Licensing

Commercial License in Dubai

The standard licence for buying, selling and distributing goods.

Fixed price quoted up front
Mainland and every free zone
Licence, visas, banking, one team
Most licences in days, not weeks

A commercial licence is the standard permission for trading activity in Dubai. It covers buying and selling goods, distribution, retail, import and export within a defined and related group of products, and it is the most common licence issued to trading businesses.

It differs from a general trading licence in scope rather than kind. A commercial licence typically permits a set number of related activities, which keeps the fee lower. If your product range is focused, this is the efficient choice. If you expect to move across unrelated categories, general trading avoids repeated amendments.

The basics

A commercial licence authorises trade in specified goods. When you apply, you select activities from the official activity list, and the licence permits trade in those categories. Related activities can usually be grouped on a single licence, which is why choosing them carefully at the start matters.

Commercial licences are available on the mainland through the Department of Economy and Tourism and inside free zones through the relevant authority. Mainland gives direct access to UAE customers, free zones give lower entry cost and full ownership with a flexi desk.

Why it works

Lower cost than general trading

A focused activity list keeps the licence fee below the broader general trading permission.

Import and export

Register a customs code and move goods through Dubai's ports and airports in your own name.

Retail and wholesale

Sell to businesses or consumers, including from a shop or showroom where your premises permit it.

Multiple related activities

Group related activities on one licence rather than holding several separate licences.

Visa eligibility

Sponsor residence visas for owners and staff, with quota driven by your facility.

Straightforward banking

A clear, focused trading activity is a simpler compliance profile for banks than a broad, unspecific one.

Scope

Commercial licences cover trade in defined categories, including the following.

  • Foodstuff trading, subject to municipality approval
  • Electronics and mobile phone trading
  • Garments and textiles trading
  • Building materials trading
  • Furniture and decor trading
  • Auto parts and accessories trading
  • Cosmetics trading, subject to approval
  • Sports equipment and toys trading
Cost

A commercial licence sits between the cheapest professional licences and general trading. Cost is driven mainly by jurisdiction and premises: a free zone flexi desk keeps it low, while a mainland shop or showroom adds rent and Ejari. Additional activities beyond the included allowance add a small fee each.

What makes up the cost

  • Trade name reservation and initial approval
  • Commercial licence fee
  • Office, shop or flexi desk cost
  • Customs code registration if importing
  • Establishment card and visas per person
  • Our professional fee, quoted as a fixed amount up front
Paperwork
  • Passport copies for every shareholder and the manager
  • Passport size photographs on a white background
  • Three proposed trade names in order of preference
  • A list of the goods and activities you intend to trade
  • Emirates ID and visa copy if you are already a UAE resident
  • No objection certificate from your current sponsor where applicable
  • Tenancy contract and Ejari, or free zone facility agreement
The process
01

Select your activities

We choose activity codes that cover what you actually sell, grouping related lines so you do not pay for more than you need.

02

Choose jurisdiction

Mainland if you sell to UAE customers directly, free zone if you sell internationally or through a distributor.

03

Reserve the trade name

We clear and reserve a name that passes the authority naming rules.

04

Initial approval

The authority confirms no objection to the activity proceeding, including any external approvals needed.

05

Premises and documents

We arrange the shop, office or flexi desk, register Ejari where required and file the complete document set.

06

Licence issued

Your commercial licence is issued and the company is registered with immigration and labour.

07

Visas and banking

We process establishment card, residence visas and Emirates ID, then support corporate account opening.

Why Layerz

We advise on the structure that fits your activity and customers rather than the package that is easiest to sell. You get a fixed quote with government fees itemised separately, a dedicated advisor from first call to licence, and the same team afterwards for visas, banking, accounting and renewals.

Get a free consultation
Faq

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers on cost, ownership, documents and timelines.

Ask us anything Ask us anything
  • 1. What is a commercial licence in Dubai?
    It is the standard trade licence for buying, selling and distributing goods within a defined group of related activities, issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism on the mainland or by a free zone authority.
  • 2. How much does a commercial licence cost in Dubai?
    Typically from around AED 15,000, depending on jurisdiction, premises and how many activities you register. We provide a fixed itemised quote before you commit.
  • 3. How many activities can I have on one commercial licence?
    Authorities generally allow several related activities on one licence. Unrelated categories usually require a general trading licence instead, and we confirm the grouping before filing.
  • 4. Do I need a shop for a commercial licence?
    Not always. Wholesale and distribution can operate from an office or warehouse. A retail shop is only required if you sell directly to walk in customers from premises.
  • 5. Can I upgrade a commercial licence to general trading later?
    Yes. The licence can be amended to general trading, which involves a fee difference and an amendment application. We handle the change if your product range broadens.
Keep reading

General Trading License

Trade multiple unrelated product lines under a single licence.

Read guide

Dubai Mainland Company Formation

Trade anywhere in the UAE, with up to 100% foreign ownership.

Read guide

E-Commerce License

Sell online legally, from a marketplace storefront to your own platform.

Read guide

Enquire about your commercial license

Tell us what you are planning and we will reply with the right structure and a fixed quote.