Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

Official Business
Licenses in Dubai

End-to-end support for New License Issuance, Amendments, and Annual Renewals. Commercial. Professional. Industrial.

Partner Partner Partner
DED

Licensed & Trusted Consultants

Note: The type of license you need depends on your primary business activity. Operating with the wrong license can lead to severe penalties from Dubai Economic Department (DED).

Categories

Types of Trade Licenses

We cover all major license categories issued by Dubai Economy.

Commercial License

For companies involved in buying and selling goods, importing and exporting, or general trading activities.

  • General Trading
  • Real Estate Brokerage
  • Retail & Wholesale

Professional License

For service-oriented businesses, skilled professionals, artisans, and consultancies.

  • Business Consultancy
  • Medical Practice
  • Education & Training

Industrial License

For businesses engaged in manufacturing or industrial activities. Requires physical factory or warehouse.

  • Manufacturing
  • Food Production
  • Packaging

Explore Popular Free Zones

Select the ideal jurisdiction for your business. Each zone offers unique advantages in licensing.

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

The largest free zone worldwide, ideal for logistics, manufacturing, and trade.

DMCC

Global hub for commodities trade, offering world-class infrastructure.

DIFC

Leading financial hub for banking, fintech, and legal institutions.

Dubai South (DWC)

Proximity to Al Maktoum Airport, perfect for aviation and logistics.

IFZA

Cost-effective and flexible, popular for startups and SMEs.

Meydan Free Zone

Located near the racecourse, offering low-cost licenses for professionals.

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Creative hub for media and digital entrepreneurs with low entry costs.

RAKEZ

Cost-effective industrial and business zone in Ras Al Khaimah.

DAFZA

Premium zone next to Dubai Airport, focusing on aviation and electronics.

Dubai Internet City

The region's leading tech community for IT and software companies.

Dubai Media City

Home to global media giants, broadcasting, and advertising agencies.

Dubai Silicon Oasis

Integrated free zone for technology, innovation, and modern living.

SPC Free Zone

Fastest zone for publishing, printing, and general trading licenses.

KIZAD (Abu Dhabi)

Integrated trade, logistics, and industrial hub with port access.

Dubai Design District

Dedicated to design, fashion, and luxury industries.

Dubai Healthcare City

Specialized zone for medical services, hospitals, and pharmaceuticals.

Abu Dhabi Global Market

International financial centre on Al Maryah Island.

Fujairah Free Zone

Strategic access to the Indian Ocean for trading and maritime.

Ajman Free Zone

Affordable setup for trading and industrial businesses.

UAQ Free Trade Zone

Low-cost licenses with easy setup and minimal requirements.

Hamriyah Free Zone

Industrial powerhouse with deep water port and logistics.

Sharjah Airport (SAIF)

Fast and efficient zone adjacent to Sharjah International Airport.

Dubai Maritime City

Center for maritime services, ship repair, and engineering.

Dubai Auto Zone

Specialized marketplace for the automotive import and re-export industry.

Dubai CommerCity (DCC)

Dedicated to e-commerce business setup with end-to-end fulfillment services.

Ras Al Khaimah DAO

Pioneering digital asset oasis for blockchain and virtual asset companies.

Masdar City Free Zone

Sustainable urban development for clean energy and technology businesses.

DUQE Free Zone

Unique setup on the Queen Elizabeth 2 offering a prestigious floating office.

Why Register

License Benefits

Legal Compliance

Operate your business legally without fear of fines, shutdowns, or deportation risk.

Corporate Banking

A valid trade license is the primary document required to open a corporate bank account in UAE.

Visa Sponsorship

Grants the company the right to sponsor visas for employees and for owners to sponsor families.

Steps to Acquire

Issuance Process

We streamline the approvals from DED and other external departments.

  1. 1

    Activity Selection

    Define your business activities clearly to select the correct license type and legal form.

  2. 2

    Initial Approval

    Get initial approval from DED to confirm that the government has no objection to your business.

  3. 3

    External Approvals

    Obtain approvals from specific departments (e.g., Municipality, RERA, DHA) if activities demand it.

  4. Payment & Issuance

    Submit documents, pay the government issuance fees, and receive your digital license.

Prerequisites

Documents Required

Initial Setup

  • Passport Copies of all partners
  • Residence Visa (if applicable)
  • Emirates ID (for resident partners)
  • NOC from current sponsor (if employee)

Final Issuance

  • Ejari Certificate (Tenancy Contract)
  • MOA / LSA Agreement
  • External Approval Certificates

Frequently Asked Questions

Dubai License Services in Major Cities