Getting a trade license in Dubai, the right way
A trade licence is the legal permission to carry out business activities in the UAE, and it is the foundation for everything that follows: your residence visas, your corporate bank account and your tax registrations. Picking the wrong activity or jurisdiction can limit where you can trade, how many visas you can hold and how banks assess your company.
First Base starts with a short consultation to understand what you sell, who your customers are and how you plan to grow. We then recommend the jurisdiction and licence type that fits, give you an itemised quote that separates government fees from our service fee, and take care of the paperwork with the authorities on your behalf.
Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore?
Each jurisdiction suits a different kind of business. We compare them side-by-side for your activity before you commit.
Mainland company
Licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai. Trade anywhere in the UAE, work directly with government entities and open branches across the Emirates. Most activities now allow 100% foreign ownership.
Free Zone company
Set up in one of the UAE's 40+ free zones with 100% foreign ownership, bundled licence-and-visa packages and simple renewals. Ideal for consultancy, e-commerce, trading and international business.
Offshore company
An international business company (for example under JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC) for holding assets, owning shares or property and international trading. It cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor visas.
What's included in our Trade License Assistance service
- Business activity & jurisdiction selection
- Trade name check & reservation
- Initial approval application
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) drafting
- Office / Ejari or flexi-desk arrangement
- Licence issuance & establishment card
- Immigration & labour file opening
- Annual licence renewals & amendments
Our Trade License Assistance process, step by step
-
Free consultation
We review your business plan, activities, shareholders and visa needs, then recommend the best jurisdiction and licence.
-
Name & initial approval
We reserve your trade name and obtain initial approval from the relevant authority.
-
Legal documents & office
We prepare the MOA and shareholder documents and arrange a compliant office, flexi-desk or Ejari address.
-
Licence issuance
Fees are paid, the licence is issued and your establishment card is set up so you can apply for visas.
-
Visas, bank & tax
We move straight on to residence visas, bank account opening and VAT or corporate tax registration.
Documents typically required
Exact requirements depend on your jurisdiction, nationality and activity. We send you a personalised checklist after your consultation.
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photographs
- UAE visa or entry stamp (if in the UAE)
- Proposed trade names (2–3 options)
- Proof of residential address
- Corporate documents if a shareholder is a company (attested)
- Brief business plan for some activities
*Timelines and figures are indicative and based on current UAE regulations, which can change. We confirm the latest requirements before you apply.
Why choose First Base for Trade License Assistance?
Right licence first time
We match your activity codes to what you actually do, avoiding costly amendments later.
Itemised, honest pricing
Government, licence and service fees are listed separately, so there are no surprises.
One team end-to-end
Licence, visas, bank account and tax handled by the same advisor.
Want the full picture? Learn about First Base, estimate your setup with our business setup cost calculator or read our latest UAE business guides.
