Commercial License in Dubai, UAE
Looking to trade, retail, or import-export in the UAE? A Dubai commercial license is essential to operate legally. With the right license, you can sponsor employees, access local and international markets, and grow your business with full regulatory compliance and peace of mind.
What is a Commercial License?
A commercial license is an official permit issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). It allows businesses to trade goods, run retail or wholesale operations, manage import-export activities, and carry out general commercial work. While a professional license focuses on services, a commercial license is meant for businesses that sell physical products or manage trading activities across the UAE and beyond.
Companies with a commercial license can enjoy different ownership options. In free zones, businesses can have 100% foreign ownership with no local partner. On the mainland, a local sponsor may be required depending on the activity. The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. It also allows companies to sponsor employees, dependents, and family visas across all emirates, giving businesses the freedom to build a full team.
A commercial license is ideal for many product-based businesses. It suits retailers, wholesalers, importers, exporters, supermarkets, online stores, and e-commerce brands. It also works for traders dealing in electronics, clothing, food items, furniture, building materials, beauty products, and many other merchandise categories. Whether you want a small shop, a large trading company, or an online business in Dubai or the wider UAE, this license provides the legal foundation you need to operate and grow.
Benefits of Commercial License in Dubai
100% Foreign Ownership
Free zone owners retain full control; mainland requires a sponsor but allows direct market access.
Business Credibility & Market Access
DED license builds supplier/buyer trust; enables B2B and wholesale trading across GCC.
Legal Trading Operations
Operate legally in all seven emirates with invoicing, contracts, and commercial rights.
Tax Benefits & Cost Efficiency
Corporate tax exemptions under AED 375,000; no personal income tax; free zone incentives.
Local & International Trading
License allows import-export, regional GCC trading, and access to global supply chains.
Government Procurement & Tenders
Participate in government contracts, tenders, and public sector opportunities with license.
Requirements for Commercial License
- Valid trade activity from DED approved commercial activities list (general trading, import-export, retail, etc.).
- Choose company structure: sole proprietorship, LLC, one-person company, or civil company.
- Reserve unique business trade name via DED portal complying with UAE naming regulations.
- Provide passport copies, visa pages, and Emirates ID for all partners or owners.
- Obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer if on UAE employment visa.
- Secure valid office lease or virtual office; register with Ejari (Real Estate Regulatory Agency).
- Obtain DED initial approval confirming business activity and trade name acceptance.
- Complete DED application form with all activity codes, ownership details, and business information.
- Submit tenancy contract, office floor plan, Ejari certificate, and location documentation.
- Pay application fees, license issuance charges, and trade name registration fees via DED portal.
Documents Required for Commercial License
| Personal Documents | Business Documents | Certifications | Office & Financial |
|---|---|---|---|
Passport copies (all partners) | Trade name reservation certificate | Educational certificates (attested) | Tenancy contract original |
UAE visa & Emirates ID copies | Initial approval certificate | Professional qualification documents | Ejari registration certificate |
Recent passport-size photos | Memorandum of Association (LLC) | Experience letters from employers | Application fee payment receipt |
Current employer NOC | LSA agreement (notarized at court) | Special approvals (DHA/MOE/KHDA) | License fee payment proof |
Specialized Requirements by Commercial Category
01.General Trading
Import-export license required for general goods. Restricted items like chemicals, weapons, and controlled products need special permits. Food items require Dubai Municipality approval.
02.Food & Beverage Trading
Dubai Municipality Food Safety Certificate mandatory. HACCP needed for perishables. Packaging, labeling compliance required. Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority approval if operating in Abu Dhabi.
03.Electronics & Technology
Technical standards approval from Dubai Municipality required. Electrical appliances need safety certification. Warranty, after-sales service compliance and consumer protection regulations must be met.
04.Real Estate Brokerage
RERA registration mandatory. Additional broker license from Dubai Land Department required. Professional indemnity insurance recommended to secure real estate transactions and client protection.
05.Textile & Clothing Trading
Compliance with GSO quality standards required. Labels in Arabic & English, adherence to consumer protection laws. Import certificates for origin country must be provided.
06.Chemical & Hazardous Materials
Special environmental permits from Dubai Municipality and MEAP required. Safety data sheets, warehouse licensing for hazardous storage, and insurance coverage for hazardous cargo needed.
07.Medical Equipment & Supplies
DHA approval required for medical devices. Quality certificates and safety compliance documents must be provided. Specialized storage, handling, and supplier registration mandatory.
08.Building Materials & Construction
Dubai Municipality building standards compliance required. Quality, safety certifications for materials, environmental assessments, and supplier authentication from manufacturers must be ensured.
Commercial License Renewal Process
Step 1: Prepare
Renew office tenancy contract, update Ejari registration before expiry, confirm all activity codes remain valid.
Step 2: Submit
Upload renewal documents via DED portal 3-4 weeks before license expiry. Pay renewal application fees.
Step 3: Review
DED verifies documents and approvals within 2-3 working days. May request updated certifications.
Step 4: Pay Fees
Upon approval, pay annual license renewal fees (AED 8,000–12,000) including chamber membership and administrative charges.
Step 5: Download
Receive renewed commercial license valid for one more year. Continue trading and commerce operations legally.
Is Commercial License in Dubai Costly?
Commercial license costs in Dubai start from AED 14,900 for mainland and AED 12,500 for free zone setups, keeping it accessible for traders and retailers. Total first-year costs (AED 14,900–24,500) include government fees, office setup, trade name registration, and admin charges—competitive compared to global trading hubs.
Rizmona helps minimize expenses through smart planning: choosing suitable office locations, streamlining documentation, coordinating approvals, and guiding you on tax incentives. We maintain transparent fee structures and ensure no unnecessary costs, helping clients stay within budget and avoid compliance delays.
Commercial License Cost Calculator
Calculate your total commercial license setup costs in Dubai.
Commercial License in Dubai
Rizmona provides commercial license setup for traders, retailers, and import-export businesses in Dubai, streamlining the process while ensuring full legal compliance and smooth market entry. Our experienced consultants manage activity selection, prepare all required documentation, coordinate with DED, and oversee regulatory approvals to ensure a hassle-free registration process. We deliver reliable, timely guidance with a team of licensed professionals skilled in all commercial license categories, trading models, and compliance requirements for UAE businesses.
Commercial License in Dubai
Rizmona provides commercial license setup for traders, retailers, and import-export businesses in Dubai, streamlining the process while ensuring full legal compliance and smooth market entry. Our experienced consultants manage activity selection, prepare all required documentation, coordinate with DED, and oversee regulatory approvals to ensure a hassle-free registration process. We deliver reliable, timely guidance with a team of licensed professionals skilled in all commercial license categories, trading models, and compliance requirements for UAE businesses.
Get Your Commercial License Fast
Expert guidance for rapid 3-7 day approval. Complete support from activity selection to market operations.