Dubai Commercial Trade License Checklist: Activities, Ejari & Costs
Securing a commercial trade license from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai enables foreign and local entrepreneurs to operate across the UAE onshore economy.
This guide provides a comprehensive preparation checklist to ensure your license application proceeds smoothly.
1. Pre-Application Verification Checklist
Before initiating formal government filings, verify the following core parameters:
- Commercial Activity Classification: Confirm your business activities in the official DET activity database. Up to 10 aligned activities can typically be grouped under one license.
- Legal Structure: Choose between an onshore Sole Establishment (single owner) or Limited Liability Company (LLC - multiple partners).
- Trade Name Guidelines: Select at least 3 trade name options compliant with UAE naming conventions (no religious terms, no geographic names unless accompanied by context).
- Foreign Shareholding: Confirm that your activities permit 100% foreign equity under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021.
2. Physical Premise & Ejari Requirements
All mainland Dubai commercial licenses require an attested physical lease (Ejari):
1. Commercial Offices / Business Centers: Minimum square footage requirements apply based on your visa quota needs. 2. Retail Units & Warehouses: Require Civil Defense and municipality zoning approvals depending on the nature of storage or retail trade. 3. Instant License Exemption: Certain professional consulting licenses allow a 1-year deferral of the physical lease requirement, but visa issuance and bank account opening generally require a formal registered premise.
3. Summary of Step-by-Step Milestones
``` [1. Initial Approval & Trade Name Reservation] │ ▼ [2. MOA / Local Service Agreement Drafting & Notarization] │ ▼ [3. Lease Signing & Ejari Registration] │ ▼ [4. Payment Voucher Settlement & License Issuance] │ ▼ [5. MoHRE & Immigration Establishment Card Activation] ```
Next Steps
Truss guides founders through every stage of DET mainland licensing, from initial activity selection to final visa and banking onboarding.
Schedule a Mainland Business Setup Consultation to begin your application.
Need Actionable Assistance?
Truss provides direct corporate advisory and coordination for businesses establishing and operating in the UAE.