How to Get Trade License in Abu Dhabi

Obtaining a trade license Abu Dhabi from the Department of Economy (ADDED) or a free zone is essential if you are planning to start a new business or offshoot an existing one in the Emirate. It is a legal document that authorizes you to conduct business. Once a license is secured, you can apply for UAE residency visas, hire staff, open a business bank account, and register for corporate tax.

At Dubiz, our Abu Dhabi business setup consultants support clients with both mainland and free zone setups. Drawing from their hands-on expertise and the latest UAE guidelines, this master guide simplifies the application process of a business license in Abu Dhabi for 2026. Find the exact legal documentation and a transparent cost breakdown.

This is your practical guide, answering all your questions.

Who Issues Trade Licenses in Abu Dhabi?

It is either the Department of Economy (ADDED) or a free zone authority that issues trade licenses for local, expat, and foreign businessmen in Abu Dhabi. These are the two primary licensing authorities in Abu Dhabi mainland and free zones, respectively.

Along with trade licenses, these authorities also grant the formal certificate of incorporation on successful business registration. To apply, you can visit them at designated centers or simply use their digital portals.

On the mainland, approach ADDED for license:

Mainland companies in Abu Dhabi are licensed, registered, and regulated directly by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economy, shortly called ADDED. With an Abu Dhabi mainland license, you can:

• Operate anywhere in the UAE and international markets
• Apply for multiple visas
• Work on government projects
• Set up an office anywhere in Abu Dhabi

However, the setup cost can be higher than that of free zones.

Or get a license from the Abu Dhabi free zone authority:

ADGM, TwoFour54, Masdar City – these are the independent economic areas, free zones, where you can get your business license in Abu Dhabi. Key facts:

• Your activities may stay limited to the free zone unless you get additional permits from ADDED for mainland operations
• You can benefit from 0% corporate tax rate eligibility
• Infrastructure and business facilities in free zones are more specialised

Quick thing: Free zone vs mainland is not just a core decision, but often where confusion happens. The best-fit depends on your business goals, budget, tax-tolerance, and many such factors. Speak to our experts. They can guide you.

Types of Trade License Abu Dhabi You Can Apply For

The seven (7) types of trade licenses issued in Abu Dhabi cover various commercial, industrial, professional, tourism, agricultural, and craft-based activities. You must apply for the one that best matches your business operations.

Here is an explanation of each type:

1. Commercial license:

A commercial license Abu Dhabi is meant for businesses involved in buying and selling goods and commodities. It suits:

• Local and international traders
• Import and exporters
• Retailers and wholesalers

Commercial activities can belong to healthcare, general trading, real estate, clothing, food and drugs, cosmetics, electronics, transportation, and many other industries. Given such wide options, commercial licenses remain one of the most popular types of trade license Abu Dhabi.

2. Industrial License

All manufacturing and production activities are covered under the industrial license in Abu Dhabi. Common conditions for license:

• A factory or manufacturing plant is required in most cases.
• For some activities, you may need clearance from the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency.

Examples: if your company imports raw materials, processes them, and then supplies finished products to third-party vendors, you will need an industrial license. Food manufacturers, merchandise production, packaging firms, and assembly plants – all fall under this category.

3. Agricultural License (small producers license)

Abu Dhabi offers a separate license for carrying out agriculture-based activities in approved locations, called an agricultural license or small producers license. It would be the right choice for your business involved in:

• Farming/crop growing
• Animal breeding
• Horticulture/aquaculture
• Greenhouse installation
• Cattle rearing or a similar kind

4. Professional License

A professional license in Abu Dhabi is issued for businesses that provide skill-based or expertise-based services. When applying for this license, business owners are usually asked to show proof of their expertise, such as a qualification certificate, an experience letter, or other documents that support their professional capacity.

Common examples include engineering services, accounting firms, legal consulting, business consulting, and marketing agencies.

5. Tourism License

A tourism license in Abu Dhabi is necessary for establishments in the hospitality and tourism industry, such as:

• Hotels
• Guest houses
• Vacation rentals
• Tour guides
• Travel agencies

To get a tourism license, you must first seek approval from the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority (ADTCA).

