Zuletzt aktualisiert: Januar 2026
Why is a business licence required in Dubai?
A business licence is prescribed by lawto operate legally in Dubai. You decide:
- Which activities are permitted
- Where your company is allowed to operate
- Whether you need a physical office
- Access to tax relief, funding programmes, visa applications and business accounts
The Setting up a company in Dubai offers numerous opportunities, but the first and most important step is choosing the right business licence. Whether a commercial, industrial or professional licence - each type of licence is specifically tailored to certain activities and is crucial to the success of your business. Without a valid licence, you can neither operate legally nor gain the trust of your customers. The right business licence opens doors to one of the most dynamic markets in the world and creates the basis for sustainable success.
The most important facts in brief
- A business licence is essential for the legally compliant operation of companies in Dubai and provides access to economic benefits and infrastructure.
- There are four main types of business licences: Dubai General Commercial Licence, Industrial Licence, Professional Licence and Tourism Licence, which are tailored to specific business activities.
- Licence costs vary greatly depending on the type of business and category. Freezones often offer additional benefits such as 100 % foreign ownership.
- Specific documents such as passport, rental agreement and any other permits are required for the licence application; incomplete documents may lead to delays.
- Companies in the UAE enjoy tax advantages such as exemption from corporate and personal income tax in certain cases, particularly in Freezones.
- Challenges in the application process include bureaucratic hurdles and requirements such as local partnerships for Mainland Company. Careful planning is therefore crucial.
Advantages of a business licence in Dubai
- Legal certainty & credibility
- Tax exemption (no corporation or income tax in Freezones)
- VAT only 5 %
- 100 % foreign ownership possible in Freezones
- Access to international markets due to Dubai's geostrategic location
- Participation in tenders, protection of intellectual property, branch foundation possible
A business licence in Dubai offers you numerous advantages that will strengthen your company both locally and internationally. The most important advantages include legal certainty and credibility: with a valid licence, you can operate legally, gain the trust of customers, partners and investors and meet all legal requirements. The licence is also a prerequisite for opening a business account, participating in government funding programmes and applying for Visa for employees or relatives.
Another major advantage is the attractive tax framework. In many cases, you benefit from Tax exemption on corporate profits and capital, especially in the Freezones. VAT is only 5 % and the bureaucracy is significantly simplified. A business licence gives you access to Dubai's dynamic market, allowing you to trade internationally and benefit from its strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa. The licence also protects your intellectual property and opens up opportunities for expansion, such as setting up branches or participating in public tenders.
Businesslicences and typical costs (annual)
There are various types of licences available in Dubai that are tailored to specific fields of activity. The following table gives you an overview of the most important types of business licences in Dubai, their typical areas of application, special features and the expected annual costs:
| Licence type | Description/Activities | Suitable for | Special features | Typical costs (per year) |
| Trade licence (Commercial Licence) | For companies trading in goods, merchandise or services | Retail, import/export, wholesale, logistics, car hire | A licence covers one main activity and up to ten secondary activities | 20,000 - 50,000 AED |
| Industrial licence (Industrial Licence) | For production, import of raw materials and export of finished products | Factories, assembly plants, production facilities | A physical office in Dubai is mandatory | 20,000 - 50,000 AED |
| Professional licence (Professional Licence) | For services based on expertise and educational qualifications | Counselling, medical services, beauty salons, legal services | 100 % foreign ownership possible | 15,000 - 25,000 AED |
| Tourism licence (Tourism Licence) | For companies in the tourism sector | Hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, restaurants | Special rules and regulations for the tourism industry | from AED 18,000 |
| Agricultural licence (Agricultural Licence) | For agricultural activities | Crop cultivation, livestock farming, fish farms, greenhouses | For the use of land for agricultural purposes | 12,000 - 20,000 AED (estimate) |
| Craft licence (Craftsmanship Licence) | For manual work | Carpenters, blacksmiths, traditional craftsmanship | For self-employed craftsmen | from AED 15,000 |
| E-commerce licence (E-Commerce Licence) | For online retail and digital services | Online retail, digital marketing, e-commerce platforms | Enables only the online sale of goods | 18,000 - 25,000 AED (estimate) |
| Media licence (Media Licence) | For media production, broadcasting and advertising | Advertising, film and TV production, publishing | Mainly available in special media zones | 20,000 - 50,000 AED (estimate) |
| Technology licence (Tech/Innovation Licence) | For companies in the technology sector | AI and blockchain development, software, R&D | Suitable for start-ups and technology companies | 20,000 - 40,000 AED (estimate) |
| Freelancer licence (Freelancer Permit) | For individuals as independent contractors | Graphic design, programming, content creation | Allows self-employment without founding a company | from AED 14,000 |
These licence types are specifically tailored to different business areas and are not equally available everywhere - in particular, specialised licences such as for e-commerce or media are usually only available in selected Freezones. The annual costs vary depending on the licence type, location and company size and generally range between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000. Therefore, think carefully about which activities you want to carry out and find out about the specific requirements and costs of the respective licence and zone so that your company can get off to the best possible start in Dubai.
