What Are the Main Steps Involved in Getting a Trade License in Dubai?

Dubai is one of the most business-friendly cities in the world, attracting thousands of entrepreneurs and investors every year. Whether you want to start a retail shop, consultancy, e-commerce store, or trading company, the trade license is the key document that legally allows you to operate in the UAE.

But how do you get one? Don’t worry - at Team Fame, we simplify the entire process for you. Here’s a

An absolute URL: step-by-step guide to getting a trade license in Dubai in 2025

.Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

The first step is to define what type of business you want to conduct. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) offers 2,000+ approved activities, from trading and services to manufacturing.

Step 2: Select the Jurisdiction

Dubai offers three options for company setup:

• Mainland: Ideal for full UAE market access and physical operations.

• Free Zone: Perfect for 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and global trade.

• Offshore: Best for holding assets or running an international business without a UAE presence.

Choosing the right jurisdiction impacts your market reach, cost, and compliance requirements.

Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name

Pick a unique company name that follows UAE naming rules:

• No offensive language

• No religious or political references

• Must reflect your business activity

Once approved, your trade name is reserved for you.

Step 4: Get Initial Approval

Initial approval is a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority. It confirms that the government has no objection to you starting your business under the selected activity and name.

Step 5: Prepare the Legal Documents

Depending on your business type, you may need to draft and notarize documents such as:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Local Service Agent Agreement (for certain professional licenses)

• Passport copies of shareholders

Step 6: Choose Your Office Space

Every business in Dubai needs a physical address. You can opt for:

• Flexi-desk or virtual office (great for start-ups and freelancers)

• Dedicated office space (ideal for larger companies)

Step 7: Submit Documents & Pay Fees

Submit all documents to the relevant authority (DET for Mainland or the chosen Free Zone authority). Once your paperwork is approved and fees are paid, you’ll be issued your trade license.

Step 8: Apply for Visas & Corporate Bank Account

With your trade license in hand, you can now:

• Apply for residence visas for yourself, employees, and dependents

• Open a corporate bank account to start transactions

Why Work with Team Fame?

While the steps are straightforward, navigating them can be time-consuming if you’re new to Dubai’s regulations. Team Fame makes the process fast, compliant, and stress-free by handling:

• Trade name reservation

• Documentation & approvals

• License issuance

• Visa processing & PRO services

Save Time – We handle all the paperwork

Avoid Mistakes – Stay 100% compliant with UAE regulations

Focus on Growth – While we manage the process

Get Your Trade License Hassle-Free

Don’t let the process slow down your entrepreneurial journey. At Team Fame, we ensure your trade license is issued quickly and efficiently so you can focus on launching and growing your business.

Discover the top industries benefiting from the One Freezone Passport Scheme in the Uae. Learn how businesses across IT, trading, logistics, and more are expanding seamlessly with Team Fame’s expert guidance.