Main categories include commercial (trading), professional (services), industrial (manufacturing), and tourism. Free zones use similar classifications with zone-specific activity lists.
Dubai Trade Licence
Trade License in Dubai
Secure the right Dubai trade licence for your activity — KPM Global Services navigates DET and free zone licensing rules so your business operates legally from day one.
- Activity Matching
- DET & Free Zone
- Renewal Support
Licence Pathway
Trade License in Dubai
1Activity
2Approval
3Issue
4Comply
Commercial, professional & industrial
Licence type matched to how you earn revenue.
500+
UAE Clients Served
15+
Years UAE Experience
7/24
Advisory Support
8
Service Verticals
Overview
Dubai trade licence essentials
A trade licence in Dubai is the official permit authorising your company to conduct specific business activities. Licences are issued by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland entities or by individual free zone authorities.
Choosing the correct licence category — commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism — affects which activities you can perform, your visa quota, and how banks assess your application.
KPM Global Services ensures your licence application reflects real operations, reducing rejection risk and amendment costs later.
Who This Is For
Businesses needing a Dubai trade licence
- New companies completing initial registration
- Existing licence holders adding activities
- Foreign branches converting to local trade licences
- Consultants requiring professional service licences
- Traders needing import/export and general trading permits
- Industrial operators setting up manufacturing or assembly
How We Help
Trade licence services
Activity code selection
Map your services or products to approved DET or free zone activity lists.
Licence type advisory
Determine whether commercial, professional, or industrial licence fits your model.
Initial approval
Submit trade name and activity application for authority pre-clearance.
External permits
Coordinate DHA, Dubai Municipality, or sector regulator approvals where required.
Licence issuance
Complete final submission, fee payment, and collection of your trade licence.
Amendments & renewal
Add activities, change partners, or renew before expiry to avoid penalties.
Process
How to get a trade licence in Dubai
- 1
Activity analysis
Review your business model and select compliant activity codes.
- 2
Trade name reservation
Propose and reserve a trade name meeting UAE naming conventions.
- 3
Initial approval
Obtain preliminary approval from DET or free zone authority.
- 4
Tenancy & documents
Provide office contract, MOA, and shareholder identification.
- 5
Final submission
Pay licence fees and submit complete application package.
- 6
Licence collection
Receive digital and physical trade licence; schedule renewal reminders.
Documents
Trade licence application documents
- Passport copies of owners and authorised signatory
- UAE visa or entry stamp pages
- Passport photographs
- Tenancy contract (Ejari for mainland)
- MOA or service agreement with free zone
- External approval certificates (if regulated activity)
- NOC from sponsor for UAE residents
- Previous licence copy (for amendments or transfers)
Pricing
Trade licence cost factors
Licence fees depend on type, jurisdiction, and included services.
- Licence category — commercial licences often carry higher government fees
- Number of activities listed on the licence
- Mainland vs free zone authority fee schedule
- Office and establishment costs linked to licensing
- Municipality and external approval charges
DET and free zone fees are updated periodically. KPM Global Services confirms current tariffs before submission.
Timeline
Trade licence processing time
2–3 days
Activity & name
Activity codes confirmed; trade name reserved.
3–5 days
Initial approval
Preliminary clearance from authority obtained.
5–10 days
Final filing
Tenancy, MOA, and fees submitted.
1–2 weeks
Licence issued
Trade licence released; compliance calendar activated.
Avoid Mistakes
Trade licence mistakes to avoid
- Listing activities you do not plan to use — each may trigger additional scrutiny
- Using a residential address where commercial tenancy is required
- Ignoring Ejari registration for mainland licences
- Letting the licence expire before renewal — fines apply
- Operating outside approved activity scope
- Failing to update licence after shareholder or manager changes
Why KPM
Why Choose KPM Global Services
UAE-focused advisory
Practical guidance on Dubai trade licence applications from a Dubai-based team that works with authorities, banks, and regulators daily.
Clear documentation
Structured checklists, realistic timelines, and transparent scope so you know what is included before you proceed.
Connected services
Link setup, visas, banking, accounting, VAT, Corporate Tax, PRO, and legal support through one coordinated advisory journey.
No generic templates
Advice is tailored to your activity, shareholders, jurisdiction, and operational plans — not a one-size-fits-all package.
Free tool
Match DED activity codes
Calculate and check before you speak to an advisor — FTA-aligned thresholds, instant results, PDF export.
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Free Consultation
Request a Quote — Trade License in Dubai
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FAQ
Trade License in Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about trade license in dubai in the UAE.
Ready to get started with Trade License in Dubai?
Speak with KPM Global Services for practical UAE guidance — free consultation, no obligation.