UAE Business Licence Services
Every business operating in the UAE must hold a valid Business Licence issued by the relevant licensing authority — whether the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland companies or the specific Freezone Authority for freezone companies. The licence specifies the permissible business activities and must be renewed annually.
Choosing the correct licence type and activity is critical — conducting unlicensed activities can result in significant fines, business suspension, and visa cancellations.
Types of UAE Business Licences
| Licence Type | Activities Covered | Issued By |
|---|
| Commercial Licence | Trading, import/export, distribution, retail | DED (Mainland) / Freezone Authority |
| Professional Licence | Consultancy, legal, accounting, medical, engineering, IT services | DED (Mainland) / Freezone Authority |
| Industrial Licence | Manufacturing, production, assembling, processing | MOEI + DED (Mainland) |
| Tourism Licence | Travel agencies, hotels, tour operators, tourism services | DTCM + DED |
| E-Commerce Licence | Online stores, digital platforms, dropshipping | DED / Freezone Authority |
| Freelance Permit | Individual professionals — consultants, designers, writers | Various Freezone Authorities |
| Media Licence | Publishing, production, advertising, PR | NMMI + Dubai Media City |
Licence Renewal Requirements
UAE business licences must be renewed annually. Late renewal attracts daily fines. Renewal requires:
- Valid office lease (Ejari) — for mainland licences
- Approval from all co-signatories and partners
- Clearance of any outstanding government dues
- Updated insurance (if required for the activity)
- Sector-specific approvals (healthcare, food, education — from regulatory authorities)
Key Licence Amendments
| Amendment Type | When Needed |
|---|
| Add New Business Activity | Starting a new line of business |
| Change Company Name | Rebranding or ownership change |
| Change Business Address | Office relocation |
| Add/Remove Shareholder | Share transfer or new investor |
| Change Company Legal Form | Converting from FZE to FZCO or vice versa |
Sector-Specific Licences (Regulated Activities)
Some business activities require additional approvals from regulatory authorities before DED will issue the licence:
- Financial Services: Central Bank of UAE / DFSA (DIFC) / FSRA (ADGM)
- Healthcare: Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
- Food & Beverage: Dubai Municipality (DM)
- Education: Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA)
- Real Estate: Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)
