What is a trade licence in Dubai, and why is it required?

A trade licence is an official document issued by the DET that authorises a business to carry out specific commercial, professional or industrial activities. It is mandatory for all mainland businesses in Dubai. Without a valid trade licence, you cannot legally operate, invoice clients, sign contracts or access most government and banking services.

How do I get a trade licence in Dubai?

To obtain a trade licence in Dubai, you must choose your business activity, select a legal form, reserve a trade name, secure initial approval and submit the required documents through the DET or an authorised service centre such as EGSH.

What types of trade licences are available in Dubai?

There are three main types of trade licences in Dubai: Commercial Licence (for trading activities), Professional Licence (for service-based businesses), and Industrial Licence (for manufacturing or industrial operations).

What is the difference between commercial, professional, and industrial licences?

A commercial licence covers trading and general business activities, a professional licence is issued for service-based professions (e.g. consultancy), and an industrial licence is required for manufacturing or production-based operations.

How do I check or verify a trade licence in Dubai?

You can verify a Dubai trade licence through the official Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism portal. Use the Business Activity Search or the Trade Licence Verification tool by entering the licence number, business name, or registration details.

Can I get an e-Commerce licence in Dubai?

Yes. The DET offers e-Commerce licences under the commercial category, allowing businesses to sell products or services online. In addition, the e-Trader Licence is available for home-based and online companies operating through digital platforms.

What is the difference between a mainland licence and a free zone licence?

A mainland trade licence is issued by the DET and allows you to operate across Dubai and the wider UAE. A specific free zone authority issues a free zone licence and is generally limited to operating within that jurisdiction.

Trade Licence Registration in Dubai – Apply for Your Business Licence Through EGSH

Name: Trade Licence Registration
Brand: EGSH

Trade Licence Registration Services in Dubai

Official DET Trade Licence Issuance with EGSH

EGSH acts as an authorised service provider under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), assisting individuals and companies with the complete registration of new trade licences in Dubai.

Through EGSH, applicants complete the full trade licence registration process in one visit. We determine the correct legal structure, confirm the permitted business activities, prepare the required documents and submit the application through the official DET systems until the licence is issued.

Why EGSH:

Authorised DET service provider
One-visit submission with full procedural guidance
VIP service with no queues
Government-regulated fees

Most trade licences are issued within 5–10 minutes once all requirements and approvals are in place.

Official DET Trade Licence Issuance with EGSH

Contact EGSH

Visit our authorised centre during working hours—no prior appointment is required. You may also book your visit online at a convenient time.

Document Review

Provide your approved trade name, initial approval, identification documents, and any required external approvals based on your business activity.

Application Submission

We prepare your file, complete the required legal documents, and submit your trade licence application through the DET’s official systems.

Receive Your Trade Licence

Once approved, the DET issues your licence. Normal licences are usually completed within approximately 10 minutes, while Instant and eTrader licences are issued within 5minutes.

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

Call +971 4 612 1810 WhatsApp

Identification Documents

Valid passport copies, UAE residence visas (if applicable), and Emirates IDs for all shareholders and designated managers.

Business Name & Initial Approval

Approved trade name reservation certificate and DET-issued initial approval confirming permission to proceed with registration.

Legal Company Documents

Notarised Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Power of Attorney (if applicable), outlining company structure and legal authority.

Office Lease & External Approvals

Ejari-registered tenancy contract and additional permits from authorities (if required by business activity, e.g. health or food sectors).

Take a 3D Tour of EGSH

VIP Service

Personal assistance and priority processing with no queues.

Affordable Fees

Official government rates with transparent, fixed pricing.

All Services in One Place

Comprehensive range of UAE government services under one roof.

One-Visit Completion

Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the centre.

What Is a Trade Licence in Dubai

A trade licence in Dubai is an official document issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that authorises a person or company to conduct specific business activities within the emirate. It is a mandatory requirement for all commercial, professional and industrial businesses operating on the Dubai mainland.

The trade licence defines the approved activities your business is permitted to carry out and establishes the company’s legal status under DET regulations. Without a valid trade licence, a business cannot operate, enter into contracts, invoice clients, employ staff, or access most government and banking services.

Trade licence registration is a core part of company formation in Dubai. It is the step that formally recognises the business as a legal entity and enables the company to proceed with operational requirements such as opening a corporate bank account, leasing commercial premises, and applying for visas.

Types of Trade Licences in Dubai

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues several categories of trade licences, each corresponding to the nature of the business activities involved. The main types of trade licences include:

Commercial Licence
Issued for trading and commercial activities. This includes general trading, import–export, retail, wholesale, and e-Commerce activities carried out on the Dubai mainland.