6. E-commerce license

Tajer Abu Dhabi, also known as the e-Trader license, is issued by ADDED specially to e-commerce businesses. Its unique features:

• Businesses can operate without a physical store or office space for up to 3 years.
• Covers more than 1,200 activities across different sectors: explore the activity list
• Sell through websites and social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.) or marketplaces like Noon and Amazon.
• Best for freelancers, SMEs, and startups looking for affordable business licenses.
• Available to UAE nationals, GCC nationals, and UAE residents under legal forms like one-person company, LLC, or sole proprietorship.

Tajer Abu Dhabi license cost starts from AED 5,500* (basic cost).

If you wish to operate in a free zone, you can get an e-commerce license from them as well.

To learn more, read: How to get an e-commerce license in Abu Dhabi

7. Occupational license

An occupational license can be considered a sub-category of the professional license, which Abu Dhabi offers to craftsmen like plumbers, welders, and electricians.

Other Specialised Trade Licenses in Abu Dhabi

These business licenses address special business needs:

Dual license

Existing companies registered in Abu Dhabi free zones can establish a branch in the mainland through a dual license.

Basic cost: Starts from AED 1,200 for up to 6 activities

Mobdea license

The Mobdea license is for Emirati women who want to start establishments from their homes. The license covers more than 50 economic activities, ranging from crafts to painting, e-commerce, consulting, and more.

Basic cost: Around AED 860 for 2 activities

Virtual license

The virtual license attracts those residing outside the UAE who want to set up a business in Abu Dhabi. No office is required.

Basic cost: Around AED 790 – AED 5,500 for up to 6 activities

Instant license

For entrepreneurs who wish to set up fast, Abu Dhabi offers instant licenses for 940 economic activities. The license is issued within a day.

Basic cost: Around AED 790 – AED 5,500 for up to 6 activities

How to Get a Business License in Abu Dhabi?

To get a business license Abu Dhabi, choose your business activities, register a trade name, get pre-approvals, and apply for the business license with the ADDED or the relevant free zone authority.

The whole process comes down to three things (Dubiz three-tier approach):

Step 1: Preparing the right legal documents (personal and corporate)

Step 2: Understanding the costs for no last-minute surprises

Step 3: Following a careful license application process

Let us walk you through each part.

Step 1: Required Documents for a Trade License in Abu Dhabi

Gather the following documents essential for the trade license application:

• Copy of passports of all shareholders
• Copy of visa (for UAE residents)
• Trade name reservation certificate
• Initial approval (along with external clearances, if any)
• Office tenancy contract or workspace agreement
• Bank letter for the company’s stated financial status
• Attested Memorandum of Association (if you have a local sponsor)

Dubiz tip: The document list is not fixed. It depends on your business activity and structure. Some documents, like the MOA, may also require notarization. Expert guidance helps in managing things.

Step 2: Cost of Abu Dhabi Trade License

A practical range for Abu Dhabi trade license fees is AED 7,000* to AED 15,000*. On each license renewal (after 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the package), you will have to pay 80% to 100% of the initial licensing fee.

Jurisdiction wise cost:

• Abu Dhabi free zone license cost: AED 7,000 to AED 9,000
• Abu Dhabi mainland license cost: AED 7,000 to AED 15,000

Every business is different. Every need is different. Thus, costs vary, based on your:

• Business location (mainland or free zone)
• Type of business license (industrial, e-commerce, or other)
• Number of business activities under the license (you can combine 5 to 10 activities in many cases)
• Priority processing (includes VIP charges)
• Additional services you are seeking in the license package, including:
• Visas
• Emirates ID
• Typing charges
• PRO services
• Bank account setup

Want to get an instant quotation? Use our cost calculator now.

Cost Calculator

Step 3: Step-by-step Process to Get Trade License in Abu Dhabi

When applying for a new trade license Abu Dhabi, follow these steps:

1. Choose business activity and license category

Decide on the activities that your company will undertake.

• As of 2026, there are 3,900+ activities permitted by ADDED. Search here: Trade license activity list.
• These belong to finance, healthcare, media, science, IT, food and beverage, fashion, retail, construction, consulting, cosmetics – almost any sector one can think of.
• You can register for up to 10 activities under one license.

