UAE Trade License — Issuance & Renewal
A UAE trade license is the foundation of any UAE business — covers what you can sell, where you can operate, and which visas you can sponsor. We issue Mainland and Free Zone trade licenses, plus annual renewals and amendments.
UAE Trade License — Mainland or Free Zone
A UAE trade license authorises you to conduct specific business activities within the UAE. Mainland licenses (issued by DET — Dubai Economy and Tourism, or similar in other emirates) allow direct sale to UAE consumers and government contracting. Free Zone licenses are limited to within the zone, between zones, or for export — with 100% foreign ownership and 0% / 9% CT.
The right license depends on: who you sell to (UAE consumers = Mainland required, B2B/export = Free Zone fine), how many employees, and budget. License cost ranges from AED 6,500 (SHAMS) to AED 55,000+ (DIFC). Activities matter — your license MUST list the specific activities you do, or transactions can be voided.
Why Choose This Service
What Our Clients Say
How We Deliver
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01
Jurisdiction selection
We help you choose Mainland (DET) or Free Zone based on customer profile, budget, and growth plans.
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02
Activity matching
We map your business model to specific approved activity codes — typically 2-4 codes per license.
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03
Initial approvals
Submit application to authority — name reservation, activity approval, MOA pre-clearance.
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04
Documentation
Final MOA signing, lease contract (Ejari), passport copies, share certificate.
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05
License issuance
License issued and registered. Trade name certificate, establishment card, e-license for portal access.
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06
Post-issuance
VAT registration (if applicable), MOFA approval for sensitive activities, Chamber of Commerce membership.
What You Need to Provide
- Passport copies — all shareholders (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photos (white background)
- Proposed company name (3 options for approval)
- List of intended activities (we help finalise)
- Tenancy contract / lease (will be issued during setup)
- No-objection from current sponsor (if you are UAE resident)
- Local Service Agent agreement (Mainland only, for some categories)
Frequently Asked Questions
Mainland (DET) allows direct sales to UAE consumers + government contracts. Free Zone limits sales to other Free Zones / Mainland businesses / export — but offers 100% foreign ownership and 0% tax on qualifying income (QFZP). Mainland recently allowed 100% foreign ownership for most activities.
Cheapest Free Zone (SHAMS Sharjah): AED 5,750/year. Popular mid-tier (IFZA, Meydan): AED 12,500. Premium (DMCC): AED 23,000+. DIFC for finance: AED 55,000+. Mainland (DET Dubai): typically AED 15,000-30,000. We share full pricing for your specific activity.
Yes. Most licenses allow 3-5 activities in the base package, with additional activities costing AED 500-2,000 each. Some activities require special approvals (e.g. healthcare, financial services). We match your model to compatible activity bundles.
Fastest: Dubai South Business Hub (DSBH) — 1 day for digital activities. Standard Free Zone: 3-7 days (IFZA, SHAMS, RAKEZ). Mainland: 7-21 days. Regulated Free Zones (DIFC, ADGM): 30-45 days due to compliance reviews.
Yes — UAE trade licenses are valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. Renewal fees are roughly the same as initial license (sometimes slightly cheaper). We handle renewals on retainer clients automatically.
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