Whether you are planning to start a business, invest in the UAE, or simply understand your options as an expat, getting a UAE trade licence is one of the first steps. A trade licence legally authorises you to conduct business in the UAE, and the type you need depends on your business activity, preferred location, and budget.
This guide covers everything: licence types, UAE trade licence cost, how to apply, the e-trade licence option, how to check your licence online, and how to renew.
- What is a UAE trade licence?
- Types of trade licences in the UAE
- How much does a UAE trade licence cost?
- Cheapest trade licence options in the UAE
- How to apply for a UAE trade licence
- E-trade licence UAE: applying online
- How to check your UAE trade licence
- UAE trade licence renewal
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
What is a UAE trade licence?
A UAE trade licence is an official permit issued by a government authority that allows you to legally operate a business within the UAE. Every business, whether on the mainland or inside a free zone, must hold a valid trade licence.
The licence specifies your business activity, legal structure, and operating jurisdiction. Trading, offering services, or running an industrial operation without a valid licence is a legal offence in the UAE.
Licences are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Types of trade licences in the UAE
The UAE issues several types of trade licences depending on what your business does. In Dubai, licences are administered by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Commercial licence
A commercial licence covers businesses engaged in buying and selling goods, including retail shops, trading companies, and import/export businesses. It is one of the most common licence types in the UAE.
Professional licence
A professional licence applies to service-based businesses and individuals offering skills or expertise. Consultants, accountants, lawyers, designers, and healthcare providers typically fall under this category.
Industrial licence
An industrial licence is for businesses involved in manufacturing, production, or processing. It requires premises zoned for industrial use and approvals from the relevant authorities.
General trading licence
A general trading licence is a type of commercial licence that allows a single business to import, export, distribute, and sell multiple, unrelated product categories under one licence. It offers greater flexibility than a standard commercial licence and is popular with traders dealing in diverse goods.
Note: Certain products such as alcohol, medical supplies, and motor vehicles require additional specialist approvals even with a general trading licence.
How much does a UAE trade licence cost?
UAE trade licence cost varies depending on your business activity, legal structure, number of visa allocations, and whether you set up on the mainland or in a free zone.
Mainland trade licence costs
On the Dubai mainland, the DET issues licences with approximate costs as follows:
| Licence type | Approximate cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Commercial licence | From AED 12,000 to AED 24,500 |
| Professional licence | From AED 9,950 |
| Industrial licence | Varies by activity and location |
Note: These figures cover the licence fee only. Additional costs include trade name registration, establishment card, Ejari, and visa fees. Total first-year mainland setup costs typically range from AED 25,000 to AED 50,000.
Free zone trade licence costs
Free zone trade licence costs are generally lower than mainland equivalents, especially in the northern emirates. Here are some of the most competitive options for 2026:
| Free zone | Starting cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Ajman NuVenture Free Zone | From AED 4,888 |
| SRTIP – Sharjah | From AED 5,500 |
| SHAMS – Sharjah Media City | From AED 5,750 |
| RAKEZ – Ras Al Khaimah | From AED 6,500 |
| Meydan Free Zone – Dubai | From AED 12,500 |
| IFZA – Dubai | From AED 12,900 |
Cheapest trade licence options in the UAE
For those seeking the cheapest trade licence in the UAE, free zones outside Dubai offer the most affordable starting prices. Ajman NuVenture Free Zone starts at AED 4,888 for a zero-visa-quota package, making it one of the lowest-cost options available.
The cheapest general trading licence in the UAE is also found in northern emirate free zones. SRTIP in Sharjah offers general trading licences from AED 5,500, while RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone offer competitive packages in a similar range.
The cheapest option is not always the best fit. If you plan to operate on the UAE mainland, hire employees on a mainland visa, or work with UAE government contracts, a mainland licence may be more practical despite the higher cost.
For home-based online businesses, the DED e-Trader licence is the most affordable route, starting at approximately AED 1,370 per year. See the section below for details.
How to apply for a UAE trade licence
Applying for a UAE trade licence on the Dubai mainland follows these main steps:
- Choose your business activity: Select the correct activity code(s) from the DET list. This determines your licence type and any approvals required.
- Decide on your legal structure: Options include sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or a branch of a foreign company.
- Reserve your trade name: Choose a name that complies with DET naming regulations and reserve it through the Invest in Dubai portal.
- Obtain initial approval: Submit your application online at app.invest.dubai.ae. Initial approval typically takes around 10 minutes.
- Secure commercial premises: Sign and register a tenancy contract (Ejari) for your business address. If you need to find commercial office space in Dubai, Property Finder’s commercial listings can help you compare available options.
- Obtain external approvals if required: Some activities require sign-off from additional authorities such as the Health Authority or Roads and Transport Authority.
- Submit your final application and pay fees: Once all documents are ready, submit through the DET licence issuance service and pay the applicable fees. Your electronic trade licence is issued upon payment.
