Trade License in Dubai, UAE

Mainland, Free Zone & Renewal

From activity selection to licence issuance in 3–5 working days

Handling mainland DET licenses, Free zone setups across IFZA, DMCC, Meydan, and Annual renewal

Operating Since

2020

Companies Served

1100 +

Working Days Turnaround

Book a Free Consultation

View Pricing

License Types

Types of Trade License in Dubai

The right trade license depends on what your business does and where it operates.

Here are the six main types – pick what fits your model.

Commercial Licence

For trading, import/export, retail, and general buying and selling activities.

Professional Licence

For skill-based services — consultancy, IT, design, and freelancing.

Industrial Licence

For manufacturing, product assembly, and processing operations.

E-Commerce Licence

For online stores, digital storefronts, and internet-based selling businesses.

Free Zone Licence

100% ownership with 0% corporate tax for qualifying business activities.

Offshore Licence

For international operations, asset holding, and global trading structures.

DET Mainland

Mainland Trade License in Dubai

Issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Operate anywhere across the UAE market

100% foreign ownership now available on 1,000+ activities.

Main Land License Types

Commercial Licence

Professional Licence

Industrial Licence

Tourism Licence

Eligibility Requirements

2026 Compliance Alert

UBO Registration Is Mandatory

As of 2026, UBO registration is compulsory for all mainland trade licence applications and renewals — fines of up to AED 15,000 apply for non-compliance. Quickstep handles UBO registration as a standard part of every client’s application.

Eligibility Requirements

Passport copy (all shareholders)
Trade name approval certificate
Initial approval certificate from DET
Memorandum of Association (MOA) — notarised
Ejari-registered tenancy contract
Activity-specific NOC (if regulated)
UBO registration form

Free Zone Setup

Free Zone Trade License Dubai

100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax on qualifying activities, no local sponsor. Quickstep advises on the best free zone for your business model.

100% Foreign Ownership

No local partner needed

0% Corporate Tax

On qualifying activities

3-5 Working Days

Fast license issuance

Remote Setup

No UAE travel needed

Free Zone	Best For	Key Benefit
IFZA	Startups, SMEs, freelancers	Lowest cost entry
DMCC	Trading, commodities, finance	UAE's top trading zone
Meydan Free Zone	E-commerce, digital businesses	Fully online setup
DAFZA / JAFZA	Logistics, general trading	Airport & port access
Dubai South	Events, large-scale operations	Near Expo City

Free Zone Documents Required

Passport copy (all shareholders)
Passport-size photograph (white background)
Business plan (required by some free zones)
Completed application form (free zone-specific)
Share certificate (for multi-shareholder entities)
MOA/AOA — notarised (for company structures)

Annual Renewal

Trade License Renewal in Dubai

A lapsed licence blocks visa renewals, freezes banking, and puts your business at legal risk. Start the renewal process at least 30 days before expiry.

⚠️ Late Renewal Penalties — Know the Costs

Dubai mainland trade licences carry a 30-day grace period after expiry. After that window closes, fines of AED 250 per month begin accumulating — along with visa blocks and potential banking restrictions. Start early and avoid paying for delays that are entirely preventable.

2026 FTA Compliance Note

Changes Must Be Reported Within 20 Working Days

Any change to your licence — trade name, partners, activity, or registered address — must be reported to the FTA within 20 working days. Quickstep coordinates FTA notifications as a standard part of every renewal process.

Renewal Documents Required

How It works

How Quickstep Gets Your Trade License In Dubai

Six steps, one team, no handoffs. Here is exactly what happens from your first call to your licence in hand.

Step 01

Free Consultation & Activity Selection

Identify the right licence type and jurisdiction — mainland, free zone, or offshore — for your business model.

Step 02

Trade Name Reservation

Your business name is reserved and approved with DET or the relevant free zone authority.

Step 03

Initial Approval

Secure initial approval from DET or the free zone authority before any document submission begins.

Step 04

Document Submission & MOA

All documents prepared, notarised, and submitted. MOA drafted and attested where required.

Step 05

License Issuance

Your trade licence is issued and delivered. Quickstep target: 3–5 working days for eligible applications.

Step 06

Visa & Bank Account Coordination

Investor visa and corporate bank account initiated immediately after licence issuance — no gaps, no waiting.

Our difference

Why Dubai Businesses Choose Quickstep

Speed, direct access, and a team that stays accountable. Here is what sets Quickstep apart from every other consultant in the market.

License in 3-5 Working Days

The market average is 7–10 working days. Our Sales, Documentation, PRO, Operations, Government Relations, and Compliance teams run in parallel — not in sequence.

