Buy and sell physical products
Trade Licence Services
Commercial Trade Licence in the UAE
Obtain the appropriate commercial Licence for trading, retail, distribution, import, export or e-commerce activities with support from activity selection through Licence issuance.
Understanding the Service
What Is a Commercial Trade Licence?
A commercial Licence authorizes a company to conduct the specific approved trading activities printed on the Licence. It may cover buying, selling, importing, exporting, distributing or retailing defined goods through a Mainland or Free Zone authority.
It does not provide unrestricted permission to trade every product. Controlled or regulated goods may need separate activities, product registrations, facilities or authority approvals. Businesses providing consultancy or specialist services should consider a Professional Licence, while manufacturing and processing generally fall under an Industrial Licence.
Business Fit
Is a Commercial Licence Right for Your Business?
Import, export or re-export goods
Supply products to other businesses
Sell directly to consumers
Operate a retail shop or showroom
Distribute products for manufacturers
Sell approved products through e-commerce
Trade in one or several approved product categories
Available Options
Commercial Activities You Can Consider
Consumer and Retail Products
Clothing, footwear, electronics, furniture, gifts, accessories and personal-care products.
Business and Industrial Supplies
Machinery, equipment, building materials, tools, spare parts and packaging.
Food and Lifestyle Products
Foodstuff, beverages, wellness products, sports equipment and recreational goods.
Specialized Trading
Vehicles, medical equipment, chemicals, jewellery, precious metals and agricultural products.
Compare Your Options
Commercial Licence vs General Trading Licence
A General Trading Licence can offer broader scope, but regulated goods are never automatically included.
| Decision Factor | Commercial Licence | General Trading Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Activity scope | One or more specifically selected commercial activities | A broader range of permitted product groups |
| Suitable for | Businesses focused on defined products | Businesses handling several unrelated categories |
| Fees and requirements | Depend on selected activities and jurisdiction | May involve different fees and operating conditions |
| Regulated goods | Require separate approval where applicable | Remain subject to separate approval and restrictions |
Decision Factors
Selecting the Correct Activities and Jurisdiction
ITQAN reviews what will be traded, where goods move and how customers will buy before recommending a route.
Products purchased and sold
Wholesale or retail model
Local sales, imports, exports or re-exports
Physical and online sales channels
Business or consumer customers
Product storage and warehousing
Compatibility of proposed activities
Controlled or regulated goods
Future product-range expansion
Mainland or Free Zone requirements
How It Works
Commercial Licence Application Process
- 01
Trading Model
Identify products, suppliers, customers, markets and channels.
- 02
Jurisdiction
Compare suitable Mainland and Free Zone routes.
- 03
Activities
Select correct commercial activities and compatibility.
- 04
Legal Structure
Confirm ownership and company form.
- 05
Trade Name
Reserve a compliant company name.
- 06
Approvals and Premises
Complete external approvals and facilities where required.
- 07
Licence Issuance
Submit documents and pay applicable fees.
Preparation
Documents Commonly Required
The exact checklist depends on the jurisdiction, activity, products and shareholder structure.
Shareholder and Company Documents
- Passport, visa and Emirates ID where applicable
- Photograph and contact information
- Proposed trade names
- Corporate shareholder documents where applicable
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner information
Activity-Specific Documents
- Selected trading activities
- Product details
- Supplier or distribution agreements where required
- Business plan where required
- External approvals
- Shop, office or warehouse documents
Transparent Planning
What Determines the Commercial Licence Cost?
The quotation should identify activities, government charges, premises, visas, approvals, professional fees and renewal costs.
Request an Itemized QuotationMainland or Free Zone jurisdictionCommercial or General Trading scopeNumber of activities and shareholdersLegal structure and trade nameOffice, shop, showroom or warehouseProduct and external approvalsCustoms registrationInvestor and employee visasAnnual renewals
Operational Readiness
What Happens After the Licence Is Issued?
The trade Licence is one part of making a commercial company operational and compliant.
Chamber registration where applicable
Customs and importer registration where required
Investor and employee visas
Corporate bank account preparation
Accounting and bookkeeping
Corporate Tax and VAT assessment
Ultimate Beneficial Owner records
Product registrations and permits
Licence and tenancy renewal
Activity amendments
ITQAN Support
How ITQAN Supports Your Application
One coordinated discussion connects the Licence application with the operational steps that may follow.
Trading-model assessment
Commercial activity identification
Mainland and Free Zone comparison
Activity-combination checks
Legal structure guidance
Trade name and initial approval
External approval support
Office and warehouse assistance
Commercial Licence application
Customs guidance
Visa, banking, accounting and tax support
Amendments and renewals
Explore Business Setup Services
Find the Right Business Setup Page.
Move between Mainland, Free Zone, licensing and connected business services without returning to the main menu.
Trade Licence Services
Business LicencesCommercial Trade LicenceIndustrial Trade LicenceProfessional Trade LicenceTrade Licence RenewalsOther Services
Business Bank Account OpeningLocal Sponsorship Agent ServicesOffice Space Arrangement (Ejari)Visa ServicesGolden VisaProperty Investor VisaUAE Mainland
Dubai MainlandAbu Dhabi MainlandSharjah MainlandDubai Free Zones
Meydan Free ZoneDubai SouthIFZAJAFZADAFZASharjah Free Zones
SHAMSSPC Free ZoneSAIF ZoneHamriyah Free ZoneAjman Free Zones
Ajman Free ZoneAjman NuVentures Centre Free ZoneRAK & Abu Dhabi Free Zones
RAK Free ZoneInnovation City Free ZoneMasdar CityKhalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD)Frequently Asked Questions
Answers Before the Next Step
Final eligibility, fees, processing periods and approvals depend on the relevant authority, activity, applicant documents and operating requirements.
Ask About Your Case01What is a commercial trade Licence?+
It authorizes a company to conduct the specific approved trading activities printed on its Licence, such as buying, selling, importing, exporting or distributing defined goods.
02Is a commercial Licence the same as General Trading?+
No. A commercial Licence normally covers selected product activities, while General Trading can cover a broader range of permitted categories. Regulated goods remain subject to approval.
03Can multiple activities be added to one Licence?+
Compatible activities can often be combined, subject to the authority’s rules, fees, premises and approval requirements. Unrelated activities may require another arrangement.
04Can services be included with commercial activities?+
Some authorities allow compatible commercial and service activities, while others apply restrictions or additional fees. The combination should be confirmed before filing.
05Can I sell products online?+
Online sellers still require appropriate e-commerce and product activities. Marketplaces, payment providers and banks may review the activities printed on the Licence.
06Can I import and export goods?+
The Licence must include the appropriate trading activities, and customs or importer registration may be required. Product-specific restrictions continue to apply.
07Do I need an office, shop or warehouse?+
Premises depend on the products and operating model. Retailers may need a shop, while importers or distributors can require appropriate storage.
08Which products require additional approval?+
Food, medical products, cosmetics, chemicals, telecom equipment, vehicles, precious metals, agricultural goods and controlled products commonly require additional checks.
Important: Final eligibility, fees, processing periods and approvals depend on the relevant authority, activity, applicant documents and operating requirements.
Discuss Your Requirements
Not Sure Which Commercial Activities You Need?
Tell us what you plan to trade, where your customers are and whether you need importing, warehousing, e-commerce, visas or physical premises. ITQAN will assess the appropriate activities, jurisdiction, approvals and estimated costs.
Discuss Your Commercial Licence