Commercial License Dubai
Buy, sell and trade goods and services with a licence built for commerce.
Starting from
AED 12,500
Free Zone starting estimate
- Typical timeline
- 5-10 working days
- Best for
- Traders, importers, exporters and retailers
- Activity
- Trading
- Free Zone starting estimate
- From AED 12,500
About Commercial License Dubai
A commercial licence covers trading activities such as buying, selling, importing and exporting specified products.
We choose precise activity codes so your licence covers what you actually trade, and take care of the approvals and office.
Clear activity coverage
Your licence lists exactly what you are allowed to trade.
Import and export ready
Customs and trade registrations can follow.
Scalable
Add activities as your range grows.
At a glance
The numbers that matter
Business type
Trading
Designed for approved commercial activities involving the sale or trading of goods.
Markets
Local & international
Suitable for businesses serving UAE customers as well as approved import and export activities.
Products
Activity-specific
The licensed activity should accurately reflect the categories of goods being traded.
Growth
Scalable
The structure can support businesses that expand their product range and operations.
Is this right for you?
Who is a commercial licence for?
Trading companies
Importers and exporters
Retail businesses
Distributors and wholesalers
Companies buying and selling physical goods
A licence built around trading
A commercial licence is suitable for businesses whose primary activity involves buying, selling, distributing or otherwise trading approved goods.
The exact activity should be selected carefully because product categories can affect licensing and additional approval requirements.
- Identify the products being traded
- Select the appropriate commercial activity
- Choose mainland or free zone
- Arrange premises and licensing
- Prepare for banking and operations
Plan the supply chain before licensing
Importing, warehousing, distribution and retail can have different practical requirements. Understanding the complete supply chain helps ensure the licence and premises support the intended operation.
Before you start
Requirements & eligibility
Product information
- Product categories
- Expected trading activities
- Import or export requirements
- Target markets
Company documents
- Passport copies
- Shareholder details
- Proposed company names
- Business activity details
Premises
Office, shop, warehouse or other premises may be required depending on the selected activity and authority.
Product approvals
Certain regulated products require additional registrations or approvals before they can be imported or sold.
What is included
- Commercial activity selection
- Name reservation and approvals
- Office lease and Ejari
- Commercial licence
- Customs and trade registration guidance
Documents you will need
Tick what you already have and we will help with the rest.
How it works, step by step
4 clear steps, and we handle each one. You always know where your file stands.
- 1
List your products
We match them to approved activities.
- 2
Approvals
Name and authority approvals are obtained.
- 3
Office and MOA
Premises and shareholder documents are signed.
- 4
Licence
Your commercial licence is issued.
Important to know
Before you proceed
Product categories matter
Different products can have different import, registration and regulatory requirements.
Warehousing needs planning
Businesses holding physical inventory should consider storage, logistics and premises requirements before formation.
Import and export are separate operational layers
A commercial licence is only one part of establishing an international trading operation.
Banking depends on the trading profile
Banks may request invoices, supplier details, customer information and source-of-funds documentation.
Questions, answered
Can't find what you need? Message us and a consultant will reply.
Ask on WhatsAppA commercial licence lists specific trading activities. A general trading licence covers a broader range of goods, which suits wide product mixes.
Usually yes, subject to approval and sometimes extra fees.
Related services
Ready to start with Commercial License Dubai?
Tell us about your situation. A consultant will confirm what you need, the cost and the timeline.
Brightlink is an independent private consultancy and is not a government authority. Prices and rules can change.
All our services
Company Formation
- Business Setup in the UAE
- Establishing a Business on the Mainland
- Creating a Business in Free Zone
- Establishment of Offshore Company
- UAE Trade License: Issuance & Renewal
- UAE E-Commerce License
- UAE Industrial License
- Professional License Dubai
- Commercial License Dubai
- General Trading License
- Tourism License Dubai
- Holding Company License
- License Renewals in Dubai
- Nominee Services
- Flexi Desk & Virtual Office UAE
- Company Liquidation UAE
Banking, Taxation & Compliance
Visas & PRO Services
Leave Your Contact Details
Our legal and corporate advisors will analyze your request and provide a tailored proposal within 24 hours.
