Our Office:
Proxima Eight FZE LLC
23rd Floor, Anantara Downtown Business Tower, Business Bay, Dubai - UAE
Proxima Eight FZE LLC
23rd Floor, Anantara Downtown Business Tower, Business Bay, Dubai - UAE
Dubai Mainland Licences
Get the Right Mainland Licence for Your Business in Dubai
Dubai Mainland Licences
Get the Right Mainland Licence for Your Business in Dubai
Mainland Licences
A valid licence in one of these categories is a fundamental requirement for all mainland business activities in the UAE.
To legally operate a mainland company in the UAE, obtaining a valid trade licence is mandatory before starting any business activity. This requirement applies across both Dubai Mainland and free zone jurisdictions.
A trade licence confirms to customers and authorities that your business complies with local laws and regulations, establishing your company as a legitimate entity.
While registering a business involves several steps, securing the correct trade licence is the most critical for a successful setup.
Choosing the right licence depends on your business activities, company structure, and operating jurisdiction. Understanding these factors helps ensure your mainland company is properly licensed for long-term success.
There are three main types of trade licences to consider when starting a business in Dubai Mainland:
A valid licence in one of these categories is a fundamental requirement for all mainland business activities in the UAE.
To legally operate a mainland company in the UAE, obtaining a valid trade licence is mandatory before starting any business activity. This requirement applies across both Dubai Mainland and free zone jurisdictions.
A trade licence confirms to customers and authorities that your business complies with local laws and regulations, establishing your company as a legitimate entity.
While registering a business involves several steps, securing the correct trade licence is the most critical for a successful setup.
Choosing the right licence depends on your business activities, company structure, and operating jurisdiction. Understanding these factors helps ensure your mainland company is properly licensed for long-term success.
There are three main types of trade licences to consider when starting a business in Dubai Mainland:
Types of mainland trade licence
Professional Trade Licence
In the UAE, professionals, specialists, craftsmen, and artisans must obtain a professional trade licence from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) before offering services on the mainland. This licence verifies that the business or individual is qualified to provide professional services and usually requires proof of skills or training.
Professional licences support different company structures, including:
Commercial Trade Licence
Businesses involved in buying, selling, and trading goods need a commercial trade licence to legally operate on the Dubai mainland. This licence covers general and specialized trading activities and supports company structures like LLCs and sole establishments.
Industries such as retail, real estate, construction, healthcare, rental transportation, and broadcast/communications must acquire a commercial trade licence relevant to their specific trading activity.
Industrial Trade Licence
Companies engaged in manufacturing or industrial processes must obtain an industrial trade licence from the DED, sometimes alongside approvals from ministries such as Finance, Economy, or Energy & Infrastructure. This licence permits activities involving the transformation of raw materials into finished products.
Requirements to Obtain a UAE Trade Licence
To apply for a mainland trade licence in Dubai via the DED, you must:
Expert Business Setup Support in Dubai
Navigating Dubai’s licensing and regulatory requirements can be complex. Partnering with a trusted business setup specialist ensures you select the correct trade licence and meet all legal obligations.
As a leading UAE corporate service provider, Proxima Eight offers comprehensive support for company formation, licence acquisition, visa processing, and more — helping your business launch smoothly and thrive in Dubai’s competitive market.
Need help choosing the right trade licence? Contact Proxima Eight today for expert assistance.
Professional Trade Licence
In the UAE, professionals, specialists, craftsmen, and artisans must obtain a professional trade licence from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) before offering services on the mainland. This licence verifies that the business or individual is qualified to provide professional services and usually requires proof of skills or training.
Professional licences support different company structures, including:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) with a local sponsor holding 51% ownership
- Civil Company or Sole Establishment, where foreign investors retain 100% ownership but must appoint a UAE national as a Local Service Agent (LSA) to fulfill legal requirements
Commercial Trade Licence
Businesses involved in buying, selling, and trading goods need a commercial trade licence to legally operate on the Dubai mainland. This licence covers general and specialized trading activities and supports company structures like LLCs and sole establishments.
Industries such as retail, real estate, construction, healthcare, rental transportation, and broadcast/communications must acquire a commercial trade licence relevant to their specific trading activity.
Industrial Trade Licence
Companies engaged in manufacturing or industrial processes must obtain an industrial trade licence from the DED, sometimes alongside approvals from ministries such as Finance, Economy, or Energy & Infrastructure. This licence permits activities involving the transformation of raw materials into finished products.
Requirements to Obtain a UAE Trade Licence
To apply for a mainland trade licence in Dubai via the DED, you must:
- Choose your business category (professional, commercial, or industrial)
- Define your specific business activity
- Select the legal structure of your company
- Register a unique trade name with the local Department of Economic Development
- Register your trademark with the Ministry of Economy (if applicable)
Expert Business Setup Support in Dubai
Navigating Dubai’s licensing and regulatory requirements can be complex. Partnering with a trusted business setup specialist ensures you select the correct trade licence and meet all legal obligations.
As a leading UAE corporate service provider, Proxima Eight offers comprehensive support for company formation, licence acquisition, visa processing, and more — helping your business launch smoothly and thrive in Dubai’s competitive market.
Need help choosing the right trade licence? Contact Proxima Eight today for expert assistance.
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