How to Get a Commercial Trade License in the UAE (2025 Guide)
If you plan to start a business in the UAE, obtaining a commercial trade license is one of the first and most crucial steps. Whether you’re entering the world of retail, general trading, or import/export, a commercial license gives your business legal standing to operate in the UAE.
This guide will help you understand what a commercial license is, the types available, how to apply, and how Maqased Businessmen Services can make the process easy and affordable for you.
📘What is a Commercial Trade License?
A
Commercial Trade License is a legal document issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a Free Zone Authority that allows a company to carry out
buying and selling activities, including.
- Import & export
- Retail or wholesale trade
- General trading
- Online commerce (e-commerce)
- Brokerage or distribution services
This license is essential for companies involved in the
trading of physical goods or products within the UAE or internationally.
🏢 Types of Commercial Trade Licenses in the UAE
There are multiple license formats depending on your business location and trade activity:
1. DED Mainland License
- Issued by the DED of each emirate (e.g., DED Dubai)
- Allows trade across the UAE and internationally
- Requires a physical office (Ejari)
2. Free Zone Commercial License
- Issued by Free Zone authorities like IFZA, SHAMS, DMCC, RAKEZ, etc.
- Ideal for import/export businesses and tax benefits
- May allow 100% foreign ownership
3. General Trading License
- A broader version of the commercial license
- Allows trading in multiple unrelated goods (e.g., electronics, food, clothes)
- Requires special approvals depending on the product
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Get a Commercial Trade License
Here’s the simplified process to follow:
✅ Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
Select the goods/services you will be dealing with. You can choose more than one activity under one license.
✅ Step 2: Decide on Your Business Jurisdiction
Choose between:
- Mainland (with DED)
- Free Zone (with 100% ownership and tax benefits)
✅ Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name
Choose a business name that follows UAE naming guidelines. No offensive words, no religious references, and no abbreviations unless initials are part of a legal name.
✅ Step 4: Get Initial Approval
Apply for initial approval from the relevant authority confirming that your business activity is permissible.
✅ Step 5: Prepare Legal Documents
Documents include:
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Emirates ID (if available)
- Visa copy (if resident)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsor (if applicable)
- MOA (Memorandum of Association)
- Tenancy Contract / Ejari (for mainland)
✅ Step 6: Office Space and Tenancy Contract
Mainland companies require a
physical office with an Ejari. Free Zone packages may offer
virtual offices or flexi-desks.
✅ Step 7: Submit Application & Pay License Fee
Submit all documents to the authority (DED or Free Zone) and pay the license fee. This fee varies depending on your business activity, location, and company structure.
✅ Step 8: Get Your License & Start Operating
After approval, you’ll receive your
Commercial Trade License, valid for 1 year and renewable annually. You can now open a corporate bank account, apply for visas, and start trading.
💰 What is the Cost of a Commercial Trade License?
Here’s a general breakdown:
| Location |
Starting Cost |
Notes |
| DED Mainland |
AED 12,000 – AED 18,000 |
Requires Ejari |
| Free Zone |
AED 6,000 – AED 15,000 |
No office required in most zones |
| General Trading |
AED 15,000 – AED 25,000+ |
Based on scope and approvals |
These rates vary based on activities, shareholder structure, and visa quota.
✅ Why Set Up Your License with Maqased?
Maqased Businessmen Services simplifies the license process from A to Z:
- Business activity consultation
- Trade name reservation
- Document preparation & typing
- PRO & Government Liaison
- Free Zone or DED licensing
- Visa processing and Ejari assistance
We offer
affordable packages that include license, visa, office support, and more all in one place.
📞 Ready to Start Your UAE Business?
Let us help you launch your company with confidence. For fast and affordable business setup, contact
Maqased Businessmen Services today:
📍 Dar Al Nahda Building, Hor Al Anz East, Dubai
📞 +971 52 629 2589
📧
info@maqased.com
🌐 Visit:
maqased.com
