Licensing, PRO & Visas
Trade Licence Services in Dubai & the UAE
A trade licence is the government permit that lets a company legally operate a defined activity in the UAE. Dubai mainland licences are issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism in three categories: commercial, professional and industrial. Licences must be renewed annually to keep visas and banking active.
Last reviewed · Reviewed by Mahmoud Mansour, Founder & Managing Director (lawyer in the UAE since 2006) · EH Management Consultancy LLC, Dubai
At a glance
Key facts about trade Licence Services
- Categories
- Commercial, professional, industrial
- Issuer (Dubai mainland)
- Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Dubai Unified Licence
- A single licence identifier used across Dubai authorities
- Validity
- Annual renewal
- Impact of lapse
- Fines and possible restrictions on visas and banking
Who it is for
Is this the right service for you?
- New companies selecting a licence category
- Owners renewing before expiry
- Companies adding or changing activities
- Businesses changing legal form or address
Process
How it works, step by step
-
01
Confirm the right category
Trading goods is commercial, services is professional, manufacturing is industrial.
-
02
Check activity requirements
Some activities need external approvals before the licence is issued.
-
03
Prepare and submit the application
File through the authority’s channel with required documents.
-
04
Pay fees and receive the licence
The licence is issued once approvals and fees clear.
-
05
Diarise renewal
Renew before expiry and update premises and activity changes promptly.
Documents
What you typically need
- Existing licence and Ejari (for renewals)
- Passport copies of owners
- Company agreement
- Approvals for regulated activities
- Updated tenancy documents
Cost
What drives the price
Fees depend on your situation, so we quote after a short consultation with no hidden extras. The main factors are:
- Licence category and activities
- Authority and Chamber fees
- Approvals and amendments
- Late-renewal fines if applicable
Frequently asked
Questions about trade Licence Services
What is the difference between commercial, professional and industrial licences?
Commercial covers trading goods, professional covers services and consultancy, and industrial covers manufacturing and processing. Your activity decides the category.
What happens if my trade licence expires?
Fines accrue and the company may face restrictions on visas and banking. Renew before expiry to avoid penalties.
Can I add a new activity to my licence?
Usually yes through an amendment, subject to the authority’s approval and any external approvals the new activity needs.
What is the Dubai Unified Licence?
It is a unified licence number that links a business across Dubai government entities.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Rules and fees change. These government and regulator pages are the authoritative references behind this page.
Related services
Often needed together
Talk to an EHMC consultant
Tell us about your business and get a clear, written path with timelines and costs.