Trade Licences in the UAE
Licence types
| Authority | Licence types |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Economy and Tourism (federal categories) | Industrial, commercial, professional, tourism, agricultural and crafts |
| Dubai | Industrial, commercial, professional, eTrader, dual, instant, SME and Intelaq |
| Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi trader, dual, freelancer, Mobdea, small producers, standard and virtual |
| Free zones | Issued by each free zone authority, usually within 14 working days of approval |
Source: UAE Government Portal: Steps to start a business on the mainland; UAE Government Portal: Starting a business in a free zone1,2
In Abu Dhabi, a company needs an economic licence for each specific activity, and certain activities also need approvals or no objection certificates from other government bodies. Applications go through the Abu Dhabi Business Centre.5
Selling online
To sell online on the mainland you need a commercial licence that includes an eCommerce activity. Some emirates issue a separate individual eCommerce licence, others add the activity to a regular licence, and every eCommerce licence also needs the approval of the TDRA, the telecoms and digital government regulator.3
Free zone eCommerce licences let a company sell locally and internationally, but selling directly on the mainland may need a local distributor or extra approvals.3
Checking a licence
Before you sign with a supplier or partner, check its licence and registered activities in the National Economic Register of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.4
A licence covers only the activities printed on it. Adding an activity later means amending the licence with the authority that issued it.5
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of trade licence are there in Dubai?
Dubai offers eight: industrial, commercial, professional, eTrader, dual, instant, SME and Intelaq licences.
Sources
- UAE Government Portal: Steps to start a business on the mainland
- UAE Government Portal: Starting a business in a free zone
- UAE Government Portal: eCommerce
- UAE Government Portal: Verify business licences
- UAE Government Portal: Investor Abu Dhabi Guide (PDF)
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.