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Licence types

UAE business licence types explained

The licence you hold decides what your company may do. Here are the main licence categories used in the UAE and who each one suits.

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Main licence categories

Commercial licence

For trading in goods, import and export, retail and wholesale. Specific products may need additional approvals.

Professional licence

For service providers such as consultants, designers, IT professionals and other skilled professions.

Industrial licence

For manufacturing, processing and assembly. Needs a suitable site and often extra approvals.

Tourism licence

For travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality and related activities regulated by the tourism authority.

E-commerce licence

For online selling. Available through some mainland and free zone routes depending on the activity.

Freelance permit

Offered by some free zones for individuals in specific sectors such as media, technology and education.

Mainland, free zone and offshore licences

Each jurisdiction issues its own licences and uses its own activity lists. A commercial licence on the mainland is not identical to a trading licence in a free zone, and the same activity may be priced differently.

We start from your activity and recommend the jurisdiction and licence that match it, then confirm any extra approvals before you pay.

Activities that often need extra approval

  • Healthcare and clinics
  • Education and training
  • Food and catering
  • Financial services
  • Real estate brokerage
  • Media and publishing
  • Security services
  • Regulated or restricted goods

Check your activity

Tell us what you plan to do and we confirm the licence and any extra approvals.

How we choose your licence

Describe your activity

What you sell or provide, and to whom.

Match the activity

We find the correct activity code.

Check approvals

Identify extra approvals from other authorities.

Confirm cost

You receive an itemised written proposal.

Related pages

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Two colleagues choosing a business licence online
Right licence

Match your activity to the correct licence

The licence decides what you can do. We confirm the activity code and extra approvals before you apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can one licence cover several activities?

Often yes, within limits. Authorities allow a defined set of activities per licence. We check what can be combined.

What is a general trading licence?

It covers trading across a group of product categories. Rules and names differ by authority, so we confirm what your licence would allow.

Can I change my licence activity later?

Yes, through an amendment. Fees and approvals apply.

Which licence do consultants need?

Consultants typically use a professional or consultancy licence on the mainland or in a suitable free zone.

Ready to get started?

Tell us about your plan and we reply with the recommended route, an itemised proposal and the next steps.

Email sales@registerbusiness.ae