Trade License for Individual / Freelancer

Start your independent entrepreneurial journey in Dubai legally. Obtain your individual commercial or professional trade license, secure 100% ownership, and process your residency visa.

1. Overview of Individual Trade Licenses

An individual trade license, often registered as a Sole Establishment or Freelance Permit, allows single founders and independent professionals to legally operate commercial or professional services in the UAE. It gives you 100% ownership and full legal authority to invoice corporate and retail clients under your brand name.

100% business ownership and profit control
Flexible professional or commercial setups
Full rights to sign business contracts
Cost-effective registration pathways

2. Professional vs. Commercial Licensing

Depending on your business activity, you will choose between a Professional License (for consulting, design, IT, or coaching services) and a Commercial License (for retail or general trading). Professional licenses permit 100% ownership under a Sole Establishment or Civil Company structure with a local service agent.

Professional licenses for services
Commercial licenses for product trade
Local service agent coordination support
Clear shareholder agreements drafted

3. Setup, Government Clearances & E-Portals

Obtaining an individual license involves selecting your activity code, reserved trade name, and submitting security clearances. The process is fully integrated into government portals like the DET e-services, ensuring that you receive your official registry number and license certificate quickly.

Government portal registration support
Fast-track trade name approvals
Activity classification coordination
Direct typing through authorized portals

4. Tenancy, Ejari & Visa Arrangements

To register an individual license, you must establish a registered business address. Dubai DED permits virtual office tenancy agreements or Ejari desk spaces for individual licensees. Obtaining your Ejari tenancy contract is the final step that unlocks your eligibility for a UAE investor residence visa.

Virtual office and desk spaces
Official Ejari registration contract
Residency visa applications support
Corporate bank account opening assistance

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an individual get a trade license in Dubai?

Yes. Dubai DET offers Sole Establishment and Freelance licenses designed specifically for individual founders, freelancers, and independent contractors, allowing them to own and operate their business with 100% control.

What is the difference between a freelance permit and a sole establishment?

A freelance permit is a professional license issued to an individual to perform specific services under their own name. A Sole Establishment is a registered company entity owned 100% by one individual, allowing you to hire employees and register a brand name.

Do I need a local UAE service agent for a professional license?

Yes, Sole Establishments and Civil Partnerships carrying out professional services on the mainland require a local UAE national to act as a Local Service Agent (LSA). The agent has no ownership shares and is paid a fixed annual fee.

Can I hire employees with an individual trade license?

Yes, a Sole Establishment license registered with an office address and Ejari tenancy contract allows you to apply for an establishment card and hire staff under company sponsored employment visas.

Do I need physical office space to obtain an individual license?

No. Dubai DET offers an "Instant License" package for individuals that allows you to operate without a physical office or Ejari lease for the first year, providing a low-cost testing ground for your business.

Can I open a corporate bank account as a freelancer in the UAE?

Yes. Once you have your freelance permit or individual trade license certificate, along with your Emirates ID, you can open a business or freelance bank account with UAE banking institutions.

Are individual licenses subject to corporate tax?

Sole establishments owned by individuals are subject to corporate tax rules. However, under the Small Business Relief scheme, if your annual revenue is below AED 3 million, you may apply for complete tax exemption.

How much does an individual trade license cost in Dubai?

The cost varies depending on the specific activity and whether you lease virtual or physical office space. Individual freelance licenses typically start around AED 7,500 to AED 12,000 annually.

Can I get a residency visa with a freelance license?

Yes. Freelance permits and individual sole establishments grant eligibility for the owner to apply for a 2-year or 3-year UAE residency visa, which can also sponsor family members.

How long does the setup process take?

Individual licenses are processed very quickly, typically within 2 to 4 working days, particularly if using the DET Instant License pathway that bypasses initial lease verifications.