Trade Licence Registration in Dubai
Official DET Authorisation Through a Government-Registered Service Centre
A trade licence issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is the mandatory legal document that authorises any commercial, professional, or industrial business to operate on the Dubai mainland. The DET, formerly known as the Dubai Economic Department (DED), is the competent authority for issuing and renewing all mainland trade licences in Dubai under the emirate's commercial licensing framework.
EGSH is an authorised Dubai Economic Department centre. All trade licence registration applications are submitted through the official DET systems by EGSH's licensed consultants, who verify documentation, confirm business activity classification, and ensure full compliance with DET requirements before submission. EGSH processes the application — the DET issues the licence.
• Authorised Dubai Economic Department Centre
• VIP service without queues
• Official government-regulated fees
• Most procedures completed in one visit
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Normal trade licences are typically issued within approximately 10 minutes from the point of complete submission, provided all documentation and any required external approvals are in order. Instant Licences and e-Trader Licences are processed within approximately five minutes.
Register Your Trade Licence in Dubai
Officially regulated fees
No hidden charges
Queue-free service
VIP support at no extra cost
From AED 130
How to Get a Trade Licence in Dubai
EGSH Handles All Steps From Consultation to Issuance
01
Contact EGSH
Visit the EGSH centre during working hours or book your appointment online — no queues, with immediate assistance from a dedicated consultant.
02
Document Review
Provide your approved trade name, initial approval, identification documents, and any required external approvals based on your business activity.
03
Application Submission
We prepare your file, complete the required legal documents, and submit your trade licence application through the DET’s official systems.
04
Receive Your Trade Licence
Once the DET approves the application, your trade licence is issued and recorded in the official DET register — Normal, Instant, or e-Trader, as applicable.
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–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Documents Required for Trade Licence Registration
Ensure Fast Processing with Complete Documents
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).
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Why Register Your Trade Licence Through EGSH
Fast Processing, Accurate Documentation & Government-Level Precision
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 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 licence, a business cannot operate, enter into contracts, invoice clients, employ staff, or access most government and banking services.
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.
Licence Types Issued by the DET
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues several licence categories, each corresponding to the nature of the business activities involved. The main types 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, Instant and e-Trader — which differ in processing time and document requirements. These procedural types sit alongside the core categories and are applied depending on the activities and legal form of the business.
Normal, Instant and e-Trader Licensing Options in Dubai
The DET offers several licensing pathways, each designed for different business needs and activity types. The three main procedural options are:
Normal Licence
A standard DET 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
An accelerated licensing option for activities that do not require external approvals. According to the DET, this pathway is issued within approximately five minutes of a complete submission.
- 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 Foreigners 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 manages the submission in compliance with DET requirements.
Official Fees for Trade Licence Registration in Dubai
Fees 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 the cost include:
- The category of activities (commercial, professional or industrial)
- Whether the licence is a Normal, Instant or e-Trader type
- 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 e-Trader 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 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 fee estimate before submitting your application.
Where to Apply for Your Licence in Dubai
A licence 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 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 stage of the process.
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), 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 routes result in an official licence issued and recorded by the DET.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Licence Registration in Dubai
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 on the Dubai mainland. Without a valid licence, a business 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 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?
The DET issues three main types: the Commercial Licence for trading activities, the Professional Licence for service-based businesses, and the 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 such as consultancy; and an industrial licence is required for manufacturing or production operations.
How do I check or verify a trade licence in Dubai?
You can verify a licence through the official Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism portal, using the Business Activity Search or the 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. The e-Trader Licence is also available for home-based and online businesses operating through digital platforms.
What is the difference between a mainland licence and a free zone licence?
A mainland licence is issued by the DET and allows the holder to operate across Dubai and the wider UAE. A free zone licence is issued by the relevant free zone authority and generally limits operations to that jurisdiction.
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