2. Decide the legal structure

You can register a trade license under the following legal structures in Abu Dhabi:

• Limited liability company, popularly known as an LLC
• Sole proprietorship
• Free zone establishment (FZE)
• Partnership
• Branch of an existing GCC or a foreign company

Legal structure determines your company’s tax responsibilities, asset-liability structure, and shareholding among partners. So, choose carefully.

3. Register trade name

Select a unique name for your business that complies with Abu Dhabi naming guidelines. The application to ADDED can be submitted online or at service centers. If you are confused between a few options, you can propose up to three names. The concerned authority will review them and approve the most suitable one.

4. Get initial approvals

Simultaneously, apply for initial approval. Initial approval allows you to proceed further with the license application. Submit the request to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the respective free zone authority. You will receive an NOC certificate.

Reality check: A common reason for trade license delays in Abu Dhabi is missing external approvals. Industries like healthcare, transport, and real estate require additional permits from their concerned departments (such as Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi police, Healthcare Department).

5. Find office space (if your license requires one)

Office space is usually required for most licenses in Abu Dhabi, especially on the mainland. In such cases, you must sign a tenancy contract and register with Ejari.

If you are applying for the Tajer Abu Dhabi license, a physical office is not required. Free zones, on the other hand, often provide co-working spaces as part of their license packages.

6. Apply for the trade license

After getting the necessary approvals and completing the above steps, submit the license application form along with the required documents to the DED or the respective free zone authority in Abu Dhabi. The authority will review your application, verify the legal requirements, and give the final approval. Once you pay the final fees, your trade license will be issued.

Apply Now

How to Verify a Trade License in Abu Dhabi?

To verify or check a trade license in Abu Dhabi online, visit the “Economic License Enquiry” on the TAMM portal, enter your company name or trade license number, and check the status.

You can also visit a service center of licensing authority. A trade license check in Abu Dhabi helps ensure the license is active, valid, and authentic.

How to Upgrade or Amend a Trade License in Abu Dhabi?

If you already own a trade license Abu Dhabi, it can be amended anytime through the TAMM portal. Getting a license is just the beginning. Businesses evolve, and changes may be required over time. You may want to amend your trade license for:

• Trade name change
• Business activity update (add or remove activities)
• Change in partner shareholding
• Change in license category or type

Steps of economic license amendment in Abu Dhabi:

1. Visit the official portal @TAMM
2. Search for the “Amend Economic License” service. Links: commercial or industrial license amendment.
3. Log in using UAE Pass to access the service
4. Submit the application and upload the supporting documents (such as amended MOA or board’s resolution)
5. The authority will review the request and issue approval or feedback
6. Pay the newspaper announcement fee (if applicable)
7. Obtain approvals from external authorities if required
8. Pay the final amendment fees
9. Receive your amended trade license

Timeline:

2 – 14 working days, depending on the case.

Fees (approximate)A

• Amendment fee: AED 10
• Ministry of Economy fee: AED 750
• Newspaper announcement fee: AED 375

Benefits of Business License in Abu Dhabi

Here are the advantages that the Abu Dhabi business license offers:

• Legal recognition: Validates your business’s legal existence, thus increasing credibility in front of investors, the public, and government authorities.
• Market access: Because of Abu Dhabi’s advantageous position, you may trade, import, and export goods and collaborate with partners around the world.
• Tax benefits: Abu Dhabi licensed companies benefit from tax advantages such as 0% corporate tax (where applicable), no personal income tax, and customs duty exemptions.
• Employee sponsorship: With a valid trade license, you can recruit talented workers from around the world and sponsor their residency visas.
• Flexibility: Options like Tajer Abu Dhabi, Instant License, and Virtual License offer affordable and easy entry for startups, entrepreneurs, and SMEs.
• Banking access: Having a trade license simplifies the process of opening a business bank account with top UAE banks.

Get Abu Dhabi Trade License with Dubiz

Dubiz Business Setup will help you pick the right trade license for your company in Abu Dhabi – including document handling, collecting approvals, applying to the authorities, and following up.

We have more than 8 years of experience and have served clients across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. We combine strong local connections with deep knowledge of UAE regulations to ensure your business setup experience feels effortless from day one.

To get in touch with us:

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co

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