Tax & Compliance Support
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Get Your Trade License in Dubai
Get a trade license in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, with or without a visa. Tell us about your business, and we'll connect you with consultants who handle mainland and free zone licenses.
- Trade license with visa or without visa
- Mainland and free zone options
- 1-year and multi-year licenses available
*Free zone trade license without visa. Prices vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change.
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Find Consultants for Every Step of Your Business Setup
- Trade License
- Company Registration
- Residence Visa Processing
- Emirates ID Processing
- Establishment Card
- Immigration Card
- Corporate Tax Registration
- Bank Account Assistance
- PRO Services & Govt Liaison
- Document Attestation
- Trade Name Reservation
- MOA / AOA Drafting
- VAT Registration
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Virtual / Flexi / Physical Office
- Ongoing Compliance Support
Compare Before You Choose
See the services different consultants offer in one place. Contact the ones that fit your requirements and discuss fees and timelines with them directly.
Why Set Up in the UAE
The Benefits of UAE Residency
Setting up your own company in the UAE can make you eligible for a residence visa. This lets you live and work in the country, sponsor family members, and access local banking, healthcare and education.
Live & Work
Live and work in the UAE under your company's visa.
Tax Environment
The UAE has a competitive tax system for businesses.
Global Reach
Access regional and international markets from the UAE.
Banking Access
Open a corporate bank account, subject to bank approval.
Family Sponsorship
Sponsor eligible family members once you meet the requirements.
Visa Services
Find consultants who handle visa processing and renewals.
Simple 3-step process
Find your consultant in 3-Steps
Tell us what you need, compare consultants, and choose the one that suits your business.
- 01
Share Your Requirements
Fill in a short form with your business activity, preferred setup type and timeline. This helps us understand what kind of consultant you're looking for.
- Business activity & setup type
- Your timeline
Your Request
Quick online form
- Tell us your business activity
- Choose mainland, free zone or offshore
- Share when you plan to start
- 02
Get Connected with Consultants
We connect you with consultants who offer the services you need. Review your options, ask questions, and compare before you decide.
Consultant Match
- Request received
- Matched with consultants
- Consultants get in touch
- Compare your options
- 03
Work with Your Chosen Consultant
Choose the consultant that fits your business. Agree on scope, fees and timelines with them directly, and they'll guide you through the setup process.
License IssuedReady to trade
What is a trade license?
A trade license is the official permit that lets your company carry out business activities in the UAE. Every business needs one before it can start trading, open a corporate bank account or sponsor visas.
For a mainland company, your trade license in Dubai is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). For a free zone company, it's issued by the free zone authority where you register.
Trade license with visa vs without visa
The first decision most people make is whether they need a visa with their license. Here's a quick comparison:
| Without visa | With visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | People who already have a UAE residence visa, or run their business from abroad | People who want to live in the UAE through their own company, or hire staff |
| UAE residence visa | No | Yes, for you, your partners or staff |
| Emirates ID | No | Yes, for each visa holder |
| Family sponsorship | Not through this license | Possible, if you meet the requirements |
| Health insurance | Not needed for the license | Required for each visa (not included in packages) |
| Starting price | From AED 4,888 | From AED 10,800 (1 visa) |
Need a visa later? Many packages can be upgraded. Your consultant can confirm what's possible for your license. For a deeper comparison, read: Trade License With Visa vs Without Visa.
Trade license packages
Example starting prices for 1-year free zone trade license packages:
| Package | Starting from |
|---|---|
| Trade license (no visa) | AED 4,888 |
| Trade license + 1 visa | AED 10,800 |
| Trade license + 2 visas | AED 16,200 |
| Trade license + 3 visas | AED 20,700 |
| Trade license + 4 visas | AED 25,200 |
| Trade license + 5 visas | AED 29,700 |
Packages for up to 10 visas, and multi-year licenses of 2 to 5 years, are also available. Mainland license costs are quoted separately based on your activity and office.
Example prices are based on selected UAE free zone packages with full advance payment. Prices vary by jurisdiction, including Dubai free zones and mainland, and are subject to change. Health insurance, which is required for visas, is not included. Confirm your final quote before payment.
Want to understand every cost involved? Read: How Much Does a Trade License Cost in the UAE?
Mainland or free zone trade license?
Your trade license can be issued on the mainland or in a free zone. The right choice depends on where your customers are and how you plan to operate.
Mainland trade license
- Trade directly anywhere in the UAE
- Work with government entities
- Usually needs a physical office (Ejari)
- Visas linked to office size
Free zone trade license
- 100% foreign ownership
- Package prices, starting from AED 4,888
- Flexi-desk options available
- Limits on trading directly with the local market
Types of trade license in the UAE
Commercial license
For trading activities, like buying, selling, importing, exporting and e-commerce.
Professional license
For service businesses and professionals, like consultancies, marketing agencies, IT services and design.
Industrial license
For manufacturing, processing and industrial activities.
Not sure which type fits your business? Read: Types of Trade License in the UAE Explained.
What's usually included
Inclusions vary by jurisdiction and package. A typical free zone trade license package can include:
- Business license, with multiple activities on many packages
- Lease agreement (flexi-desk or office)
- MOA / AOA (if applicable)
- Share certificate and certificate of incorporation
- Bank letter to help open a corporate account
- For visa packages: establishment card, entry permit, visa medical, residence visa and Emirates ID
Your consultant will confirm exactly what's included before you pay.
How to get your trade license with us
- Send your enquiry: tell us your business activity, whether you need a visa, and your budget.
- Get connected with a consultant: they'll suggest mainland or free zone options and send you a quote.
- Choose your package: pick your jurisdiction, activity, number of visas and license duration.
- Get your license: your consultant handles the application, and your license is issued once approved.
Want to understand each step in detail? Read: How to Get a Trade License in the UAE.
Documents usually required
- passport copies of all shareholders
- passport-size photos
- UAE visa or entry stamp, if you're in the UAE
- Emirates ID, if you're a UAE resident
- corporate documents, if the shareholder is a company
See the full checklist: Documents Required to Start a Business in the UAE
After you get your license
Once your trade license is issued, you may also need help with:
- residence visas for you, your partners and staff: see visa services
- opening a corporate bank account
- VAT and corporate tax registration
- renewing your license each year, or cancelling it if you close
See our business support services for help after setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is a trade license in Dubai?
A trade license is the official permit that allows a company to carry out business activities in Dubai or the UAE. It's issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism for mainland companies, or by the relevant free zone authority for free zone companies.
Can I get a trade license without a visa?
Yes. A trade license without a visa suits people who already have a UAE residence visa, or who run their business from outside the UAE. Packages start from AED 4,888.
How much does a trade license with a visa cost?
Trade license packages with one visa start from AED 10,800. The final cost depends on the jurisdiction, activity, number of visas and license duration. Health insurance for the visa is extra.
Can I add a visa to my license later?
In many cases, yes, depending on your jurisdiction, package and office type. Your consultant can confirm whether you can upgrade later and what it would cost.
How long is a trade license valid?
Most trade licenses are issued for one year and renewed annually. Some free zones also offer multi-year licenses of 2 to 5 years.
Can I do more than one business activity on one license?
Often, yes. Many free zones allow several related activities on one license, and some packages include up to 10 activities. Mainland rules depend on the activity group.
Ready to get your trade license?
Tell us your business activity and whether you need a visa, and we'll connect you with a consultant who can help you get your trade license in Dubai or the UAE.
Send Your Enquiry