Types of Business Licenses in Dubai Dubai is one of the most attractive business destinations in the world, thanks to its dynamic economic environment and the many benefits it offers to businesses. To obtain the right business license, it is essential to understand the different types of business licenses available in Dubai, as each type varies based on the business activity and operational requirements. Companies like Itqan work with investors and entrepreneurs to provide the necessary support in selecting and applying for the appropriate business licenses, helping to simplify the process and ensure compliance with all local laws.
In Dubai, there are various types of business licenses available to meet the needs of different economic activities. Business licenses include the general business license that allows those practicing general business activities such as retail and wholesale. There is also the industrial license that focuses on activities related to production and manufacturing, which requires obtaining special licenses to manufacture and distribute products. In addition, Dubai offers the service license that suits companies that provide services such as consulting, advertising, and education, as this type of license varies based on the nature of the service provided.
There is also a professional license that focuses on professional activities such as law, medicine, and engineering, and is necessary to obtain a permit to practice these specialized professions. Thanks to its experience and in-depth knowledge of Dubai laws, Itqan provides comprehensive consultations and assistance in choosing the type of license that best suits the needs of the business activity, in addition to providing support in submitting applications and preparing the required documents.
Understanding the different types of business licenses and submitting the appropriate applications can be a pivotal step in starting a business in Dubai, enhancing your chances of success and growth in the city’s evolving business environment.

Types of commercial licenses in Dubai
Types of commercial licenses available in Dubai
Dubai is one of the world’s leading business destinations, offering an advanced business environment and competitive advantages for businesses and investors. To set up a business in Dubai, it is essential to choose the type of business license that best suits the nature of the business activity you intend to pursue. Dubai offers several types of business licenses, each designed to meet specific needs and come with specific requirements and procedures. Understanding the different types of business licenses can help you make the right decision for your business and ensure compliance with local laws. Types of business licenses in Dubai include:
- General Commercial License: This license is granted for commercial activities that include retail and wholesale trade. It is most common among companies that deal in the sale of general products or services that do not require specialized licenses.
- Industrial License: For companies operating in the field of manufacturing and production. This license includes activities related to the production, manufacture and distribution of products, and requires special permits related to production and manufacturing operations.
- Service License: This is granted to companies that provide different services rather than products. This includes activities such as consulting, education, healthcare, and advertising. This type of license requires specialized services and requires a license according to the type of service provided.
- Professional License: Granted for activities that require a specialized profession such as law, medicine, and engineering. This license is issued after verifying the professional qualifications and accreditations required to practice these specialized activities.
- E-commerce License: This is for companies that operate primarily online, whether selling products or providing services. Companies need to obtain this license to meet the legal requirements for e-commerce.
- Franchise License: Granted to companies wishing to open branches of well-known brands in Dubai, including activities falling under the franchise system.
Each type of license aims to meet the needs of a specific type of business activity, and choosing the appropriate license depends on the nature of your business and your business goals. Companies can benefit from the expertise of consulting companies such as Itqan Company to obtain detailed guidance on how to choose the appropriate license and facilitate the application process.

Documents required to obtain a commercial license
Documents required to obtain a commercial license
Obtaining a trade license is an essential step to starting a business in Dubai. A trade license is the legal document that allows you to conduct business legally, and is essential to ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations. The process of obtaining a trade license requires submitting a set of basic documents that help confirm your identity and the type of business you intend to conduct. Preparing these documents carefully and following the correct procedures can help speed up the process of obtaining a license and avoid any delays. Below is a list of the basic documents required to obtain a trade license in Dubai :
- Passports: Provide copies of passports of all partners or shareholders of the company. Passports must be valid and have sufficient validity period.
- Residence Visas: Copies of residence visas of partners and shareholders if they are residents of Dubai or other Emirates.
- Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association: Prepare and submit the company’s articles of association and memorandum of association, which include details about the company’s structure, purposes, and the rights and duties of the partners.
- Business Plan: Provide a detailed business plan that outlines the company’s objectives, type of activity, and future strategy. This document helps in assessing the feasibility of the project by the relevant authorities.
- Proof of Address: Provide documents that prove your company’s headquarters address, such as a recent utility bill or office lease.
- Lease Contract: Provide a lease contract for an office or commercial space in Dubai. The contract must be formal and reflect the details of the rented location.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If one of the partners is employed by another entity, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) must be submitted from the current employer, confirming that he has no objection to the employee joining the company.
- Power of Attorney: If one partner is unable to be present in person, a power of attorney must be submitted authorizing another person to carry out the proceedings on his or her behalf.
- Additional Permits: Depending on the type of business, additional permits or certificates may be required from relevant government agencies.
Preparing these documents correctly and submitting them accurately increases your chances of obtaining a trade license without delay, and allows you to start your business in Dubai with confidence and full compliance with legal requirements.
Learn about commercial licenses in Dubai
Choosing the right type of business license in Dubai is an essential step to ensure that you start your business legally and efficiently. The types of business licenses in Dubai vary depending on the nature of the business and the activities that the company intends to engage in. From general commercial licenses to industrial, service and professional licenses, each type of license meets specific needs and provides a suitable legal framework for your business.
Collaborating with Itqan can greatly simplify the process of obtaining the appropriate license. With its deep experience in the field of commercial and consulting services, Itqan provides comprehensive support to investors and businessmen in determining the optimal type of license based on the nature of the activity and market requirements. Itqan contributes to accelerating the registration process by providing specialized advice, preparing the necessary documents, and dealing with the bureaucratic procedures related to licensing.
By working with Itqan, you can benefit from specialized advice on the different types of business licenses and how to obtain them, allowing you to focus on developing your business instead of getting bogged down in the details of legal and administrative procedures. Thanks to this cooperation, you can ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations, which contributes to speeding up the process of starting your business and avoiding any delays or legal issues that you may encounter.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of business licenses and choosing the right one is a vital step in achieving business success in Dubai. With the support and guidance of Itqan, you can start your business with confidence and efficiency, taking advantage of the thriving business environment that Dubai provides to achieve your business goals efficiently and effectively.
Frequently asked questions about commercial licenses in Dubai
What types of business licenses are available in Dubai?
Commercial licenses in Dubai are divided into several types, including general commercial license, industrial license, service license, and professional license. Each type suits a specific type of economic activity and is subject to specific requirements.
What is a general commercial license?
The general commercial license is granted for commercial activities that include retail, wholesale, and distribution operations. It is the most common type and is suitable for companies that sell products or provide a wide range of commercial services.
What is an industrial license?
The industrial license is intended for companies operating in the field of manufacturing and production. This license includes activities related to the production, manufacture and distribution of products, and requires special permits for those activities.
What is a service license?
A service license is granted to companies that provide services rather than products. This includes activities such as consulting, education, healthcare, and advertising. This type of license requires the provision of services related to the field in which the company operates.
What is a professional license?
Professional licenses relate to activities that require a specific specialization such as medicine, law, and engineering. Professional activities must comply with specified standards and be subject to the supervision of specialized authorities.
How to choose the right business license?
Choosing the right license depends on the type of business activity you intend to practice. It is important to accurately define the activity and understand the legal requirements for each type of license. Consulting companies such as Itqan can help you choose the most appropriate license.
Can I change the type of license after obtaining it?
Yes, the type of license or business activity can be modified after obtaining it, but this requires submitting a modification request to the relevant authorities and updating the commercial register according to the specified procedures.