Almalia Consulting

Commercial Trade License in UAE

Commercial Trade License in UAE

UAE stands as a global powerhouse for commerce, offering unmatched advantages to businesses that want to operate at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. With its pro-business government, tax-friendly regulations, and access to world-class ports and logistics hubs, Dubai continues to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and trading companies from around the globe. A Commercial Trade License in UAE is the essential legal requirement that enables you to engage in a wide range of trading activities—including buying, selling, importing, exporting, and distributing goods—both within the UAE and internationally.
At Almalia Consulting FZCO, we simplify and accelerate the process of obtaining your Commercial Trade License in UAE. Whether you’re starting a new trading business, expanding your international operations, or establishing a multi-partner company, we manage every stage of the setup—ensuring full compliance with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and other regulatory bodies.commercial Trade License In uAE is the trade license which taken more

What Documents Are Required for a Commercial Trade License in UAE?

Passport Copies of All Shareholders and Directors – Each shareholder and director must provide a clear copy of their passport. The passport should be valid for at least six months. If any shareholder is a corporate entity, additional legal documents of the parent company will be required.
Proof of Residential Address – Acceptable forms of address proof include a recent utility bill, bank statement, or tenancy agreement showing the individual’s name and residential address. These documents should not be older than three months and must be in English or officially translated.
Passport-Size Photographs – Recent passport-size photos with a white background are needed for each shareholder and director. These photos are used for company records and residency visa applications.
CVs or Professional Profiles of Shareholders and Directors – Some jurisdictions, especially certain free zones, may request brief professional backgrounds to understand the shareholders’ industry experience—particularly for regulated or specialized trading activities.
Proposed Company Name and Trading Activities – You will need to submit three proposed company names that meet UAE naming guidelines, along with a full description of your intended trading activities. This is required for name reservation and initial approval.
Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA) – This is the legal agreement outlining the company structure, ownership breakdown, and business scope. Almalia Consulting prepares this document for you based on your specific business model and the licensing authority’s requirements.
Initial Approval Certificate – For Dubai mainland companies, an initial approval must be obtained from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DED). For free zone companies, it will come from the respective free zone authority. This certificate signifies that the government has no objection to the business setup.
Office Lease Agreement – To finalize your commercial license, you must have a valid commercial address:
  • For mainland companies, this is an Ejari-registered office lease.
  • For free zone businesses, this could be a flexi-desk, shared office, or dedicated office space depending on the package selected.

How We Help You in getting your Commericial Trade License in UAE

Free Consultation & Business Structuring – We start by understanding your trading goals — whether you plan to focus on local Dubai distribution, GCC markets, or global re-export — and advise on whether a Dubai mainland or free zone license best suits your needs.
Name Reservation & Initial Approvals – We reserve your preferred trading company name, prepare the required documentation, and secure initial approvals for your chosen business activities.
Company Incorporation & Trade License Issuance – We draft and submit all legal documents, complete your company registration, and obtain your Dubai commercial trade license from the DED or relevant free zone.
Registered Office & PRO Services – We arrange your registered office address as Dubai law requires, manage Ejari registration (for mainland), and handle all visa, establishment card, and PRO formalities.
Corporate Bank Account Opening – We compile a detailed compliance file for your new trading company and coordinate with top UAE banks to open your corporate account.
Ongoing Compliance & Renewals – We manage annual license renewals, maintain statutory records, assist with VAT registration and filings, and keep your trading business fully compliant.

Why Choose Almalia Consulting For commercial Trade License in UAE?

Specialists in Commercial Trade License in UAE –  We assist individuals and companies in obtaining their Commercial Trade License in UAE, whether in the Dubai mainland or free zones, ensuring a fast and compliant setup.
100% Foreign Ownership Options – We help you secure a Commercial Trade License in UAE with full foreign ownership—no local sponsor required—for most trading activities under both mainland and free zone structures.
Transparent Fees & Quick Process – Our pricing is upfront with no hidden costs. We typically complete the process for your Commercial Trade License in UAE within 5 to 10 working days.
Secure & Compliant Licensing – Your business and personal data are fully protected under UAE law. We ensure your Commercial Trade License in UAE meets all local legal and regulatory standards.
End-to-End Business Support –  Beyond your Commercial Trade License in UAE, we assist with license renewals, corporate banking, VAT registration, and strategic support to help your trading business grow.

Frequently Asked Questions:-

What is a Commercial Trade License in UAE?
The official permit allows your company to legally trade goods — import, export, distribute, and sell — within Dubai, the UAE, and internationally.
Do I need a local sponsor for a commercial trade license?
Not necessarily. Many free zones offer 100% foreign ownership. Under updated UAE laws, many Dubai mainland activities also allow full foreign ownership without needing a local Emirati sponsor.
How long does it take to get a trade license?
Typically 5–10 working days, depending on your chosen jurisdiction and how quickly you provide the required documents.
Can I trade across the UAE with a Dubai free zone license?
A free zone license allows you to operate within the free zone and internationally. You usually appoint a local distributor or obtain a mainland license to sell directly into the Dubai or UAE mainland market.
Can you help open a corporate bank account?
Yes. We prepare your compliance file and work directly with leading UAE banks to open your corporate account tied to your trading company.
How do I start?
Contact us, and we’ll recommend the best structure for your trading activities, prepare all documents, and handle the entire process from start to finish.