No Middlemen. Direct Government Access

Our PRO team visits DET and free zone counters daily. Your application moves forward without third-party handoffs or unexplained hold-ups.

License. Visa. Bank Account. One Team

Your trade licence, investor visa, and corporate bank account are processed together — no coordination gaps between separate service providers.

Your Renewal Is Never Missed

We track your renewal deadlines, coordinate your documents, and handle FTA notifications — you focus on running your business, we keep your licence clean.

Compliance Shield

The Quickstep Compliance Shield

We track your licence expiry, UBO registration deadlines, and FTA notification windows so nothing slips past you. You get alerts ahead of every critical date — via WhatsApp and email — and our team coordinates the renewal, amendment, or submission before any fine or block can kick in.

This is not a reminder tool. It is a compliance partner that acts on your behalf.

Free Zone Options

Company Formation in Dubai's Leading Free Zones

The best free zone licence depends entirely on your business type, budget, and growth plan.

Startups & SMEs

IFZA

Lowest cost entry, flexible visa packages, no paid-up capital requirement. Ideal for first-time entrepreneurs.

Trading & Commodities

DMCC

UAE’s most recognised free zone for high-volume trading businesses. Preferred for serious commodity traders.

E-Commerce & Digital

Meydan Free Zone

Fully online setup, fastest processing for digital-first businesses. Perfect for 2026 remote entrepreneurs.

Logistics & Trading

DAFZA / JAFZA

Airport and port proximity for importers and distributors. High-volume general trading specialists.

Events & Operations

Dubai South

Strategic position near Expo City and Al Maktoum Airport. Best for large-scale event and logistics operations.

Who We help

Who We Help With Trade License Services

Whether you are starting from scratch, renewing, or expanding — Quickstep has managed this process for businesses like yours.

First-Time Entrepreneurs

Setting up your first Dubai business and need guidance on activity selection, the right jurisdiction, and the full process — from trade name to licence in hand.

Existing Business Owners

Businesses needing annual trade licence renewal, activity amendments, or a new licence for a second venture — handled without disrupting current operations.

International Investors

Foreign nationals setting up a Dubai entity for tax efficiency, 100% ownership, and GCC market access — the entire process managed remotely, start to finish.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to the questions business owners ask before getting started.

How much does a trade licence cost in Dubai in 2026?

Trade licence costs start from approximately AED 5,750 for free zone setups such as IFZA, and from AED 12,000–15,000 for mainland DET licences — depending on your business activity, jurisdiction, and office requirements. Quickstep adds a transparent service fee, quoted upfront with no hidden charges.

How long does it take to get a trade license in Dubai?

Standard government channels typically take 7–10 working days. Quickstep’s multi-departmental workflow targets licence issuance within 3–5 working days for eligible applications. The exact timeline depends on your licence type, business activity, and document readiness.

What happens if my trade license expires in Dubai?

An expired licence triggers a 30-day grace period. After that, fines of AED 250 per month begin accumulating. An expired licence also blocks all visa renewals, restricts banking operations, and can result in full business suspension.

Do I need a physical office to get a trade license in Dubai?

A physical office with an Ejari-registered tenancy contract is required for all mainland trade licence applications. Free zone licences offer greater flexibility — many free zones permit flexi-desk or virtual office arrangements for businesses with up to four visa allocations.

How do i renew my trade license in Dubai?

For mainland licences, submit the BR/1 renewal form through the DET portal along with updated documents and a valid Ejari contract. Free zone renewals go through the respective free zone’s online portal. Quickstep handles the full renewal cycle on your behalf.

What documents are required to get a trade license in Dubai?

A passport copy, approved trade name certificate, initial approval from DET or the free zone authority, a notarised MOA, and an Ejari-registered tenancy contract for mainland applications. Certain regulated activities also require a No Objection Certificate.

What is the difference between a mainland and free zone trade license?

A mainland licence (issued by DET) allows trading across the entire UAE market without restriction. A free zone licence offers 0% corporate tax for qualifying activities but restricts trading to within the free zone — unless you obtain a separate DET permit for mainland access.

Can a free zone company operate in Dubai mainland?

Yes. As of 2026, free zone companies can apply for a DET permit to conduct selected activities on the mainland without setting up a separate mainland entity. A physical office within the free zone remains a requirement.

Can I get a trade license in Dubai without a local sponsor?

Yes. Following recent regulatory reforms, over 1,000 business activities on the Dubai mainland now allow 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required. All free zone trade licences in Dubai have always permitted full foreign ownership.

Get Started

Start Your Company Formation Dubai Today

Transparent pricing. Licence in your hands within 3–5 working days. One team handles your licence, visa, and bank account — start to finish.