Types of trade licenses in Dubai and the costs of issuing them. In Dubai, trade licenses are among the basic elements that contribute to organizing and facilitating the work of companies and investors, as there are a variety of trade licenses available that meet the needs of various commercial activities. Commercial licenses in Dubai are legal documents that grant companies permission to carry out their activities within a specific regulatory framework, and their types vary according to the type of activity and the nature of the company. Among these licenses, we find the general commercial license, which is granted to businesses that do not require additional permits, and the specialized activities license, which targets commercial activities that require specific approvals, such as health and educational activities.
The costs of issuing business licenses in Dubai are an important factor for investors and business owners, as costs vary based on the type of license, scope of activity, and company location. Basic costs include registration fees, license issuance fees, as well as other administrative fees. Types of business licenses in Dubai Total costs can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of UAE dirhams, depending on the type of activity and services required. Investors are advised to benefit from the services of Itqan Company, which provides integrated consultations on appropriate options for issuing commercial licenses, assists in submitting license applications, and facilitates registration and licensing procedures. Itqan Company contributes to providing comprehensive support to investors, starting from choosing the appropriate type of license, through providing advice on costs, all the way to completing the procedures quickly and effectively. The company also provides additional services, including following up on licenses and renewing them, which contributes to facilitating the process of starting a business and successfully achieving investment goals.

Types of commercial licenses in Dubai and their issuance costs
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ToggleTypes of business licenses available in Dubai
Dubai is one of the most prominent business destinations in the world, providing an ideal environment for business and investment. Commercial licenses are the legal basis for any business activity in the emirate, and are necessary to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. There are several types of business licenses in Dubai, each designated for a specific type of commercial, industrial and professional activity. This diversity allows investors to choose the license that suits the nature of their business and investment aspirations. Below is an overview of the different types of business licenses in Dubai .
- Commercial license
It is awarded to companies that engage in traditional business activities such as buying, selling, importing, exporting and distribution. This license covers a wide range of business activities including general trade and retail trade.
- Industrial license
It is allocated to companies engaged in industrial activities such as manufacturing, production and assembly. Obtaining this license requires additional regulatory approvals to ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety standards.
- Professional license
It is awarded to individuals and companies that provide specialized professional services such as management consulting, legal, medical, and engineering services. This license depends on the qualifications and professional experience of applicants.
- Tourist licence
Issued to companies operating in the tourism and hospitality sector, including travel agencies, hotels, tourist resorts, and tourist car rental companies. This license requires approvals from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai.
- Agricultural license
It is awarded to companies engaged in agriculture and agricultural production, including animal husbandry, crop cultivation, and agricultural food production.
- Freelance license
It is issued to individuals who want to work as freelancers in various fields such as graphic design, content writing, and software development. This license allows individuals to operate legally without having to set up a formal company.
- Innovative license
It is dedicated to startups and innovative projects that focus on technology and innovation. This license aims to support innovation and enhance the knowledge economy in Dubai.
Dubai provides a wide range of commercial licenses that meet the needs of various types of commercial, industrial and professional activities. These licenses contribute to organizing and facilitating business and ensuring compliance with local laws, which enhances investment attraction and supports economic growth in the emirate.

Basic steps to obtain a business license in Dubai
Basic steps to obtain a business license in Dubai
Obtaining a business license in Dubai is a crucial step to starting any business in the emirate. This license represents the legal document that allows companies and individuals to conduct their business in a legal and orderly manner. Dubai seeks to provide a stimulating and attractive commercial environment for investors from around the world, and for this reason it has developed a regulatory framework that facilitates the process of obtaining commercial licenses. Below are the basic steps that must be followed to obtain a business license in Dubai .
Determine the type of business activity
The first step is to decide what type of business you want to engage in. Investors must carefully select the activity to ensure it is compatible with the required license. Activities can be commercial, industrial, professional, or tourism.
Choose the type of commercial license
Depending on the type of activity, the appropriate type of business license must be chosen. Dubai provides several types of business licenses, including the commercial license, industrial license, professional license, tourist license, and others.
