What is a trade licence?
A trade licence is the official permission for a UAE company to operate, issued by its licensing authority.
Types
- Commercial: trading activities
- Professional: services, consulting and crafts
- Industrial: manufacturing
- Tourism: travel and hospitality
What it shows
Company name, licence number, legal form, activities, owners and managers, address and expiry date.
Common questions
Is a trade licence the same as a certificate of incorporation?
No. Free zones often issue both: the certificate shows the company exists; the licence shows what it may do.
Official sources
We check our guidance against these official sources. Always confirm current fees and rules before acting.