Trade License
A trade license is a certification acquired through the concerned judiciary that allows a company to practice its specified business activity under legal authority. In UAE, the Department of Economic Development (DED) is the statuary body that oversees and controls the legalities and procedures of trading licenses along with the institutional support of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Different Types of Trade Licenses in UAE?
DED (Department of Economic Development) in Dubai has categorized every business under specific activities, to help investors incorporate proper business structures on the mainland and start an LLC business in Dubai. Similarly, across all the free zone jurisdictions in UAE, the free zone authorities have a predefined list of business activities allowed to obtain a trade license.
- Professional Trade License
- Commercial Trade license
- Industrial Trade License

Professional Trade License
Fundamentally, a professional trade license is issued to service providers, professionals, artisans, and craftsmen in Dubai and all around UAE. While the license allows 100% foreign ownership, 100% profit possession and freedom of operations, a local service agent must be appointed to complete judicial formalities. The license is issued on the basis of academic entitlement as well as professional skills.
Business Setups in UAE That Require This License
- Marketing consultancy
- Management consultancy
- Event Organizers
- Law firms and Associates
- Accounting companies
- Businessmen Forum
Advantages
- Fast approval of documentation from concerned departments in UAE
- Step by step licensing and company formation through government channels
- Easy procedures for visa, labor quota, family sponsorship and related services
- Fast and hassle free provision of corporate bank accountFast and hassle free provision of corporate bank accountFast and hassle free provision of corporate bank accountFast and hassle free provision of corporate bank accountFast and hassle free provision of corporate bank accountFast and hassle free provision of corporate bank account
- Transparency in dealing with fixed annual fee from the business
- Suitable for Startups, SMEs and MNCs making their debut in UAE
Commercial Trade license
Commercial Trade License is issued to companies dealing in the buying and selling of goods, or any other form of commercial activity. General traders or specialized traders can apply for commercial license, engaged in either goods, commodities or even services. The license taker must abide by certain requirements, especially the business activity plan for which the number of goods the company will be allowed to trade in.
Business Setups in UAE That Require This License
- Imports and Exports
- Broadcasting and Communications
- Home Appliances Trading
- Chemicals Trading
- Electronics Trading
- Car Rental Services
Advantages
- The investor has several options in different types of company structures
- General Trading License allows trading of multiple goods under one certification
- Access to a diverse community of DED registered company
- Easy procedures for visa, labor quota, family sponsorship and related servicest
- Assisting with the opening of corporate bank accounts.
- Government facilitated corporate bank account provisions
Industrial Trade License
All businesses involved in Industrial and manufacturing activities are required to register for an Industrial license to operate in UAE. The license allows the companies to convert or modify natural resources or raw materials through specialized units such as factories, plants, or refineries. Due to such characteristics, the company is required to own a physical office space or warehouse within UAE to attain eligibility for Industrial License.
Business Setups in UAE That Require This License
- Appliances and Machinery Manufacturing
- Equipment and Engines Manufacturing
- Manufacturing of Food Products
- Casting of Steel and Iron
- Furniture Manufacturers
- Storage and Packaging
Advantages
- Investors are exposed with preliminary analysis before the licensing process
- Allows expansion of business parameters with reliable and trustworthy sources
- A judicial body oversees and safeguards all revenue transactions and proceedings
- An Industrial License welcomes further investors and consumer
- Zones gives special incentives to businesses operating in specific products
- International business community with state of the art infrastructure