What is a UAE Trade License?
A trade license is a legal document issued by the UAE government that authorizes a business to operate commercially within the country. Every business in the UAE — whether mainland, free zone, or offshore — must hold a valid trade license. The license specifies your business activities, legal structure, and the authority under which you operate.
Types of UAE Trade Licenses
Commercial License
For trading activities including general trading, import/export, retail, wholesale, and e-commerce. This is the most common license type in the UAE.
Professional License
For service-based businesses including consultancy, IT services, legal, accounting, engineering, healthcare, and education. Requires proof of qualifications.
Industrial License
For manufacturing and industrial activities. Requires factory space and environmental approvals. Issued for food processing, construction materials, textiles, etc.
Tourism License
For travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality businesses. Requires approval from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Dubai.
Freelancer Permit
For individual professionals working independently. Available in select free zones like IFZA, SHAMS, and Dubai Media City. Lower cost with single visa allocation.
Trade License Costs in UAE (2025)
* Costs vary based on business activity, visa requirements, and office space.
Documents Required for UAE Trade License
The standard documents required for a UAE trade license application include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, trade name reservation approval, Memorandum of Association (MOA), initial approval from the relevant authority, office lease agreement (Ejari for Dubai), and No Objection Certificate if applicable.
For professional licenses, you may also need to provide educational certificates and professional qualification documents. For industrial licenses, environmental and safety approvals are required.
Trade License Renewal
UAE trade licenses must be renewed annually. Renewal should be initiated at least 30 days before expiry to avoid late fees. The renewal process includes paying government fees, updating company information if needed, and ensuring all visa and compliance requirements are met.
Late renewal penalties can range from AED 100 to AED 10,000+ depending on the emirate and how long the license has been expired. PS Business UAE tracks your renewal dates and handles the process proactively.