The UAE has become the “dreamland” for entrepreneurs around the world. It’s a prime location with tax sanctions. Also, the strategic location with routes connecting the East and the West, makes Dubai the perfect choice for a business.
But before you start your entrepreneurial journey in the UAE, there is one thing you must acquire. A trade license.
You have five options for a trade license in Dubai. But which one should YOU apply for? Let’s see.
5 Types of Trade License in Dubai
There is a license for every industry.d here are ones you need to know:
- Commercial License
Do you want to trade products or services in the UAE? You need a commercial license. Dubai has major markets in Africa, Europe and Asia, making it a lucrative local and global trading destination.
Here are some of the businesses that you can establish with a commercial license:
- Automobiles
- Financial services
- Readymade garments
- Communication
- International trade
- Home Appliances Trading
- Tourism business license
With E-Startup India, you can get registered for this licence at a reasonable fee. Let’s see the other licenses.
- Professional License
A professional business license in Dubai is the key to companies’ success that aims to work in the following activities in the country:
- Accountants, Auditors, and Financial Advisors
- Carpentry and Artisanal Activities
- Printing and Publishing
- Accounting and Auditing Companies
- Information Technology Services
- Teachers and Educational Professionals
- Lawyers and Legal Advisors
- Advertising Professionals
- Entertainment Artists
- Architectural Consultants
- Management Consultancies
- Healthcare and Medical Services
- Technical Services
So, if your business falls into one of these sectors, you can get this license.
- industrial License
If your business setup in Dubai has anything to do with natural resources or altering raw materials into ready-to-use products, then this license is your friend. Businesses involved in manufacturing new and semi-manufactured products must have this license.
With this trade license, these are the sectors you can work for:
- Magnetic technology equipment trading
- Books binding
- Casting of metals
- Textile manufacturing
- Cards & envelopes printing
- Food & beverage manufacturing
- Adhesive & paper slitting
- Helicopter repair & maintenance
- Metal products coating
- Multi-dimensional image production (hologram)
- Pharmaceuticals packaging
But what about trading businesses?
Let’s find out.
- General Trade License
Need your business to conduct trading activities with a broad array of commodities, then a general trade license in Dubai is your need of the hour.
You can enjoy 100% business ownership, get a vendor with e-commerce platforms, and 100% profit repatriation amongst other benefits. With this trade license, you can do the following businesses:
- Retail store
- Import & Export
- Trading multiple products
- Online selling
- Medical products
Now, consider a situation where you want to establish a tourism-related business in Dubai. And why should you not?
- Tourism License
9.31 million international people visited Dubai overnight in the first half of 2024.
This license has become crucial for travel agencies and tour operators. The certificate comes from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
This one is perfect for companies responsible for inbound and outbound tourism, who organise local tours and provide travel services.
This is why this trade license in Dubai is crucial for your company setup:
- It allows your company setup Dubai branch to legally operate in the UAE tourism market.
- Enables access to tourism support and government programs.
- Makes visa processing simple
Conclusion
Choose a trade license in Dubai that fits your business model as your success depends on it. Partner with E-Startup India to choose the best license and navigate the process of setting up a company in Dubai efficiently.
