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What is a Commercial Trade Licence in Dubai?

Mandatory Licence for Mainland Trading Businesses

A Commercial Trade licence is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to authorise companies to carry out approved commercial activities in the Dubai Mainland. These include the buying and selling of goods, subject to DET’s activity list and licensing conditions. Certain activities, such as logistics or import/export, may require additional approvals from other authorities.

The licence is mandatory for setting up a mainland trading business and must be obtained before any commercial operations begin. EGSH provides end-to-end support — from activity selection and name reservation to document submission and licence issuance — ensuring legal accuracy and DET compliance.

Mandatory Licence for Mainland Trading Businesses

How to Get a Commercial Trade Licence in Dubai

Step-by-Step Guidance from Application to Activation

01

Consultation at EGSH

Define your business activity, structure, and licence requirements.

02

Trade Name & Initial Approval

We reserve your trade name and obtain initial DET approval.

03

Document Preparation

We assist with company documents and Ejari-registered leases.

04

Application Submission & Issuance

We submit your licence request and deliver the DET-approved certificate.

Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues

You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.

Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai

Operating hours
Monday — Saturday: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

Required Documents for a Commercial Trade Licence

Ensure Smooth Approval by Submitting the Correct Documents

Identification Documents

Valid passport copies and UAE visas (if applicable) for all shareholders; Emirates ID if already issued.

Founding & Legal Documents

Memorandum of Association, Local Service Agent Agreement (if applicable), and Power of Attorney for authorised representatives.

DET Approvals & Trade Name

Initial approval from DET, reserved trade name certificate, and activity classification.

Office Lease & Supporting Papers

Ejari-registered tenancy contract, NOC from sponsor (if required), and additional permits based on activity type.

About EGSH

Your Reliable Partner for Business Licensing in Dubai

EGSH is an officially authorised government services centre, licenced to register commercial businesses with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

We provide end-to-end licensing support — from selecting approved business activities to obtaining final DET approvals.

All applications are submitted through official channels, ensuring full legal compliance, faster processing, and accurate registration for individuals and corporate clients.

Your Reliable Partner for Business Licensing in Dubai

Why EGSH

EGSH makes all public services available in one place—fast, transparent, and compliant. We deliver convenience, personalised support, and priority processing for every client, focusing on innovation and sustainability.

Our Mission

To simplify life in Dubai by providing secure, seamless access to all government and real estate services from a single centre.

Our Vision

To set the benchmark for integrated government solutions, delivering efficiency and exceptional client care across the UAE.

Our Values

Transparency, efficiency, innovation, and complete client satisfaction.

Related Services

Company Registration
Start your business in Dubai with EGSH’s expert company registration services.
Trade Name Reservation
Reserve your official trade name in Dubai in minutes with EGSH.
Trade Licence Registration
Register your official trade licence in Dubai with EGSH.
All Services
View all Business Registration and Licensing Services

What is required to get a commercial licence in the UAE?

To obtain a commercial licence in the UAE, you must select your trading activities, reserve a trade name, secure initial approval, and submit required documents such as passport copies, Emirates ID (if applicable), a Memorandum of Association (MOA), and a tenancy contract. In Dubai, the licence is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). EGSH assists in obtaining your commercial licence by ensuring documentation compliance and managing the entire application process with DET.

What activities are allowed under a Trade licence in Dubai?

A Trade licence in Dubai permits a wide range of commercial activities, including import, export, retail, wholesale, distribution, logistics, and general trading. Specific activities must be selected from the list approved by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). EGSH helps identify eligible activities and ensures legal alignment with your business scope.

Is a Business licence in Dubai valid across all emirates?

A Business licence issued in Dubai is valid only within the jurisdiction of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). If you plan to operate in other emirates, you must obtain a separate licence from the respective local authority.

What’s the legal difference between a UAE Trade licence and a Commercial licence?

In UAE legal terminology, a Trade licence is the general term for licences that permit business activities. A Commercial licence is a specific category of Trade licence issued for activities involving buying and selling goods, such as import, export, retail, and logistics. The Dubai DET classifies it under commercial activities. EGSH helps you determine the correct licence type based on your operations.

What is the official total cost of a commercial trade licence in Dubai?