Trade name reservation
Investors must reserve a trade name for the company. The trade name must be unique and not used by other companies. Name availability can be checked and reserved through the Dubai Department of Economic Development.
Preparing the required documents
The process of obtaining a commercial license requires preparing and submitting a set of documents that include:
a copy of the passport for all partners
Photograph
The company’s articles of incorporation (if it is a limited liability company or joint stock company)
Approvals from the relevant authorities (if necessary)
Submit a license application
After preparing the required documents, an application for a commercial license must be submitted to the Department of Economic Development or the competent authority in Dubai. The application can be submitted electronically or by visiting one of the service centers.
Payment of fees
The fees required to issue a commercial license must be paid. Fees vary based on the type of license and the nature of the business. Fees include registration fees, license issuance fees, and any additional fees related to required approvals.
Receiving the license
After submitting the application and paying the fees, the competent authorities review the application and documents. If all procedures and documents are complete, the business license is issued and the investor can legally start his business.
Additional steps (if necessary)
Depending on the type of activity, some activities may require additional approvals from certain authorities such as the Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Health, or the Electricity and Water Authority. You must ensure that all required approvals are obtained before starting the activity.
By following these steps, investors can obtain a business license in Dubai easily and conveniently. This organized process contributes to supporting economic growth and attracting investments to the emirate, strengthening its position as one of the most prominent business destinations in the world.
Learn about the types of business licenses in Dubai
In conclusion, the process of obtaining business licenses in Dubai is a crucial step to ensure the legal and regulatory operation of any business activity. Business licenses in Dubai vary widely to meet various business needs, whether for startups or large companies. Starting from general business licenses that allow traditional activities to specialized licenses that require additional approvals, investors can find the right type that matches the nature of their business and strategic goals.
The costs of issuing business licenses are an important factor that investors must take into consideration when planning to launch their business in Dubai. These costs can vary based on several factors including the type of license, the scope of the business, and the location of the company. The initial registration fees and license issuance fees are considered part of the basic costs, but other administrative fees may be added to them according to the specific regulatory requirements for each activity. Therefore, it is important for investors to carefully study the potential costs and do good financial planning to ensure the success and sustainability of their business.
Itqan Company is considered an ideal partner for investors wishing to establish their businesses in Dubai, as it provides integrated solutions starting from providing consultations related to choosing the appropriate type of license, through the application and issuance procedures, all the way to follow-up services and license renewal. Itqan contributes to simplifying and facilitating the process, saving investors time and effort and enabling them to focus on developing their business and achieving success. In addition, the company provides ongoing support to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, enhancing business sustainability and investor confidence in Dubai’s thriving business environment.
By cooperating with Itqan, investors can benefit from its extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the commercial environment in Dubai, which contributes to achieving the best results and avoiding potential challenges. Ultimately, obtaining the appropriate trade licenses represents a key strategic step for success in Dubai’s diverse and dynamic market, and Itqan remains the ideal partner to achieve these goals efficiently and effectively.
Frequently asked questions about types of commercial licenses in Dubai
What types of business licenses are available in Dubai?
There are several types of business licenses in Dubai, including the general commercial license, industrial license, professional license, and tourist license. Each type of license covers a specific set of business activities.
What are the basic steps to obtain a business license in Dubai?
The basic steps include: determining the type of business activity, choosing the appropriate type of license, reserving a trade name, preparing the required documents, submitting the license application, paying the fees, and receiving the license.
What are the costs of issuing business licenses in Dubai?
License issuance costs vary based on the type of activity, type of license and location. Costs can include registration fees, license issuance fees, additional approvals and permit fees, and license renewal fees.
Can foreigners get business licenses in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can obtain business licenses in Dubai. Multiple options are available for business licenses in free zones, which provide 100% foreign ownership.
What documents are required to obtain a business license?
The required documents usually include: a copy of the passport, a personal photo, the company’s articles of incorporation, approvals from the relevant authorities (if necessary), and other documents specified according to the type of activity and license.
What is the time required to issue a commercial license in Dubai?
The duration depends on the type of license and commercial activity. Typically, a license can be issued within two to four weeks if all documents are complete and required approvals are available.