Free Zone

What is a DET license in Dubai

Zilpah

December 22, 2025

What is a DET license in Dubai

Starting a business in Dubai is a dream for many entrepreneurs and for very good reasons. The city offers a strong economy, global connectivity, investor-friendly policies, and access to both regional and international markets. However, before you begin operations, one essential requirement stands in your way: obtaining the right business license.

For mainland businesses, this means obtaining a DET license in Dubai. A DET license is mandatory for businesses planning to operate on the Dubai mainland and legally carry out commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism-related activities. Issued and regulated by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this license ensures that businesses comply with local laws, operate transparently, and contribute to Dubai’s economic growth.

What is a DET License in Dubai?

A DET license in Dubai is an official business license that allows you to legally operate a business on the Dubai mainland. It is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and clearly states what type of business activities you are allowed to carry out. Without this license, a business cannot legally trade, offer services, or enter into contracts in Dubai.

Who Needs a Dubai DET License?

Anyone planning to run a business on the Dubai mainland must obtain a DET license. You need a DET license if:

You want a physical shop or office: If you are opening a retail store, restaurant, or office in areas like Downtown, Jumeirah, or Al Quoz.
You want to trade locally: If your goal is to sell products or services directly to the local UAE market and government entities without using a middleman.
You are an “E-Trader”: Even if you sell products from home via social media (Instagram, TikTok), the DET offers a specific “E-Trader” license to keep you legal.
You want a Professional Firm: This includes consultants, lawyers, or designers who provide their expertise to clients in Dubai.

What is the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)?

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is the main government authority responsible for regulating business activities and promoting economic growth in Dubai. It plays a central role in making Dubai one of the world’s most attractive destinations for business, investment, and tourism. From approving business licenses to shaping long-term economic strategies, DET ensures that companies operate in a transparent, well-regulated, and business-friendly environment.

The DET is the principal authority for the Dubai mainland. While Free Zones have their own separate rules, the DET governs everything else.

Key Responsibilities of DET

The DET wears many hats to keep the city running smoothly:

Licensing & Registration: They are the only government body that can issue a mainland trade license. They manage over 3,000 different business activities.
Regulation & Compliance: They set the rules for how businesses should behave, ensuring fair competition and transparency.
Consumer Protection: If a customer has a dispute with a shop or service provider, the DET’s Consumer Rights division steps in to resolve it fairly.
Economic Strategy: They plan for the future, launching initiatives like the Golden Visa and 100% foreign ownership laws to attract talent and investment.
Tourism Marketing: They are responsible for the “Visit Dubai” campaigns you see globally, making sure the city stays packed with tourists who support local businesses.

Types of DET Licenses in Dubai?

The DET license in Dubai is issued based on the nature of your business activity. The DET categorises licenses into different types to ensure businesses operate within the right legal and regulatory framework. Here are the main types of DET licenses in Dubai:

1. Commercial License

A Commercial License is issued to businesses involved in trading activities. This includes buying, selling, importing, exporting, or distributing goods within Dubai or internationally.

Examples:

General trading companies
Retail and wholesale businesses
E-commerce and online trading stores

2. Professional License

A Professional License is meant for service-based businesses and individuals offering expertise or skills. These licenses focus on intellectual or professional services rather than trading goods.

Examples:

Consultants and advisors
Freelancers and service providers
IT services, marketing agencies, and auditors

3. Industrial License

An Industrial License is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, production, or industrial activities. These licenses usually require additional approvals from relevant authorities.

Examples:

Manufacturing units
Food processing companies
Assembly and packaging businesses

4. Tourism License

A Tourism License is issued to businesses operating in the travel and tourism sector. These businesses must comply with tourism-specific regulations and approvals.

Examples:

Travel agencies and tour operators
Hotels and hospitality services
Event management and tourism-related activities

5. Specialised License

The DET also offers fast-track or specialised licenses for specific needs:

Instant License: Allows you to get your license in just 5 minutes without needing a physical office lease (Ejari) for the first year. Perfect for startups that want to start legally trading immediately.
E-Trader License: Specifically for UAE and GCC nationals (and some expats) who want to sell products or services through social media or a personal website from home.

Business Activities Allowed Under a DET License

DET offers a comprehensive list of business activities covering almost every industry. These include:

Trading and commercial activities
Professional and consultancy services
Manufacturing and industrial operations
Tourism, hospitality, and travel-related services
Media, marketing, IT, and creative services
Real estate, construction, and contracting activities

Single vs Multiple Business Activities:

One major advantage of a DET license is that you can combine multiple related business activities under a single license, as long as they fall under compatible categories. For example, a company can offer marketing consultancy along with digital marketing services under one professional license. However, unrelated activities may require additional approvals or a separate license.

Your business activity must be approved by DET before the license is issued. Some activities are straightforward, while others may need special approvals from external authorities (such as health, tourism, or industrial regulators).