Professional Licence
Issued for service-based activities where expertise or specialised skills form the core of the business. Examples include consultancy, design, marketing services, and other professional occupations.

Industrial Licence
Issued for manufacturing or industrial activities involving the production, assembly, or processing of goods.

In addition to these categories, the DET offers three procedural licensing options—Normal Licence, Instant Licence and e-Trader Licence—which differ in processing time and document requirements. These procedural types sit alongside the core licence categories and are applied depending on the activities and legal form of the business.

Normal, Instant and e-Trader Trade Licences in Dubai

The DET in Dubai offers several licensing pathways, each designed for different business needs and activity types. The three main procedural options are:

Normal Licence

A standard DET trade licence is issued once all required documents and approvals are submitted.

Requires a Memorandum of Association (MoA) based on the company’s legal form.
Requires a tenancy contract registered with Ejari.
Suitable for most LLCs, sole proprietorships and civil companies.

Instant Licence

A fast-track licence is issued within approximately five minutes for activities that do not require external approvals.

No physical office (Ejari) is required for the first year; a virtual site is provided.
An MoA may be issued electronically where required.
Includes Dubai Chamber membership for commercial activities.
Includes establishment cards for the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs(GDRFA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), with the option to employ up to three individuals.
Available for LLCs, LLC–Single Owner, sole proprietorships and civil companies.

e-Trader Licence

A sole-proprietor licence for home-based businesses operating in Dubai.

Designed for individuals conducting business activities through social media or other online platforms.
No physical office is required.
Applied for through the Invest in Dubai portal.

These options give investors flexibility depending on their activities, structure and readiness. EGSH assists in determining the most suitable pathway and ensures full compliance with DET requirements.

Official Fees for Trade Licence Registration in Dubai

Trade licence fees in Dubai vary depending on the licence type, activity group, legal form and whether external approvals are required. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) applies government-regulated charges based on the business activities selected during registration.

Key factors influencing Dubai trade licence cost include:

The category of activities (commercial, professional or industrial)
Whether the licence is a Normal, Instant or e-Trader Licence
The number of permitted activities
Required sector approvals or regulatory clearances
Applicable Dubai Chamber fees and establishment card fees

**e-Trader Licence Fees
**DET currently applies the following charges for the eTrader Licence:

AED 1,070 (licence fees, Knowledge Dirham and Innovation Dirham)
AED 300 for Dubai Chamber membership

**Normal and Instant Licence Fees
**For other licence types, the total DET licence cost is calculated according to your selected activities, legal form and any external approvals that may apply.

EGSH reviews your proposed activities and legal structure to provide a clear and accurate estimate of a business licence cost or general trading licence cost in Dubai before submitting your application.

During business setup, companies may need initial approval renewal before final trade licence registration.

Where to Apply for a Trade Licence in Dubai

A trade licence in Dubai can be obtained through the official channels approved by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The two primary application methods are:

Invest in Dubai Portal—You may submit your application online through the Invest in Dubai platform. The portal supports trade name reservation, initial approval, and the full application process for Normal, Instant and e-Trader Licences.
Authorised Service Centres, such as EGSH — You can visit EGSH to complete your trade licence application through the DET’s official systems. Our consultants review your documents, prepare the required legal forms, submit your application, and guide you through each step of the process.

Normal licences are typically issued within approximately 10 minutes once all requirements are met, while Instant and e-Trader Licences are processed within roughly five minutes. Both application routes result in an official trade licence issued and recorded under the DET.

Department of Dubai Economic Services at EGSH

Explained by

Shaimaa Sayed Qasem

Department of Dubai Economic Services at EGSH

Shaimaa Sayed Qasem is a dedicated service provider at the Department of Dubai Economic Services at EGSH, with seven years of experience delivering business services, supporting clients and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

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 Renewal

Renew your trade licence in Dubai through EGSH.

From AED 25,852

All Services

View all Business & Licensing Services

Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Licence Registration in Dubai

Still have any questions?

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.

This trustee office is remarkably quiet, and it is unquestionably the finest I have experienced in Dubai. Umama Azeem was an absolute pleasure to work with; she ensured that all documentation and formalities were thoroughly prepared prior to the arrival of both the buyer and the seller. As a result, the transaction itself was completed within approximately ten minutes. For anyone uncertain about which trustee office to choose among the many available options, this is undoubtedly the correct choice. My sincere thanks to Umama Azeem for her exceptional assistance.

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. I can’t thank these lovely ladies enough. We saved so much money going direct and it was refreshing knowing we are not over paying going through a PRO or typing service company that add so many fees. I saved over 6000aed just for reference. Thank you to EGSH staff. Especially Maria & Randa 🙏

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. Honestly, people with this level of professionalism and personal touch make one feel more at ease and integrated into this country. Thank you!

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.