Question 1

What is the difference between a commercial licence and a professional licence in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

A commercial licence is for trading, import-export, and related commercial activity. A professional licence is for specialised services — consultancy, design, healthcare, and similar work. Mixing them on invoices without the matching activity is a common reason banks and DET query the file.

Question 2

Do I need an industrial licence to pack or assemble goods in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

If you transform raw or semi-finished materials — including many assembly and packing lines — the authority may treat the activity as industrial rather than commercial. The test is the activity code and the premises, not the brand name. We check the DET or free-zone list before you lease a warehouse.

Question 3

Who issues a tourism licence in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Dubai Economy and Tourism oversees tourism licensing (the role previously associated with DTCM). Inbound tour operator, outbound tour operator, and travel-agent activities are the usual tracks. Hotels and restaurants often need additional hospitality permissions.

Question 4

Is a trade licence the same as a commercial licence?

Accepted Answer

People use “trade licence” for the document that lets the company operate. DET then classifies that document as commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, or another class. A general trading licence is a commercial-type licence with a broad goods list; it is not a shortcut around regulated goods.

Question 5

Can a free-zone commercial licence be used to trade across Dubai mainland?

Accepted Answer

Generally no. A free-zone licence authorises activity under that zone’s rules. Selling onshore in the UAE usually needs a mainland licence, a distributor, or another structure the zone and DET accept. We map that before incorporation so you do not build the wrong vehicle.

Question 6

How much does a Dubai licence cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on activity, mainland versus free zone, office, visas, and extra NOCs. Published “from AED …” figures leave out lease, visa, and regulator fees. PJRJ gives a written scope for your activity rather than a single headline price.