UAE Trade License — Free Zone & Mainland
Message us on Telegram or WhatsApp for fast assistance!
A UAE trade license is the core permit that lets your company operate legally. We choose the right activities and jurisdiction (free zone, mainland or offshore), obtain the license, and handle visas, banking and renewal — so you're licensed and trading fast.
Why set up your UAE trade license with Legarithm
A UAE trade license is easy to get wrong: the wrong activity list restricts what you can invoice, and the wrong jurisdiction (free zone vs mainland) can cost you market access or a 0% tax position. We get the activities and jurisdiction right first, then handle issuance, visas, banking and renewal as one team.
As a registered UAE corporate services provider working directly with free zones and the mainland (DET), we advise on the right licence type and jurisdiction for your model — no sub-agents, one flat quote — and manage everything from trade name to renewal. (Replaces the current generic copy and fixes the ‘OAE’ typo.)
Your UAE trade license partner
A trade license defines what your company may legally do in the UAE. We select activities, advise free-zone vs mainland, and manage issuance and renewal.
Correct activities
Free zone or mainland
Visas & banking
Renewal handled
Benefits of a UAE trade license
Legal operation, ownership, tax and visas — what a UAE trade license unlocks.
Who needs a trade license
If you operate in the UAE, you need one — find the profile that fits you.
Startups & solo founders
New businesses choosing activities and a base — a free-zone or freelance licence gets you trading with residency.
Service firms
Professional and consultancy activities.
Service & consultancy firms
Professional-licence activities — consulting, IT, marketing, management — in a free zone or mainland.
Traders & e-commerce
Commercial or e-commerce licences for buying, selling and cross-border trade.
Tech, fintech & crypto
Innovation-friendly free zones; regulated fintech/crypto may need a separate licence (VARA/ADGM).
Holding companies
Asset-holding and offshore structures for succession and protection.
UAE trade license types
Pick the licence that matches your activity — we combine related activities on one where possible.
Commercial licence
For buying, selling, importing, exporting and distributing goods — the most common trading licence.
Professional licence
For services and consultancy — IT, marketing, management, engineering, legal and artisanal work.
Industrial licence
For manufacturing, production, assembly and packaging — with warehousing or industrial space.
E-commerce licence
For online retail, marketplaces and drop-shipping — a fast route for digital businesses.
Freelance permit
A one-person permit for solo professionals in media, tech, consulting and creative fields.
Not sure which licence?
Tell us your activities and we’ll match the right UAE trade license.
Free zone vs mainland vs offshore trade license
The jurisdiction decision, in one view — ownership, market access, tax and visas.
| Factor | Free zone | Mainland (DET) | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% | 100% (most activities) | 100% |
| Market access | Free zones + international; mainland via distributor | Full UAE mainland + government tenders | International only — no UAE trade |
| Office | Flexi-desk or office | Physical office (Ejari) | No office |
| Visas | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tax | QFZP 0% on qualifying income | 9% corporate tax | 0% (no UAE-source income) |
| Best for | Services, trade, digital, international | Onshore B2C, retail, govt work | Holding, asset protection |
*Most service, digital and trading businesses choose a free-zone licence; onshore retail and government work need a mainland licence; holding and asset protection use offshore. We’ll recommend the right one for your model.
We will help you establish your UAE company efficiently and in full legal compliance.
Our experts guide you through the full formation process. You get compliance, efficient solutions, and strategic benefits for your international operations.
Eligibility Criteria & Papers
Exactly what you need for your UAE trade license— documents, structure, residency and tax in one place.
- Passport copy (all shareholders and directors)
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, usually within 3 months)
- UAE residence visa / entry stamp if you are in the UAE
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current UAE sponsor, where applicable
How to get your UAE trade license
Five steps from choosing your activity to a live licence, with realistic timelines.
Cost of a UAE trade license
Indicative 2026 government fees by jurisdiction — visas, office and our service quoted separately.
| Jurisdiction | Official government licence fee (per year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free zone — Northern Emirates (RAKEZ, SHAMS) | AED 5,750–12,000 | Lowest entry; flexi-desk options |
| Free zone — Dubai (Meydan, IFZA) | AED 12,500–30,000 | Dubai address; multi-activity |
| Premium Dubai (DMCC, DIFC) | AED 30,000–50,000+ | Finance, commodities, prestige |
| Mainland (DET / DED) | AED 12,000–25,000 | Full UAE market + govt tenders |
| Offshore (JAFZA, RAK ICC) | AED 10,000–15,000 | Holding only; no visas/office |
*Official government licence fees only — excluding Legarithm’s service fee, visas (~AED 4,000–5,000 per person), establishment card (~AED 1,500/year) and office/flexi-desk (~AED 5,000–15,000/year). The realistic first-year total is typically 1.5×–2× the headline licence fee. Figures vary by activity and are indicative for 2026 — confirm current fees before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
Free zone or mainland trade license — which do I need?
Free zones suit services, digital and international trade with 100% ownership and 0% qualifying-income tax; mainland suits direct B2C retail, onshore trade and government tenders; offshore is for holding only. Compare the leading zones on our UAE free zones page, or tell us your case and we’ll advise.
How much does a UAE trade license cost?
It depends on activities, jurisdiction, visa quota and office. Indicative ranges: offshore from ~USD 3,000, free zone from ~USD 7,000, mainland from ~USD 8,000. We give a transparent, flat quote after a short call.
How long does it take to get a trade license?
A free-zone trade license is typically issued in 5–10 business days, mainland in 2–4 weeks. Add 2–6 weeks for visas and a corporate bank account, which we run in parallel.
Does a trade license include visas?
Yes — your visa quota is linked to the licence and your office (flexi-desk or physical). We arrange investor and employee visas together with the licence, and advise on the UAE Golden Visa where you qualify.
Can a foreigner own 100% with a UAE trade license?
Yes. Free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, and since 2021 most mainland activities also permit 100% ownership without a local partner. A few strategic activities still require a local partner.
How often do I renew a UAE trade license?
Annually. We manage renewals and any activity or shareholder amendments so your licence never lapses — a lapsed licence blocks visas and banking.
Can I add or change activities later?
Yes. You can amend your licence to add activities, change your trade name or update shareholders. We handle the amendment filing; listing the right activities up front avoids repeat fees.
What taxes apply to a UAE trade licence holder?
0% personal income tax. Corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000, but a Qualifying Free Zone Person keeps 0% on qualifying income. VAT is 5% above the registration threshold.
Can I open a UAE bank account with a trade license?
Yes, with the right documents and a clear business narrative. UAE banks require the trade licence, MOA, business plan and full KYC. We prepare the file and make targeted introductions.
Do I need a physical office for a trade license?
Not always — free zones offer flexi-desk options that satisfy licensing and visa eligibility. Mainland licences require a physical office (Ejari). Some activities or a bank’s preference may require dedicated space.
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
Leave your inquiry, and our legal team will get back to you as soon as possible. Initial consultation is free of charge and confidential.
Or contact us directly on:
