How much does a commercial license cost in Dubai?

Commercial Trade License in Dubai

A commercial trade license in Dubai authorises a business to conduct the trading activities specified on its license. It commonly covers buying and selling goods through retail, wholesale, import, export and distribution. Selecting suitable activities is an important first step because your license must reflect the products you intend to trade and how your business will operate.

Dahhan Business Services assists entrepreneurs with activity selection, document preparation, licensing coordination and ongoing business support.

Who Needs a Commercial Trade License?

A commercial license is generally suitable for businesses trading products such as clothing, electronics, furniture, building materials, machinery and household goods. Some products require additional approvals, registrations or suitable storage facilities.

The appropriate license depends on your actual operations. A business offering consultancy services or manufacturing products may require a different license category or additional activities.

Who Issues a Dubai Mainland Commercial License?

Dubai mainland business licensing is administered through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Businesses established in free zones obtain their licenses through the respective free zone authorities.

For mainland business setup, your selected activities, legal structure, shareholders and premises must meet the applicable requirements. Dahhan Business Services helps you assess these elements before submitting your application.

How Much Does a Commercial License Cost in Dubai?

Commercial trade license costs vary according to the business activities, company structure, premises and approvals required. The advertised license price may exclude office rent, tenancy registration, immigration files, visas and consultancy services.

An itemised quotation should explain government charges, professional assistance fees and additional expenses. It should also distinguish initial setup costs from recurring renewal costs.

What Documents Are Required?

The checklist depends on your application, but commonly includes passport copies, shareholder and manager information, proposed company names and details of the intended trading activities. Emirates ID and residence documents may be requested where applicable.

Company constitutional documents, premises documentation and external approvals may also be required. Corporate shareholders can have additional documentation, translation and legalisation requirements.

What Is the Application Process?

The process generally involves selecting business activities and a legal structure, reserving a trade name, obtaining initial approval, arranging suitable premises, completing company documents and submitting the final application.

Licensing fees are paid as required, and issuance remains subject to authority approval. Processing time depends on document readiness, activity requirements and any additional approvals.

Does the License Cover Import, Export and Online Sales?

Your approved activities must cover your intended products and sales model. Businesses transacting with Dubai Customs require the relevant customs registration. Certain goods may also require product registration or regulatory approval.

Online selling should be assessed against your licensed activities and applicable permissions rather than assumed to be automatically included.

Can the License Be Renewed or Amended?

Commercial licenses require renewal according to their validity and authority requirements. Changes to activities, shareholders, management or premises may require an amendment application.

Dahhan Business Services supports commercial license applications, renewals and amendments in Dubai. Contact our team to discuss your trading plans, receive a tailored document checklist and request a quotation.

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