fees of approximately AED 1,000 for the first month and additional charges for subsequent delays.

            Can I Change the Business Activity of My Existing Trade License?

            Yes, you can modify or add business activities to your existing trade license. Follow the process below to get your business activity changed:

            Process to Change Business Activities:

            Step 1: Submit an application to DET for activity modification

            Step 2: Obtain approval from relevant government authorities (if the new activity requires external approvals)

            Step 3: Provide required documents:

              * Updated Memorandum of Association (MOA) reflecting new activities
              * Board resolution approving the activity change (for companies)
              * Original trade license
              * Approval certificates for the new activities
              * NOC from existing shareholders
              * Proof that your business location permits the new activities

            Step 4: Pay the activity modification fees (approximately AED 1,000 – 3,000 per activity)

            Step 5: Publish an announcement in local newspapers (if required for significant changes)

            Step 6: Receive your updated trade license from DET

            Important Considerations:

            A company’s ability to modify its trade name is subject to a number of requirements:

              * The business location must be suitable for the new activities
              * The trade name may need to be changed if it doesn’t reflect the new activities
              * All shareholders must approve the changes
              * The MOA must be updated and certified by the UAE Ministry of Economy

            Cost of Changing Business Activity: Ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000, depending on the number and nature of activities being added or modified.

            Penalties for Operating Without a Valid Trade License

            In Dubai, operating a business without a valid trade license is against the law and can result in:

              * Fines ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000
              * Immediate business closure
              * Confiscation of goods and equipment
              * Legal prosecution
              * Potential ban on future business activities
              * Visa cancellation for business owners and employees

            In light of this, it is essential to ensure that the Dubai trade license renewal is completed promptly to avoid further fines and legal complications.

            Why Choose Shuraa India for Your Dubai Trade License?

            Getting a trade license from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is your first step toward building a successful business in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or established company looking to expand, Dubai offers the perfect ecosystem for growth.

            All of this may seem complicated or time-consuming, but there are numerous businesses in Dubai that are skilled in managing all trade license-related processing. Working in tandem with knowledgeable consultants can help you save time and money because they can maintain workflow while your company concentrates on expanding your business.

            Shuraa India is a great place to start when looking for a trustworthy consultant. With over 26 years of experience in UAE business setup, we offer:

                  About the author

                  Kajol Kanojia

                  Kajol is a skilled writer and UAE corporate advisor with deep expertise in business consulting. She specializes in guiding entrepreneurs, simplifying UAE business setup, and navigating local regulations, market trends, and cultural nuances. Through her insightful blogs and practical advice, Kajol helps Indian and global entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses in the UAE efficiently and successfully.

                  View all posts

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