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.

Commercial Trade Licence in Dubai – Register Your Trading Business

Name: Commercial Trade Licence
Brand: Emirates Government Services Hub

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.

Apply for a Commercial Trade Licence in Dubai

Officially regulated fees
No hidden charges
Queue-free service
VIP support at no extra cost

From AED 2,660

+971 4 612 1810

Consultation at EGSH

Define your business activity, structure, and licence requirements.

Trade Name & Initial Approval

We reserve your trade name and obtain initial DET approval.

Document Preparation

We assist with company documents and Ejari-registered leases.

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–Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:30 pm
Sunday: Closed

Closed from 19 to 22 March (Eid Al-Fitr)

Call +971 4 612 1810 WhatsApp

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.

Company Registration

Start your business in Dubai with EGSH’s expert company registration services.

From AED 2,200

Trade Name Reservation

Reserve your official trade name in Dubai in minutes with EGSH.

From AED 130

Trade Licence Registration

From AED 130

All Services

View all Business Registration and Licensing Services

Still have any questions?

Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) Services Consultant at EGSH

Explained by

Shaimaa Sayed Awais

Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) Services Consultant at EGSH

Shaimaa Sayed Awais is a consultant specialising in Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) services and business setup procedures. She supports entrepreneurs, investors, and companies in completing commercial licensing processes in compliance with UAE regulations.

About the Expert

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.

Big thanks to ZARA for her amazing support! She was extremely helpful when my employee approval got stuck in the Amer system. She went the extra mile to sort it out quickly. Her responsiveness made all the difference, greatly appreciated!!!

Very professional and friendly. They made the property transfer easy and smooth. Golden visa process seamless and thanks to Maya that all the staff (In particular to Maya!!!).

Zara was very helpful and professional. All the documents were submitted very fast by her and the service we received were very efficient. Highly recommend!

Natalia was very professional, she was a pleasure to deal with. Answering my questions, always responsive to phone calls and very prompt at providing updates at each stage of golden visa application which was very quick to process.

had an excellent experience with EGSH. They truly live up to their promise of one-stop government services, handling everything with efficiency and professionalism from start to finish.

I had a wonderful experience. She provided outstanding service with great professionalism and care. Everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. I truly appreciate her dedication and would definitely recommend her services to others

Zara helped to get my Ejari completed. I recommend service here

Maria Claudia garcia helped me to renew my kids Emirates id. She went the extra mile to help me and she was so efficient and her communication skills are amazing. I would recommend the ESGH Emirates government services in barsha anytime. Thank you Maria for your help

Such a great service with an amazing and friendly environment and i would like to specially thank zara for her exceptional professionalism and support.

Had a great experience at Emirates Government Service Hub. Zara Moshiri truly went above and beyond to help me with my visa. I was facing a few issues during the process, and she handled everything patiently and professionally until it was sorted. Really grateful for her support — definitely ask for her when you visit this branch.

I would like to recognize the exceptional service I received from Umida at EGSH. From the very first minute, she made me feel genuinely welcome and at ease. Navigating the documentation required for a Golden Visa can be complex, yet Umida went far beyond what is typically expected — guiding me through every requirement with clarity, professionalism, and patience.

We are extremely pleased with the excellent visa services provided by EGSH in Dubai. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and deep expertise in handling visa applications for our workforce.

Ms. Zara Moshiri is extremely professional, patient, and supportive. She provided clear and thorough guidance and took the time to answer all my questions. I truly appreciate her help and highly recommend working with her.

Outstanding Service and Professionalism My wife and I recently applied for and obtained our 5-year Golden Visa (Retiree) in an exceptionally short time — mine in three days and my wife’s in just one day. We are extremely satisfied with the service provided by EGSH Emirates Government Service Hub.

Exceptional service every step of the way For showing your great example of services Remarkable dedication of consultant mrs Maria Garcia regalado. Thank you EGSH service Hub team

Amazing service! They went above and beyond to assist and resolved my concern there and then! Highly recommended anyone to visit this centre, the ladies are very helpful

Went there for a consulting. Booked an appointment in advance thro their website. Came early — no line — which is good. Very pleasant interior. My consultant Rachel, was polite. Answered all my questions. Can’t judge regarding the process once applied for an exact service, but consulting went well.

