Business setup

How to set up your type of business in the UAE

Business setup in the UAE is a process that starts with your activity, because it decides the licence category, the extra approvals you need and which jurisdictions can license you. Each guide below lists the regulators, suitable free zones or mainland options, visas and steps for one type of business, with official sources.

Find your jurisdiction Free zone and emirate guides

Fact-checked against official sources on 22 October 2026

Trade & commerce

E-commerce

eTrader (individual, Dubai) or company licence with an e-commerce activity

General trading

Broad range of non-restricted goods

Import & export

General or specialised trading

Logistics & freight

Freight forwarding, warehousing, land transport, courier

Technology & media

IT & software

Software development, IT consultancy, SaaS, systems integration

Advertising & marketing

Advertising, marketing or media activities

Professional services

Consultancy

Professional or service licence

Education & training

Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

Recruitment agency

Trade licence and MOHRE permit

Property & construction

Real estate brokerage

DET mainland licence with a brokerage activity

Construction & contracting

Mainland contracting licence

Hospitality & retail

Restaurant & café

DET mainland licence with a food activity

Travel & tourism

Department of Economy and Tourism (Dubai)

Health & wellness

Healthcare clinic

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) facility licence + DET trade licence

Beauty salon & spa

DET mainland licence for salon or spa services

Finance & holding

Holding company

Owning shares, property or IP rather than trading

Gold & precious metals

Trading in precious metals and stones

Facility services

Cleaning services

Mainland licence for building cleaning or facility services

Official sources

Check the rules and our licence yourself on these government sites:

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