A movers and packers licence in Dubai costs AED 15,000–28,000 in your first year and requires DET and MOHRE approval. You’ll need RTA commercial vehicle permits and goods-in-transit insurance. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically approves your application within 2–4 weeks.
What Is a Movers and Packers Licence in Dubai?
A movers and packers licence authorises you to operate relocation and furniture moving services across Dubai, the Northern Emirates, and internationally. The activity falls under packaging and moving services (activity code varies by emirate; DET confirms during application). When setting up a Dubai business setup, this licence is your legal gateway to transport household and commercial goods. You’ll operate as either a sole proprietor, LLC, or branch office of an international firm.
Movers and Packers Licence Cost in Dubai 2026
First-year all-in costs for a movers and packers licence range from AED 15,000 to AED 28,000, depending on your business structure and free-zone choice:
| Setup Type | Estimated Cost (AED) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland LLC (1–3 partners) | 18,000–24,000 | Registration, licence fee, MOHRE compliance, DET approval |
| Free-zone (JAFZA, DAZ, RAK FZ) | 16,000–26,000 | Free-zone registration, zone licence, local sponsorship fee |
| Sole Proprietor (Mainland) | 15,000–20,000 | Lower licensing tier, no partners |
Exact fees depend on your chosen jurisdiction (DET, Abu Dhabi Municipality, or zone authority) and whether you require labour cards for staff.
RTA Commercial Vehicle Permits: Essential for Your Fleet
All moving vehicles in your fleet must hold valid RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) commercial vehicle permits. The RTA charges per-vehicle annual registration based on gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Vehicles used for goods transport must display commercial plates and carry a current Bahaar sticker. Your licence application links directly to your vehicle list—you cannot legally operate removal vans without RTA-registered commercial status.
Budget AED 2,000–5,000 per vehicle annually for RTA permits and roadworthiness tests.
Goods-in-Transit Insurance: Mandatory Coverage
Every movers and packers business must carry goods-in-transit insurance (also called cargo insurance). This protects client belongings during transport and is compulsory under UAE Consumer Protection Law and insurance authority guidelines. Coverage typically ranges from AED 500,000 to AED 2,000,000 per shipment. Your DET licence will not be issued without proof of active insurance. Premium costs depend on your annual turnover forecast and claim history.
Arrange coverage with a licensed UAE insurer before your DET inspection.
DET and MOHRE Approval Timeline
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) processes your movers and packers licence application in 2–4 weeks from submission of complete documents. MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) must clear your activity code and labour card eligibility simultaneously. Delays occur if you lack goods-in-transit insurance proof, fail RTA pre-checks, or omit required sponsor affidavits (if using a UAE national as registered agent). Our Dubai business setup consultants can accelerate approvals by pre-vetting all submissions.
Submit all originals and attested copies to avoid rejection cycles.
Can You Offer International Relocations Under a Local Licence?
Yes. A Dubai mainland or free-zone movers and packers licence permits you to undertake international removals, provided you comply with destination-country customs and transport regulations. Many operators partner with licensed freight forwarders for cross-border shipments to manage customs clearance. Your local licence covers the UAE leg; international segments often require additional export/import permits or agent partnerships in destination markets. Goods-in-transit insurance must extend to international routes (check your policy wording).
Next Steps: Secure Your Movers and Packers Licence
Ready to launch? Start with a free scoping call to confirm your activity code, vehicle fleet size, and preferred setup structure (mainland vs free-zone). Dubai Business Services has guided 80,000+ entrepreneurs since 2009. Our fixed-fee model ensures no hidden charges—you’ll know your all-in cost upfront.
WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a 20-minute consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a movers and packers licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
First-year all-in cost ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 28,000. This includes DET licence fees, registration, MOHRE compliance, goods-in-transit insurance setup, and administrative processing. Mainland LLCs typically fall within AED 18,000–24,000; free-zone setups often AED 16,000–26,000. Exact price depends on structure and emirate.
Do moving trucks need special RTA permits?
Yes. Every vehicle in your fleet must hold an active RTA commercial vehicle permit and display commercial number plates. The RTA charges annual registration fees (AED 2,000–5,000 per vehicle) based on gross vehicle weight. Your DET licence application includes a vehicle schedule; unregistered vans cannot legally operate.
Can I offer international relocations under a local Dubai licence?
Yes. A Dubai mainlandor free-zone movers and packers licence authorises international removals, provided you comply with destination customs and transport laws. Many operators partner with licensed freight forwarders for cross-border customs clearance. Ensure your goods-in-transit insurance covers international routes.
What insurance should a moving company carry?
Goods-in-transit (cargo) insurance is compulsory and covers client belongings during transport. Typical coverage ranges from AED 500,000 to AED 2,000,000 per shipment. DET will not issue your licence without proof of active coverage from a UAE-licensed insurer. Premiums depend on your turnover forecast.
How long does licensing take in Dubai?
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) processes your application within 2–4 weeks from submission of complete documents. MOHRE approval runs in parallel. Delays occur if insurance proof is missing, RTA pre-checks fail, or sponsor affidavits are incomplete. Pre-vetting all documents before submission accelerates approval.
Do I need a UAE national partner to start a movers company?
For a mainland LLC, you must have a UAE national as a registered partner (typically 51% shareholding) or use a nominee agent arrangement. Free-zone setups (JAFZA, DAZ, RAK FZ) allow 100% foreign ownership. Check your chosen setup structure with DET or zone authority before incorporation.
What activity codes apply to movers and packers services?
The activity code for packaging and moving services is set by DET (code varies by emirate; typically in the 4930–4939 range under ‘Other professional, scientific and technical activities’). MOHRE must approve your chosen code alongside DET. Ensure your activity code permit covers both domestic and commercial removals.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
