BUSINESS LICENSING
Setting up your business in the UAE starts with the right business license—and at GLEEFINITY, we make the process simple, strategic, and stress-free. Whether you’re launching in Mainland, a Freezone, or as an Offshore entity, our experts guide you through every step—from choosing the right business activity to securing approvals and documentation.
Types of Business Licenses
Offered by GLEEFINITY
1. Trade License
A Trade License allows companies to engage in commercial trading activities such as import, export, and distribution of goods. Whether you're selling electronics, food products, building materials, or luxury goods, this license is essential for trading legally in the UAE and internationally.
✅ Ideal For: Product resellers, wholesalers, retailers, import/export businesses
✅ Applicable in: Mainland, Freezone, and Offshore jurisdictions
✅ Includes: Warehouse approvals, customs codes, local trading permissions
2. Ecommerce License
This license is tailored for businesses that operate online platforms or digital marketplaces. Whether you're selling through a website, app, or social media, this license ensures you're compliant with UAE’s online commerce laws.
✅ Ideal For: Dropshipping, digital marketplaces, online retailers, influencers launching brands
✅ Features: No physical office required (in many Freezones), fast setup, affordable packages
✅ Add-ons: Payment gateway setup, online brand registration, shipping solutions
3. General Trading License
A flexible license that permits trading in multiple, diverse products under one umbrella. This is perfect for businesses dealing with unrelated items like furniture, food, garments, and electronics simultaneously.
✅ Ideal For: Entrepreneurs and businesses involved in varied import/export activities
✅ Benefits: One license covers many trading categories, simplified documentation
✅ Requirements: Some products may need external approvals (e.g., food, pharma)
4. Professional License
This license is required for individuals or firms providing expert or consultancy services. It allows 100% foreign ownership and is perfect for solo professionals and specialized service firms.
✅ Ideal For: Consultants, designers, engineers, IT professionals, trainers, lawyers
✅ Benefits: Low cost, high credibility, full ownership possible in mainland with local service agent
✅ Services Covered: HR consulting, accounting, marketing, IT support, education, and more
5. Commercial License
This is one of the most common licenses for companies involved in buying and selling goods or services. It allows businesses to perform trading, contracting, and service-related activities under a commercial structure.
✅ Ideal For: SMEs, agencies, trading companies, construction suppliers
✅ Scope: Can include several related activities under one license
✅ Add-ons: Corporate bank account setup, visa quota, lease documentation
6. Industrial License
An industrial license is required for companies involved in manufacturing, packaging, processing, or assembling products. These licenses require special approvals from the UAE Ministry of Economy and industrial zones.
✅ Ideal For: Manufacturing units, factories, product packaging companies, food processing plants
✅ Special Requirements: Local physical facility/warehouse, safety & environmental compliance
✅ Includes: Utility approvals, factory inspections, industrial zone licensing
Get in touch