The official government fee of a Commercial Trade licence in Dubai depends on the type of activity, legal structure, and office location. The cost also includes DET fees for name reservation, initial approval, activity classification, and licence issuance. Additional expenses may apply, such as: — Dubai Chamber of Commerce membership fees — Ejari registration for office lease — Corporate immigration card and establishment card fees — Visa allocation and employee quota fees (if applicable) EGSH provides a complete cost breakdown and handles official coordination to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Can I get a Commercial licence in Dubai as a foreign investor?

Foreign investors can obtain a Commercial licence in Dubai with 100% ownership for most trading activities approved by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). However, certain activities classified as strategic—such as oil exploration, banking, insurance, and telecommunications—may still require a local partner or special approval from relevant authorities. EGSH ensures full compliance by helping select eligible activities, determine the legal structure, and manage the complete licensing process.

Is a Trade licence sufficient for import and export business?

Yes, a Commercial Trade licence issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) allows import and export activities. However, you must also register with Dubai Customs and obtain a customs code. Additional approvals may apply based on the type of goods.

Still have any questions?

Why Choose EGSH for Commercial Licensing

Transparent, Government-Aligned and End-to-End Business Support

Government Authorisation

EGSH is an authorised Dubai Economy centre providing official business registration services in full compliance with local regulations.

One-Stop Service

All procedures, document submissions, and payments are handled in one place, so there is no need to contact multiple offices.

Confidentiality Guaranteed

All personal data and documents are processed securely and confidentially per UAE law.

Multilingual Support

Our team speaks several languages, ensuring clear communication for clients of almost all backgrounds.

Personalised Assistance

Each client is assigned a dedicated consultant for individual support throughout the process.

Flexible Appointment Scheduling

Book your visit at a convenient time—our office is open six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for your flexibility.

What Our Clients Say About Us

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Went there for ejari cancellation. Excellent place. Staff was so cooperative. Ms Maria and Ms Fatima assist me and it was a fast process.

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This is probably the best government service hub in Dubai. You come in, asked to be seated, and the staff will come to you instead of standing on the reception and on queue. They will offer you tea and water are available at each table. Really embodies the Emirati hospitality and what seamstresses Dubai is known for.

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I was here the morning of this post. The concierge like service with a contact person arranging for you all the difeerent interactions is making the interactuon as smooth as possible. A truly delightful experience and a true commitment to service excellence, thank you for the great experience and for the initiative to present government interactions in this way!

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Outstanding service — fast, friendly, and highly professional. Thank you very much!

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I’ve been here for the first time and I can say that this organization definitely worth to come here and make all proceeds with their help! We were changing the owner and such difficult process was really easy for us with your help and most of the time it was done online. So I’m very grateful to Mrs Zara and her support during all the process❤️

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I had an excellent experience with Natalia Baiamonte from EGSH while getting Ejari certificate. From the very beginning, she was professional, attentive, and extremely helpful. Natalia guided me through the process clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and made task feel simple and stress-free. Highly recommend Natalia for her outstanding customer service and dedication!

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We had great experience with Amal She is so helpful and awesome She stayed with us over her duty today just to finish her work Thanks Amal

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I had a really good experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub). Everything went smoothly and the team was super helpful. Special thanks to Zara and Amal. they were so supportive and kind throughout the process. Really appreciate it!

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I had a great experience with this office. They handle everything related to company setup, residency, Golden Visa, DLD, and more. The office is very clean, modern, and welcoming, and the staff are extremely professional and polite. A special thank to Ms. Zara for her kindness and guidance throughout the process so smoothly and professionally, and to Ms. Amal for managing the administrative registration.

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Zara is the best always attentive to every requests and helping with a solving problems without delay thank you Zara❤️🌸 …

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Absolutely stunning office, i am awestruck. No one can beat Dubai for the kind of hospitality you get in a government office… Its mind-blowing 😍 i wish i could give a 10 star rating (double) on 5 🤩

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I had a great experience with EGHS. I was assisted by Sarah Almeida and she delivered an amazing service. Very attentive, promptly responded my messages and guided me throughout the process. It was all very smooth and done very quickly. I highly recommend and I’ll definitely use their services again.

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I received really attentive and fast service from Sarah, got all the documents even earlier than promised. Thank you! 😁

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One of the best people to work with. These guys are really smart and professional. Thanks to Ms Zara

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Zara helped me with my services and the process was very easy and she was very helpful