Amazing support and communication during the whole process. Rachel, Yara and Maria were super well organized and assisted in record time. We finished the whole process from star to end in 4 business days for 10 year Golden Visa!

I had an excellent experience with the wonderful help of Maria Claudia Garcia. Her professionalism and attention to detail made the whole process easy.

They are really very amazing very kind I was having problem with my residency and my license miss Zara and miss Amna they really help me from start to end and they are really very kind and professional highly recommend if any wants to setup there business go with egsh and thanks miss Zara 🙏 you are really very amazing person

I had a pleasure being assistanced by Ms. Natalia today and her support throughout the process. Everything was smooth, super professional, efficient and high level service was exceptional. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable and smooth government-related services.

I had such a great experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub)! Everything went super smoothly, and the team was really helpful. A big shout‑out to Ms. Zara Moshiri—she was kind and supportive the whole way through. Truly appreciate it!

Super quick and efficient service. Maria was available via WhatsApp and responded very quickly to all messages.

I got a delightful service from them to upgrade my visa category half of the expected timeline. Compared with my previous place, this the best and I would like to recommend any of visa service for all of you. * reasonable fair (I was asked twice my previous what I paid). * fast service and delivering before timeline. * Authentic service. Thank you so much Maria for your dedicated service.!

An exceptional service from Zara at EGSH. She guided us perfectly through the process and managed to get us even more than we had anticipated. A world class service center with exceptional staff. Would recommend them to anyone who wants to get sorted for government services

Hello, My Name is Kelvin it was my first time to hear EGSH Emirates Govt from my sponsor. I was assisted By Mrs Maria Claudia Garcia the experience was amazing from the beginning to the End she has been supporting and guiding me through all the process. I am grateful to her and the entire team for the help. I trust and believe EGSH is a place to recommend to family members and friends.

A very hassle free experience from EGSH. Special mention of Ms.Zara who was most helpfull. Her quick response to queries and swift action are much appeciated.

We had the pleasure of being assisted by the lovely Ms Maria and Ms Randa. They were clear concise and super professional throughout our whole process of renewing our Ejari and business licence. Maria provided continued support while we were waiting for our business Ejari to come through and made it a simple seamless process.

EGSH in art of living is the best Hub center for every thing that you want in dubai Specially Ms.ZARA MOSHIRI is the advisor and assistance and she is beside you in every step Thank you Ms.ZARA MOSHIRI and EGSH

I recently visited this institution had an exceptional experience! Ms. Maria Claudia took the time to understand my needs and preferences. I really appreciate her support and services.

Good morning, I needed to apply for the Golden Visa and went to this EGSH Emirates office. I was very impressed by their facilities and the peaceful atmosphere. We were fortunate to be assisted by María Claudia García, who provided exceptional service. She advised and helped us every step of the way, guiding us through the entire process until we obtained the Golden Visa.

I would like to express my appreciation to Ray from EGSH for his outstanding assistance in handling the transfer of our property at Rove Hotel. He was very helpful, accommodating, and patient throughout the entire process, from addressing transaction concerns and verifying documents to the actual property transfer and ensuring the new owner received the title deed…

I worked with Amir and Zara, they took care of everything, I only had to send the mandatory information. In a very short time, everything was completed. I was amazed, considering how difficult it had seemed before. Not to mention, the fees were the same or even lower than those of the other companies I mentioned. For me, it was a 10/10 experience, the quickest and smoothest process someone could have in this journey. Strongly recommend them.

Zara assisted me with my Ejari registration, and she was absolutely amazing. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism, efficiency, and delivered everything promptly. Truly a pleasure to work with!

THE BEST!!! Zara you are as always star

Thanks to EGSH and to Zara for Excellent service — professional, attentive, and truly pleasant experience. Highly recommended!

Had an amazing service for the transfer of property there, specially Rachel Rahmat she was very helpfull throughout the process, looking forward to work more.

Visited for the first time for a property transfer and had an amazing experience with Jessieca! She was professional, helpful, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for all government services excellent customer service!

Personally, I find this the best centre in Dubai. They always go the extra mile. Especially Maria Garcia has help out so much in such an efficient way! Thank you!

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

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.

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!

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

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❤️

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!

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

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!

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.

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

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 🤩

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.