In Dubai, business licenses are issued either by the Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland businesses or by the respective free zone authorities for businesses set up in one of Dubai’s many free zones. The type of license you need depends on your business activity and legal structure.
Below is a breakdown of the main license types available in Dubai:
Purpose: For businesses engaged in trading activities, including the buying, selling, import, export, and distribution of goods.
Activities Covered:
Wholesale and retail trading
Electronics, machinery, vehicles, textiles trading
Import/export businesses
General trading (multiple product categories)
Key Details:
Applicable in both mainland and free zones
May require extra approvals (e.g., Ministry of Health, DTCM)
Allows local and international trade
Benefits:
Flexibility across various sectors
Access to global markets
Purpose: For service-based businesses offering specialized or expert services.
Activities Covered:
Consulting (IT, management, engineering, etc.)
Healthcare services
Legal, educational, and training services
Creative agencies (design, marketing)
Key Details:
Suitable for individuals with professional qualifications
May require a local service agent for mainland setup
Available for sole proprietors, partnerships, or LLCs
Benefits:
Ideal for freelancers and experts
Does not require a local partner (in most cases)
Purpose: For businesses involved in manufacturing and production.
Activities Covered:
Manufacturing of goods (e.g., textiles, plastics, electronics)
Assembly and processing
Warehousing related to production
Key Details:
Requires a physical production facility
Typically issued in industrial zones
Approval from the Ministry of Industry may be needed
Benefits:
Access to industrial infrastructure
Ideal for businesses focusing on product creation
Purpose: For businesses operating in the travel and tourism sector.
Activities Covered:
Travel agencies and tour operators
Hotels, resorts, and hospitality services
Event management and tourism transport
Key Details:
Issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
May require additional approvals for hospitality operations
Benefits:
Access to Dubai’s booming tourism industry
Can be combined with other license types
Purpose: For businesses operating primarily online.
Activities Covered:
Online retail stores
E-commerce platforms and marketplaces
Digital services
Key Details:
A subcategory of the commercial license
No physical store required
TRA registration may be needed
Benefits:
Operate fully online
Reach both local and global customers
Purpose: For individuals offering freelance services in creative or technical fields.
Activities Covered:
Media, design, content creation
IT, software development, marketing
Translation and consulting
Key Details:
Issued by specific free zones (e.g., Dubai Media City, D3)
No need for a local partner in most zones
Benefits:
Simple and low-cost setup
Operate independently and work with multiple clients
Purpose: For businesses involved in real estate activities.
Activities Covered:
Real estate brokerage
Property management
Development and construction
Rental and leasing services
Key Details:
Requires RERA certification
May require a local partner for expatriates
Benefits:
Access to Dubai’s high-growth property sector
Covers both commercial and residential services
Purpose: For businesses that plan and organize events.
Activities Covered:
Event planning and coordination
Corporate and public events
Exhibitions and trade shows
Venue management
Key Details:
Issued by DED or event-specific free zones (e.g., Dubai World Trade Centre)
Ideal for B2B or B2C event-based businesses
Benefits:
Participate in Dubai’s vibrant event and exhibition industry
Flexibility in managing both small and large-scale events
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