Types of Business Licenses in Dubai A Guide to Starting Right
Dubai is a magnet for entrepreneurs and ambitious business owners worldwide. With its strategic location, tax-friendly policies, and supportive ecosystem, starting a business in Dubai has never been more attractive. But before you begin, it’s essential to understand the types of business licenses in Dubai — because choosing the wrong one could delay or derail your launch.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the different types of licenses, how to apply, and why companies like Kurum Group are trusted partners in navigating the business setup process
What is a Business License in Dubai?
A business license in Dubai is a legal document that allows you to operate in a specific sector or industry. Whether you’re consulting, manufacturing, or offering services, you must be licensed to operate legally in the UAE.
Licenses are issued by:
- Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) – for mainland businesses
- Free Zone Authorities – for businesses within Dubai’s 45+ specialized free zones
Types of Business Licenses in Dubai
Agriculture
Agriculture licenses are for businesses growing and managing crops, working with livestock or operating fish farms. Other businesses, such as plant nurseries, fertilizer and pesticide traders and agricultural consultants must also hold this kind of license.
Craftsmanship
If you work independently to provide craft and creative services, you may need a craftsmanship license. This includes blacksmiths, carpenters, electricians, masons and plumbers.
Commercial
Commercial licenses are required for any business conducting general trading or contracting activities. As the holder of a commercial license, you can conduct business within the UAE as well as internationally. Industries typically covered by the commercial license include real estate, gold and precious metals trading, car dealing, healthcare and transportation.
Industrial
Industrial businesses are those involved in the manufacture and production of goods and commodities. This typically includes real estate brokers, wholesale and logistics businesses and those involved in import and export. Unlike many other types of business, those operating under industrial licenses are required to have a physical office presence in the UAE.
Professional
Professional activities are those which require creative or artistic skills and expertise. This typically includes the fields of insurance, marketing, IT, media and all manner of consultancy services. Professional licenses are available to business owners and freelancers.
Tourism
With over 15m visitors to Dubai every year, tourism is one of the emirates most thriving sectors. To operate in this industry, you will require a tourism license. This includes businesses such as travel agencies, hotels, tour and excursions companies and most other businesses offering services to tourists.
How to apply for a business license in Dubai: Step-by-step
Applying for a business license in Dubai can appear complex at first glance. But when you work with the team at Kurum Group, we’ll help you launch your new venture in just four simple steps.
Step 1: Outline your business activities
First things first, you’ll need to clearly define your intended business activities. Failure to do so can cause issues further down the line and carrying out unlicensed activities may lead to fines or even license revocation.
Your stated activities must be chosen from the official list published by the DED. The team at Kurum Group will help ensure that you have the correct approvals to run your business.
Step 2: Choose your company name
The second step is equally important: choosing a company name. There are a few key things to keep in mind at this stage – many that would not apply anywhere else in the world.
Be aware that you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions. In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e. Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.
Step 3: Making your license application
Now you are ready to make your application. UAE trade licenses can be obtained via the DED or by applying directly to your chosen free zone. Once again, the Kurum Group team will guide you through this process, liaising with all relevant authorities on your behalf. Get in touch to find out more.
Step 4: Making your visa applications
Finally, you’ll need to organise your visas. With the right guidance, the visa application process can be incredibly straightforward. As well as making your application, you’ll be required to submit biometric information and undergo a medical fitness test.
As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas too. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper. The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.
Benefits of Doing Business in Dubai
Here’s why Dubai continues to attract global entrepreneurs:
Benefit | Details |
100% Foreign Ownership | Especially in Free Zones — no local sponsor required |
Strategic Location | Gateway to Africa, Asia, and Europe |
Business-Friendly Taxation | 0% personal income tax, 9% corporate tax (on profits over AED 375,000) |
45+ Specialized Free Zones | Custom regulations, benefits, and industry hubs |
Access to Global Talent | Multinational, skilled workforce |
Stable Environment | Political stability, strong legal system, world-class infrastructure |
Why work with Kurum Group to get your business license in Dubai
Setting up a business in Dubai can be confusing — unless you have the right partner. Since 2010, Kurum Group has helped over 50,000 entrepreneurs navigate the licensing, visa, and setup process.
Here’s what makes them the #1 choice:
- End-to-end setup support
- License selection based on your activity
- Visa, banking, and office space solutions
- Transparent pricing
Global and local experience
Whether you’re a solopreneur or a scaling SME, Kurum Group takes care of the heavy lifting — so you can focus on launching and growing.