Dubai Business License: Dubai is one of the world’s most entrepreneur-friendly destinations, offering a tax-free business environment, strategic global location, and streamlined company setup process. The UAE’s business-friendly regulations and visa policies make it an attractive hub for startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations.

One of the most critical steps in launching a business in Dubai is obtaining a Dubai business license. Whether you’re planning to trade, provide services, manufacture products, or enter the tourism industry, a business license is a legal requirement for operating in Dubai.

This guide will help you understand the types of business licenses in Dubai, the application process, and how Dubai Business Service can help you get started efficiently.

Types of Dubai Business Licenses

To legally operate in Dubai, businesses must obtain the correct trade license based on their industry and business activities. The four main types of Dubai business licenses include:

1. Commercial License (General Trading License)

A Commercial License is for businesses involved in trading activities, including:

✔️ Import and export of goods
✔️ General trading (multiple product categories under one license)
✔️ Retail and wholesale trading

Key Benefits of a Commercial License:

✅ Operate up to 10 trading activities under one license
✅ Easy corporate bank account opening
✅ Cost-effective renewal process
✅ Ability to hire employees under the license

2. Professional License

A Professional License is required for individuals and companies offering service-based businesses, such as:

✔️ Consultancy firms
✔️ IT and technology services
✔️ Engineering and legal firms
✔️ Medical and healthcare services

Benefits of a Professional License:

✅ Fixed annual fees for business operations
✅ More transparency in service-based businesses
✅ Eligible for employee and investor visas

3. Industrial License

Businesses involved in manufacturing, production, and industrial activities must apply for an Industrial License. This includes:

✔️ Manufacturing goods from raw materials
✔️ Food and beverage production
✔️ Equipment and machinery production

Note: Companies with an Industrial License must have a physical warehouse, factory, or production facility in Dubai.

4. Tourism License

Dubai is a leading tourism and hospitality hub. Businesses in the travel and tourism industry require a Tourism License, including:

✔️ Travel agencies
✔️ Tour operators
✔️ Hospitality and tourism-related businesses

This license is issued by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in coordination with the Department of Economic Development (DED).

How to Get a Dubai Business License in 6 Easy Steps

Obtaining a Dubai business license is straightforward when you follow these six steps:

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

The first step is to decide whether to establish your business in a Mainland or Free Zone:

• Free Zone: 100% foreign ownership, tax incentives, and easy setup.
• Mainland: Allows trading within the UAE and eligibility for government contracts.

💡 Tip: Dubai Business Service can help you decide on the best business structure based on your industry and goals.

Step 2: Select Your Business Name

Your company name must comply with UAE naming regulations:

✔️ Avoid offensive or religious terms
✔️ Use full personal names (no initials or abbreviations)
✔️ Ensure availability for registration

Dubai Business Service will help you select and register a compliant trade name.

Step 3: Prepare & Notarize Company Documents

To proceed with the Dubai business license application, you must prepare and notarize:

📌 Memorandum of Association (MOA)
📌 Articles of Association (AOA)
📌 Trade name approval documents

Step 4: Submit Your Business License Application

Your trade license application must be submitted to:

📌 Department of Economic Development (DED) – Mainland businesses
📌 Free Zone Authority – Free Zone businesses
📌 Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) – Tourism businesses

Step 5: Apply for Visas

After securing your Dubai business license, you can apply for:

✔️ Investor visa
✔️ Employee visas
✔️ Dependent visas (for family members and domestic staff)

The number of visas granted depends on your license type and business size.

Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account

To start business operations, you must open a corporate bank account. Dubai offers a variety of local and international banks, each with different eligibility criteria.

💡 Tip: Dubai Business Service can help you choose the right banking solution for your business.

Dubai Business License Renewal Process

All business licenses must be renewed annually with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or Free Zone Authority. The renewal process includes:

📌 Submission of renewal application
📌 Proof of tenancy contract
📌 Necessary approvals from authorities
📌 Payment of renewal fees

Why Work with Dubai Business Service?

Setting up a Dubai business license requires careful planning and compliance with regulations. Dubai Business Service offers expert assistance to simplify the process:

✅ End-to-end business setup solutions
✅ Business license application and approvals
✅ Trade name registration
✅ Visa and residency processing
✅ Bank account setup assistance

With our team of professionals, you can fast-track your business setup in Dubai without the hassle of delays or errors.

Get Your Dubai Business License Today!

Ready to launch your business in Dubai? Let Dubai Business Service handle everything for you!

📞 Contact us today for expert guidance and a hassle-free Dubai business license setup.