UAE Business License
All Business Activities
Find the right license for your business activity in the UAE. Starting from AED 7,000.
Search your business activity and see which license, jurisdiction, and approvals may apply.
100%
Foreign Ownership
Zero
Personal Tax
Visa
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Setup
Request Your UAE Setup Proposal
Please note, this call is intended for new business enquiries only.
100%
Foreign Ownership
Zero
Personal Tax
Visa
Options Available
Fast
Setup
Find the Right License by Activity
Choose your activity below to understand the license type, jurisdiction options, special requirements, and next steps.
Restaurant & Food
For restaurants, cafés, catering, and food businesses.
License type required
Restaurant / food-related commercial license
Jurisdiction options
Mainland for restaurants; selected free zones may apply for some food-related businesses.
Special requirements
Food establishment approvals, layout approval, food safety requirements, and any activity-specific permits
Timeline
Depends on premises, approvals, and document readiness
General Trading
For buying, selling, and distributing goods across categories.
License type required
Commercial license
Jurisdiction options
Mainland or Free Zone
Special requirements
Product category approvals may apply depending on the goods being traded
Timeline
Depends on jurisdiction, activities, and documents
Import & Export
For businesses moving goods in and out of the UAE.
License type required
Commercial / trading license
Jurisdiction options
Mainland / Free Zone / Both
Special requirements
Customs registration and product-specific approvals may apply
Timeline
Depends on jurisdiction, customs requirements, and documents
E-Commerce
For online stores, platforms, and digital sales.
License type required
E-commerce / commercial license
Jurisdiction options
Mainland / Free Zone / Both
Special requirements
Product approvals may apply depending on what you sell online
Timeline
Depends on jurisdiction, activity selection, and documents
Professional Services
For consultancies, agencies, and specialist service providers.
License type required
Professional license
Jurisdiction options
Mainland / Free Zone / Both
Special requirements
Regulated professions may need additional approvals from the relevant authority
Timeline
Depends on activity and approvals
Media & Creative
For media, content, design, and creative activities.
License type required
Media / professional / creative activity license
Jurisdiction options
Mainland / Free Zone / Both
Special requirements
Additional permits may apply for events, filming, advertising, or public-facing activities
Timeline
Depends on activity, jurisdiction, and permit requirements
Health & Beauty
For clinics, salons, wellness, and cosmetic businesses.
License type required
Professional / commercial / healthcare-related license, depending on activity
Jurisdiction options
Mainland / Free Zone / Both, activity-dependent
Special requirements
Healthcare, clinic, salon, cosmetic, or wellness activities may need approval from the relevant health or municipality authority
Timeline
Depends on activity type and approvals
Industrial
For manufacturing, production, and industrial operations.
License type required
Industrial license
Jurisdiction options
Mainland / Free Zone / Both
Special requirements
Facility, warehouse, environmental, municipality, or sector approvals may apply
Timeline
Depends on facility requirements and authority approvals
Can My Activity Operate from a Free Zone?
Some activities can be licensed in both mainland and free zones, while others may need mainland presence or special approvals.
| Activity | Mainland Route | Free Zone Route | Special Permits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food / Restaurant | Required for customer-facing restaurant operations | Limited / conditional | Food establishment, layout, and food safety approvals |
| General Trading | Available | Available | Product-specific approvals may apply |
| Import & Export | Available | Available | Customs registration and product approvals may apply |
| E-Commerce | Available | Available | Product approvals may apply depending on what is sold |
| Industrial | Conditional | Available in selected zones | Facility, environmental, municipality, or industrial approvals may apply |
| Professional Services | Available | Available | Regulated professions may need additional approvals |
| Media & Creative | Available | Available | Permits may apply for filming, events, advertising, or public activities |
| Health & Beauty | Conditional | Conditional | Health authority, municipality, or activity-specific approvals may apply |
| Alcohol | Special route required | Conditional | Special approvals and permits required |
How to Get Your UAE Business Activity License
A clear process from activity selection to license issuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple activities on one license?
Yes, in many cases, a license can include more than one activity. This depends on the jurisdiction, activity group, and whether the activities are compatible under the selected license.
Do I need a physical location for a restaurant license?
Yes, restaurant and food businesses usually require a suitable physical premises. The premises may also need layout approval, food safety compliance, and other authority approvals before operations begin.
What permits do I need for a food business?
Food businesses may need food establishment approvals, layout approval, and food safety-related permits. The exact requirements depend on the activity, location, and whether you are preparing, storing, transporting, or selling food.
Can I sell alcohol with a trading license?
Not with a standard trading license alone. Alcohol-related activity requires the correct licensed activity and special approvals or permits for import, distribution, sale, or service.
How long does a general trading license take?
The timeline depends on the jurisdiction, document readiness, selected activities, and any approvals required. Creative Zone can help you understand the expected process once your activity and setup route are confirmed.
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