Required documents and prerequisites
To apply for a licence, you will need a number of documents that are standardised in Dubai:
Basic documents
- Completed application form: The form must be signed by all shareholders or partners.
- Copy of your passport: A passport copy valid for at least six months is required for all shareholders and managing directors.
- Passport photo: A current biometric photo of all persons involved.
- Copy of the residence visa or Emirates ID: These documents prove your current residence status in the United Arab Emirates. If you do not yet live in the UAE, a visit visa is sufficient.
- Three suggested names for the company: Three name options must be submitted for reservation and approval by the competent authority.
Company-related evidence
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Articles of Association: A notarised document that regulates the rights and obligations of the shareholders.
- Certificate of incorporation: For certain legal forms, such as an LLC, a certificate of incorporation is required.
- Rental contract and Ejari certificate: Proof of rented business premises and registration of the rental agreement with the Ejari system.
Additional requirements (depending on industry and licence type)
- Provisional official authorisations: Additional licences are required for certain activities, such as healthcare, tourism or education.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate): If a foreign partner is involved or a current sponsor has to agree, an NOC is required.
- Professional qualifications: Degree certificates, proof of professional experience and a CV - especially for counselling or medical activities.
- Criminal record with no previous convictions: In some Freezones or industries, proof of impunity is required.
Further requirements
- Choice of business activity and legal form: The desired business activity and suitable legal form must be determined in advance and specified in the application.
- Personal presence of a shareholder: The presence of at least one shareholder is often required for signatures and identity checks, for example at the bank or public authority.
- Proof of minimum capital: Depending on the type of licence and the Dubai Free Zone, proof of the required minimum capital may be required.
- Proof of payment of the licence fees: Once all documents have been submitted, proof of payment of the licence fees must be presented.
Guide: How to apply for a business licence in Dubai
- Choose the right licence type
Think about which business activity you want to pursue (e.g. trade, services, industry, tourism) and decide on the right licence and the right location (Mainland, Freezone or Offshore). - Compile all the necessary documents
Prepare the documents required for the licence application. Make sure that everything is complete to avoid delays. - Submit your application
Submit your documents to the relevant authority - either the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) for the mainland or the relevant Freezone authority. - Wait for review and approval
The authorities will check your application and may request further evidence or authorisations. Additional official authorisations may be required for certain activities. - Pay the licence fees
After approval, you will receive a request for payment. The costs vary depending on the licence type and location. - Get your business licence
Once payment has been received, you will be issued with a business licence. Now you can officially do business in Dubai.
The business licence must be renewed annually. Have current documents and proof of payment ready for this.
Conclusion
With the right business licence in Dubai, you can open up:
- Tax advantages
- International trading opportunities
- Access to state infrastructure
Planning, documentation and professional support are crucial to avoid errors, delays and legal problems.
Take advantage of Dubai's dynamic market and strategic location and ensure that you fulfil all legal requirements. With a professional approach, you will lay the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success in the UAE.
