Business License in UAE
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A UAE business license is the trade licence that lets your company operate legally — commercial, professional, industrial or tourism, on the mainland or in a free zone. We match the licence to your activities, get it issued, and keep it renewed.
From activity selection to visas and renewals, one team handles the whole licence lifecycle.
Why get your UAE business license with Legarithm
The licence itself is a form; the value is in the choices around it. Pick the wrong activity code, jurisdiction or licence type and you face rejected applications, extra approvals, amendment fees and delays — or a licence that quietly blocks what you actually want to do.
As a licensed UAE corporate services provider, we map your activities to the right licence and jurisdiction — mainland, free zone or offshore — get it issued, and keep renewals, visas, accounting & tax and legal in order. One team, one clear quote, no surprises.
UAE business license: key benefits
A UAE business license done right saves you amendments, delays and blocked activities later.
Who needs a UAE business license
Anyone operating in the UAE needs a UAE business license — the type just depends on your activity.
New founders
First-time setups choosing the right activity and jurisdiction.
Traders & retailers
Commercial and general trading across the UAE or for export.
Consultants & professionals
Service firms on a professional licence.
Manufacturers
Production and assembly on an industrial licence.
Tourism & hospitality
Travel and hospitality businesses under a tourism licence.
Freelancers & e-commerce
Solo operators and online sellers on a lean permit.
UAE business license types
Your UAE business license is one of these types, matched to what your company actually does.
Commercial licence
Trading, retail, import/export and general commerce.
Professional licence
Consultancy, services and skilled professions.
Industrial licence
Manufacturing, processing and assembly.
Tourism licence
Travel, hospitality and tourism activities.
General Trading licence
A broad range of goods under a single licence.
Freelance / e-commerce permit
Solo professionals and online sellers on a lean permit.
Not sure which licence fits?
Tell us your activities and we’ll map them to the right type and jurisdiction.
Where to hold your licence: Mainland vs Free zone vs Offshore
Your UAE business license can sit on the mainland, in a free zone or offshore — here’s how they differ.
| Feature | Mainland | Free zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Selling across the UAE | Export & regional business | Holding & asset protection |
| Foreign ownership | 100% (most activities) | 100% | 100% |
| UAE market trade | Direct | Via distributor | No |
| Residence visas | Yes (office-gated) | Yes | No |
| Physical office | Required (Ejari) | Flexi-desk options | Not required |
| Corporate tax | 0% to AED 375k, then 9% | 0% qualifying, else 9% | Exempt if no UAE income |
| Issuance time | 3–5 working days | A few days | 1–2 weeks |
| Relative cost | Mid–high | Lower | Mid |
Get your UAE business license right the first time.
We match the activity, secure approvals and hand you a licence ready to trade.
Business license eligibility & documents
What individuals and corporate shareholders need, plus activity approvals and renewal rules.
- Valid passport copy (all shareholders and managers)
- UAE entry stamp or visa page (if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photograph on a white background
- Proof of residential address
- NOC from a current UAE employer, where applicable
How to get a UAE business license
Five steps from activity choice to visas, with realistic timelines.
UAE business license cost
Official government/free-zone fees only — with an honest note on the real first-year outlay.
| Item | Official fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| Trade name & initial approval | Official fee |
| Trade licence (annual, from) | AED 12,500–15,000 |
| Office / flexi-desk registration (Ejari where applicable) | Official fee |
| Market fee (mainland, 2.5%–5% of office rent) | % of rent |
| Establishment (immigration) card | Official fee |
* Official government/free-zone fees only. They exclude office rent, per-visa medical/Emirates ID costs and Legarithm’s service fee. The real first-year total is typically 1.5×–2× the base licence fee once office and visas are added; renewal is usually lower than year one. Legarithm provides a transparent all-in quote on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
What is a UAE business license?
It’s the trade licence issued by the DET (mainland) or a free-zone authority that lets your company legally carry out its listed activities in the UAE.
What types of business license are there?
Commercial, professional, industrial and tourism licences, plus general trading and lean freelance/e-commerce permits.
Mainland or free-zone licence — which should I choose?
Can a foreigner own 100%?
Yes — 100% foreign ownership applies across free zones and to most mainland activities; only a few strategic activities still need a UAE-national partner.
How long does it take to get a licence?
Initial approval is often within 24 hours and the licence in about 3 to 10 working days depending on jurisdiction and activity.
Do I need a physical office?
A mainland licence needs a physical office with Ejari; many free zones accept a flexi-desk. Offshore structures need no UAE office.
How much does a UAE business license cost?
Official base licence fees start around AED 12,500–15,000; your real first-year total depends on office and visas. We give a transparent all-in quote.
Can I add or change activities later?
Yes — activities can be added or amended on the licence; regulated additions may need extra approval. We handle the amendment.
When and how do I renew?
Trade licences renew annually (with the office tenancy where applicable); we track the date and handle renewal so it never lapses.
Can you handle licence, visas, accounting and legal together?
Yes — we combine the licence with company formation, accounting & tax and legal under one team.
We Are Always Available
Our team ensures your business setup is smooth, efficient, and compliant with local laws. Contact us today to discuss your project.
Cyprus, Nicosia
Arch. Makarios Av. III, No. 1-7, Mitsis Building 3, 3rd floor, Office 302, 1065 Nicosia
Estonia, Tallinn
Tallinn, Harju maakond, Lasnamäe linnaosa, Ruunaoja tn 3, 11415
UAE, Dubai
Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, UAE
Ukraine, Kyiv
Kyiv, Mykhailo Boychuk Street, Office 3011, 01103, Ukraine
United States, New York
228 Park Ave S, New York City, New York, 10003, USA
Get in Touch
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