Apply for a Trade Licence in Dubai
Once your trade name is reserved and initial approval is secured, the final step before you can legally operate is obtaining your trade licence, the official document issued by your chosen free zone authority that authorizes your company to conduct business in the UAE. Without it, you cannot open a corporate bank account, sponsor visas, sign contracts, or invoice clients. At MaverickSVCS, we manage your entire licence application from document preparation to final issuance.
Types of Free Zone Trade Licences
Your licence type is determined by your business activity. Most Dubai free zones offer:
- Commercial/Trading Licence — for import, export, distribution, and general trading activities
- Professional/Service Licence — for consultants, freelancers, and service-based businesses
- Industrial Licence — for manufacturing, processing, or industrial activities within the zone
- E-commerce Licence — for online retail, digital marketplaces, and platform-based businesses
- Freelance Permit — for solo professionals seeking a minimal-setup UAE business presence
Licence Application Requirements
- Trade name reservation certificate must already be approved and valid
- Initial approval from the relevant free zone authority must be in place
- Your chosen business activities must match an approved free zone activity list
- Office arrangement (flexi-desk, shared workspace, or physical office) must be confirmed, as this determines your visa quota
- All shareholder documentation must be complete and, where required, attested
Documents Required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Passport-sized photographs (white background)
- Approved trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval certificate from the free zone authority
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Proof of office arrangement (flexi-desk agreement, tenancy contract, or Ejari)
- Business plan (required for select activities, such as industrial or financial licences)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC), if a shareholder is a UAE resident sponsored under another company
Fees
Free zone trade licence fees vary significantly depending on the authority, licence type, and visa allocation, indicative starting points across major Dubai free zones typically range from AED 12,500 to AED 25,000+ for the licence itself, before office and visa add-ons. Payment is made directly through your chosen free zone authority’s portal, and we manage this on your behalf as part of our service.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a free zone trade licence in Dubai?
Most standard licences are issued within 3 to 7 working days once your documents are complete and fees are paid, assuming your trade name and initial approval are already in place.
Can I apply for a trade licence before my trade name is approved?
No. Trade name reservation and initial approval must be completed first, the licence application builds directly on those approvals.
Do I need a physical office to get a free zone licence?
Not necessarily. Most free zones accept a flexi-desk or shared workspace arrangement for licensing purposes, though your visa quota is typically tied to the size of the office package you choose.
Can I add more business activities to my licence later?
Yes, but amending your licence to add or change activities involves an additional fee and processing time with the free zone authority, so it’s worth listing all intended activities during your initial application.
Is the trade licence the same across all Dubai free zones?
No. Each free zone (DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, JAFZA, DAFZA, etc.) issues its own licence under its own fee structure and approved activity list, so the right zone depends on your specific business activity and budget.
What happens if my licence application is delayed or rejected?
You’ll need to submit an alternative name for review, which may involve an additional fee depending on the circumstances. This is why we recommend preparing at least 3 ranked options upfront, so a backup is already available if your first choice doesn’t clear.
Does the trade licence need to be renewed?
Yes, free zone trade licences are typically renewed annually. We can also handle your renewal to keep your business compliant without interruption.
Can I change my trade name after registration?
Yes, though the process runs through your chosen free zone authority rather than DET, and approval timelines are typically 1–3 business days depending on the zone.
