Obtaining a business license in Dubai is the most important legal step to start and operate a company in the UAE. Whether you are an entrepreneur, startup founder, or foreign investor, Dubai offers a streamlined licensing system that supports multiple business activities across mainland, free zones, and offshore jurisdictions.
This comprehensive guide explains the types of business licenses in Dubai, costs, requirements, process, and benefits, helping you choose the right license and avoid delays or penalties.
A Dubai business license is an official permit issued by UAE authorities that allows individuals or companies to legally conduct specific business activities. Each license is activity-based, meaning the type of operations you plan determines the license category.
Without a valid business license, operating a business in Dubai is illegal and can lead to heavy fines or suspension.
MAFAZAUAE is here to make the entire process simple, fast, and stress-free.
👉 Share your business activity and we will provide
Full cost breakdown + Best jurisdiction recommendation + Setup plan.
A commercial license is issued for trading activities, including:
Import and export
General trading
Retail and wholesale businesses
E-commerce trading
Commercial license cost: AED 12,000 – 18,000 (approx.)
A professional license is ideal for service-based businesses such as:
Consultants
IT services
Marketing agencies
Management services
This license allows 100% foreign ownership in many cases.
Professional license cost: AED 10,000 – 15,000 (approx.)
An industrial license is required for manufacturing or industrial activities, including:
Production
Packaging
Processing
This license involves additional approvals from relevant authorities.
Industrial license cost: AED 15,000 – 25,000 (approx.)
Choosing the right jurisdiction is crucial when applying for a business license in Dubai.
A mainland business license allows you to:
Trade anywhere in the UAE
Work with government entities
Open physical offices
Issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
A free zone license is suitable for businesses focused on international markets.
Key benefits include:
100% foreign ownership
Tax advantages
Simplified registration
Popular free zones include Meydan, DMCC, IFZA, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
| License Type | Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Commercial License | 12,000 – 18,000 |
| Professional License | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Industrial License | 15,000 – 25,000 |
To apply for a Dubai business license, you typically need:
Passport copies of shareholders
Visa copy or entry stamp
Trade name approval
Business activity details
Office address or flexi-desk agreement
Additional approvals may be required for regulated activities.
Select activities aligned with your business operations.
Decide between mainland, free zone, or offshore.
Reserve a compliant business name.
Obtain approval from relevant authorities.
Pay fees and receive your business license.
The entire process usually takes 3–7 working days.
Strategic global location
Business-friendly regulations
No personal income tax
World-class infrastructure
Access to international markets
Dubai consistently ranks among the top destinations for global business.
Choosing the wrong license type
Selecting incorrect business activities
Ignoring visa requirements
Underestimating renewal costs
Working with experienced consultants helps avoid these issues.
MAFAZA provides end-to-end assistance for obtaining a business license in Dubai, including:
Activity selection guidance
Cost-effective license packages
Fast approvals
Ongoing compliance support
We ensure a hassle-free licensing process tailored to your business needs.
The cost typically starts from AED 10,000, depending on license type and jurisdiction.
Yes, many free zone and mainland licenses allow 100% foreign ownership.
Some licenses allow flexi-desk or virtual office options.
Business licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Obtaining a business license in Dubai is the foundation of a successful UAE business. By choosing the right license type and jurisdiction, you can operate legally, scale efficiently, and benefit from Dubai’s investor-friendly ecosystem.
📞 Contact MAFAZA today to get expert assistance in securing your Dubai business license quickly and cost-effectively.
We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a message and let’s start the conversation.