Trade licence in Dubai: which activity to choose
The trade licence defines which activities the company can legally carry out. A poor choice can cause problems later with banks, authorities, suppliers, clients or when adding activities.
When it applies
This applies to new incorporations, changes of activity, additional activities, amendments, or companies that are not sure whether their current licence covers what they actually do.
Requirements
The specific business activity, a description of products or services, markets, B2B/B2C model, import/export needs, office, employees and any sector-specific approvals.
Timeframes
Standard licences can be issued quickly; regulated activities or those subject to external approvals may take longer.
Common mistakes
Choosing an activity that is too generic; assuming that “consultancy” covers any service; not checking sector-specific permits; confusing a licence with authorisation to operate in any market or channel.
Content reviewed · August 2026. Fees, timeframes and requirements change: check them before you decide.
Also part of Company setup
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First conversation free of charge. No obligation. No sales pitch. We tell you whether the UAE or the Gulf countries are the right fit for your case. And if they are not, we tell you that too.
We review the actual activity before recommending the licence. You will find the full service, with its form and frequently asked questions, under Company setup.