Last updated: August 2026
UAE trade licence types: which one do you need?
Choosing the wrong licence type is one of the most common UAE company setup mistakes. It can mean activity restrictions, additional permits, or a complete restart. This guide covers all five types with activity lists, costs, and free zone recommendations.
01
Commercial Licence
Buying, selling, and general trading
Who it is for
Traders, importers/exporters, retailers, e-commerce operators, general trading businesses
Sample activities
- ▸General trading
- ▸Import and export
- ▸Retail and wholesale
- ▸E-commerce and online retail
- ▸Real estate brokerage
- ▸Food trading and distribution
Year-one cost
AED 15,000–30,000+ (year one, mainland); AED 14,500–22,000 (free zone)
Free zones that specialise
DMCC (commodities/trading), IFZA (general), RAKEZ (industrial trading), Jebel Ali (JAFZA, import/export)
Key note
A commercial licence can cover a wide range of activities. General trading is the broadest activity code — it allows trading in virtually any goods. Some regulated goods (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals) require additional permits.
02
Professional Licence
Knowledge, skill, and expertise-based services
Who it is for
Consultants, accountants, lawyers, architects, designers, coaches, PR agencies, IT professionals
Sample activities
- ▸Management consulting
- ▸IT services and software development
- ▸Accounting and auditing (requires professional body membership)
- ▸Design and creative services
- ▸Marketing and PR
- ▸Legal consultancy (requires bar admission)
- ▸Training and coaching
Year-one cost
AED 13,000–22,000 (year one, free zone); AED 20,000–40,000+ (mainland, varies by activity)
Free zones that specialise
IFZA (broad professional), RAKEZ (broad), SHAMS (creative/media), Fujairah Creative City (media/communications)
Key note
Professional licences often require the primary licence holder to have relevant qualifications. Some activities — legal, accounting, healthcare — require UAE professional body registration regardless of licence type.
03
Industrial Licence
Manufacturing, processing, and assembly
Who it is for
Manufacturers, food processors, assembly operations, packaging businesses
Sample activities
- ▸Manufacturing and production
- ▸Food processing and packaging
- ▸Garment manufacturing
- ▸Electronics assembly
- ▸Chemical processing
- ▸Printing and publishing
Year-one cost
AED 15,000–40,000+ (year one, depending on facility size and activity)
Free zones that specialise
RAKEZ (industrial zones with warehousing), Jebel Ali (JAFZA, heavy industry), Sharjah Industrial Area
Key note
Industrial licences require a physical facility — you cannot hold an industrial licence with only a flexi-desk. Facility size requirements vary by activity. RAKEZ has dedicated industrial zones with warehousing.
04
Tourism Licence
Travel, hospitality, and tourism activities
Who it is for
Travel agencies, tour operators, hotel apartments, event organisers, transportation companies
Sample activities
- ▸Travel agency
- ▸Tour operator
- ▸Hotel apartments and serviced apartments
- ▸Event management
- ▸Tourism transport
- ▸Adventure tourism
Year-one cost
AED 20,000–50,000+ (year one, includes DTCM registration fees)
Free zones that specialise
Dubai Tourism (DTCM) for mainland tourism activities; specific free zones for travel agencies
Key note
Tourism activities in Dubai require registration with the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), which adds fees and approval steps beyond the standard licence. Other emirates have their own tourism bodies.
05
Freelance Permit
Individual professionals working under their own name
Who it is for
Freelance writers, designers, photographers, developers, consultants, coaches
Sample activities
- ▸Freelance media and content creation
- ▸Freelance design and photography
- ▸Freelance software development
- ▸Freelance marketing and communications
- ▸Freelance consulting (specific sectors)
- ▸Freelance education and training
Year-one cost
AED 7,500–12,000 (year one, free zone — most affordable licence type)
Free zones that specialise
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City), Fujairah Creative City, Dubai Media City, twofour54 (Abu Dhabi)
Key note
Freelance permits are tied to the individual, not a company. You operate under your own name. Visa quota is typically 1 (for yourself). Suitable for solo operators; not appropriate if you intend to hire staff or scale.
Why activity selection matters more than the licence type
Within each licence type, the specific activity code you register determines what you are legally permitted to do. Choosing the wrong activity code is one of the most common and costly mistakes — it can mean you need a second licence, a permit amendment, or an entirely new registration.
DED (mainland) activity lists are published and searchable on the DED website. Free zones publish their own activity lists, which may differ. Before registering, confirm that your specific planned activities are available under the activity codes offered by your chosen free zone.
See the full step-by-step setup process →Frequently asked questions
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