Commercial License Dubai

How to secure your commercial license Dubai in 2026

A commercial license Dubai is the mandatory commercial permit issued by the DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) authorizing a company to legally trade, import, and export within the UAE mainland. If you sell physical goods, this is your only legal pathway. Period.

The DED mainland vs free zone reality

Free zones offer prestige, but a mainland commercial license gives you direct access to the local market without an intermediary. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 32/2021, you now retain 100% foreign ownership. But here’s the catch nobody tells you—if you don’t secure your trade name reservation correctly, the DED kicks the application back instantly.

Step-by-step commercial activities registration

To finalize your Dubai company formation, you must execute exactly four steps. And I’ve seen founders burn weeks trying to navigate the Dubai bureaucracy alone because they rushed the process.

The 2026 execution checklist

Step 1: Secure Initial Approval via the Basher portal.
Step 2: Draft the MOA and notarize via Dubai Courts.
Step 3: Register an Ejari tenancy contract for physical office space.
Step 4: Submit to DET to receive your DED license.
Translation: Skip the Ejari, and your commercial activities approval halts immediately.

Advanced execution protocols and tax reality

Every commercial permit application triggers MOHRE integration for your establishment card. Your local sponsor requirements are mostly zero now, but corporate tax kicks in at 9% above AED 375,000. For compliance rules, consult the DED official guidelines.

Visa quotas and GDRFA integration

The size of your office dictates your visa quota. A 200-square-foot office usually grants you two or three visas through the GDRFA system. I tell my clients to lease bigger spaces upfront if they plan to hire fast, otherwise you face a hard wall when scaling.

The financial mechanics of setup

Setup fees are only the beginning. You need capital for the DET commercial license, the physical office lease, and health insurance for every employee. Do not undercapitalize your business.

FAQ: Advanced Commercial Insights

What is the minimum capital for a commercial license Dubai?

The DET does not mandate a strict paid-up capital minimum for standard LLCs. However, AED 300,000 is the historical baseline used by most corporate banks.

Can I get a commercial license without an office?

No. You unequivocally need a registered Ejari contract for a physical lease to activate your mainland trade license.

Contact Infico for immediate execution

Stop guessing about regulations. Contact Infico today and let our vetted consultants deploy your business setup strategy safely. We handle Dubai Courts, DET, and MOHRE for you directly.