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: www.maqased.com

How to Get a Commercial Trade License in the UAE (2025 Guide)