Note: As of 2026, all mainland licence holders must complete Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) registration at the point of issuance.
E-trade licence UAE: applying online
The e-Trader licence is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and is designed for home-based online businesses, including social media sellers, freelancers, and digital service providers. It allows them to operate legally without needing a physical office or Ejari registration.
Key facts about the e-Trader licence:
- Cost: Approximately AED 1,070 (licence fee including knowledge and innovation fees) + AED 300 (Dubai Chamber membership), totalling around AED 1,370 per year
- Eligibility: UAE nationals, GCC nationals, and expatriates residing in Dubai with a valid UAE residency visa and Emirates ID
- No office required: The licence can be registered to a home address
- Single owner only: The e-Trader licence is for individuals, not companies
- Visa allocation: The e-Trader licence does not allow the holder to sponsor employee visas
Permitted activities include selling fashion, handmade crafts, digital services, educational content, and home-cooked food. All goods and services must be legally approved for trade in the UAE.
Applications can be completed online through the Invest in Dubai portal in under 10 minutes.
How to check your UAE trade licence
To carry out a UAE trade licence check, use one of the following official channels. Verification is free of charge and requires no registration for basic searches.
- Federal level: Visit u.ae and navigate to Verify Business Licences. Search by licence number, business name, or owner name.
- Dubai: Use the Invest in Dubai business search or DET/DED e-services to check a business name, Dubai Unified Licence number, or licence details.
- Abu Dhabi: Search via the ADDED portal at ded.abudhabi.ae or the Abu Dhabi Government portal at abudhabi.ae.
- Other emirates: Each emirate operates its own DED portal. Search using the licence number or business name.
UAE trade licence renewal
All UAE trade licences must be renewed annually. Failing to renew on time results in fines and can prevent the company from operating legally.
When to renew: Begin the UAE trade licence renewal process at least 30 to 45 days before your expiry date to avoid delays.
Steps to renew a Dubai mainland trade licence:
- Check your licence status and expiry date on the Invest in Dubai portal.
- Renew your Ejari (tenancy contract) if it is expiring at the same time.
- Log in via UAE Pass on the Invest in Dubai portal and select the renewal option.
- Upload required documents: Ejari certificate, passport copies, UBO declaration, and Corporate Tax Registration Certificate from the FTA.
- Pay the renewal fees.
Renewal costs: Dubai mainland trade licence renewal fees generally range from AED 8,000 to AED 20,000 depending on your licence type, legal structure, and business activities.
2026 requirements:
- UBO declaration: Every mainland company must have a current, accurate UBO declaration on file. Missing or outdated information will block the renewal.
- Corporate Tax Registration Certificate: Issued by the FTA via EmaraTax, this document is mandatory for renewal across mainland and most free zones.
Key takeaways
- A UAE trade licence is a legal requirement for all businesses operating in the UAE, whether on the mainland or in a free zone.
- The four main licence types are commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism. A general trading licence is a type of commercial licence offering broader activity scope.
- UAE trade licence cost on the mainland starts from around AED 9,950 for professional licences; free zone licences start from as little as AED 4,888.
- The cheapest general trading licence in the UAE is available in free zones such as Ajman NuVenture, SRTIP (Sharjah), and RAKEZ.
- To check your UAE trade licence, use the UAE Government portal at u.ae or your emirate’s DED portal.
- Renew at least 30 to 45 days before expiry. Dubai mainland renewal fees range from AED 8,000 to AED 20,000.
- From 2026, UBO registration and a Corporate Tax Registration Certificate are mandatory for all mainland licence renewals.
FAQs
Apply through the Invest in Dubai portal (app.invest.dubai.ae) for a Dubai mainland licence. Choose your business activity, reserve a trade name, obtain initial approval, secure commercial premises, and pay the licence fees. For free zone licences, apply directly through the relevant free zone authority.
The cheapest trade licence in the UAE is the DED e-Trader licence at approximately AED 1,370 per year, for home-based online businesses. Among standard free zone licences, Ajman NuVenture Free Zone offers packages from AED 4,888.
Visit the UAE Government portal at u.ae and navigate to Verify Business Licences. Search by licence number, business name, or owner name. Dubai-specific checks can also be done via the DET portal (dubaidet.gov.ae) or the Dubai REST app. Verification is free and requires no registration.
Log in to the Invest in Dubai portal using UAE Pass, select the renewal option, upload the required documents (Ejari certificate, UBO declaration, Corporate Tax Registration Certificate), and pay the renewal fees. Start at least 30 to 45 days before your expiry date.
The e-trade licence (officially called the e-Trader licence) is issued by Dubai’s DET and allows individuals to run home-based online businesses, including selling via social media and websites. It costs approximately AED 1,370 per year, requires no office, and can be applied for online in under 10 minutes.
Yes. Following recent regulatory reforms, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most mainland business activities, removing the old requirement for a local sponsor. Expats can also set up in free zones, which have long allowed full foreign ownership.