Documents Required to Get a DET License in Dubai

To apply for a DET license in Dubai, you need to submit a set of basic documents to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Basic Documents:

Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
UAE visa copy or entry stamp (if available)
Emirates ID (for UAE residents, if applicable)
Recent passport-size photographs

Business-Related Documents:

Trade name reservation certificate
Initial approval from DET
Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement, if required
Business activity details

Office Space Documents:

Ejari (tenancy contract)
Office or workspace lease agreement

Additional Approvals (If Applicable):

Some business activities may require approvals from external authorities, such as:

Dubai Municipality
Tourism or health authorities
Industry-specific regulators

Submitting the right documents from the beginning helps speed up the licensing process and avoids unnecessary delays. Working with a business setup consultant like AE Setup can make document collection and approvals much easier.

How to Obtain a DET License in Dubai? Step-by-Step Process

Getting a DET license in Dubai is a structured and fairly straightforward process when done correctly. Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown:

1. Choose Your Business Activity

Start by selecting the exact business activity you want to carry out. DET has an approved list of activities, and your license will only allow you to operate within those selected activities. Choosing the right activity at this stage avoids issues later.

2. Decide the Legal Structure

Next, decide your company’s legal structure, such as a sole establishment, civil company, or limited liability company (LLC). The legal structure affects ownership, liability, and documentation requirements.

3. Reserve Your Trade Name

Choose a unique trade name that follows Dubai’s naming guidelines. Once approved by DET, this name will be officially reserved for your business.

4. Get Initial Approval from DET

Initial approval confirms that DET has no objection to you starting the business. At this stage, you are allowed to proceed with formal documentation and arrangements.

5. Arrange Office Space and Ejari

A physical business address is mandatory for a DET license. You’ll need to rent office space and register the tenancy contract through Ejari.

6. Submit Documents and Final Application

Submit all required documents, including the MOA (if applicable), office details, and approvals, to DET for final review.

7. Pay Fees and Receive Your DET License

Once the fees are paid and the application is approved, your DET license is issued. Your business is now legally allowed to operate in Dubai.

How Much Does a DET License Cost in Dubai?

The basic DET license cost usually falls within a wide range, depending on your business activity and the size of your company. On average, most DET license costs can range from AED 10,000 to AED 35,000+ per year. This covers the government license fee, registration, and some administrative charges. Exact costs can vary based on the specific business activity and any special approvals required.

Here’s the license costs you can expect:

Professional License: AED 10,000 – AED 18,000
Commercial License: AED 12,000 – AED 25,000
Industrial License: AED 15,000 – AED 35,000+

The license is just the beginning. To get your business fully operational, you’ll need to account for these additional business setup costs:

Office Rent (Ejari): AED 15,000 – AED 50,000+ (Annual rent for a small office or shop)
Investor/Partner Visa: AED 4,000 – AED 7,000 Per person (valid for 2-3 years)
Employee Visa: AED 5,000 – AED 7,500 (Includes medical tests and Emirates ID)
Chamber of Commerce: AED 1,200 – AED 3,000 (Mandatory annual registration)
Establishment Card: AED 2,000 – AED 3,000 (Required to apply for employee visas)

Benefits of Getting a DET License

Getting a DET license in Dubai gives your business a stronger foundation to operate, grow, and scale with confidence. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. 100% Ownership & Total Control

Thanks to major legal reforms, foreign investors can now enjoy 100% ownership of their mainland company for the vast majority of business activities. You no longer need a “Local Sponsor” (a UAE national partner) to hold 51% of your shares.

2. Do Business Anywhere in Dubai

A DET license allows you to operate freely across the Dubai mainland. This means you can work with clients, suppliers, and customers anywhere in the city without location restrictions.

3. Direct Access to the Local UAE Market

With a DET license, you can sell directly to the UAE market without intermediaries. This is especially useful if your business relies on walk-in customers, local contracts, government tenders, or B2B clients within the UAE.

4. Easier Banking and Corporate Deals

Opening a corporate bank account is generally smoother with a DET license, as mainland businesses are widely recognised by UAE banks. It also makes signing contracts, leasing property, and onboarding partners much easier.

5. Freedom to Choose Office Location

DET-licensed businesses can choose office space anywhere in Dubai, based on budget and business needs. Whether it’s a shared workspace or a full office, this flexibility helps businesses scale without being locked into one zone.

6. Tax-Friendly Business Environment

A DET license allows you to operate in Dubai’s highly tax-efficient environment. There is no personal income tax, and businesses benefit from a relatively low 9% corporate tax (applicable only if taxable profits exceed AED 375,000).

Ready to Start Your Business in Dubai?

Getting a DET license in Dubai is the first real step towards turning your business idea into something official and future-ready. When your license, approvals, and paperwork are in place, you can focus on running and growing your business without stress or confusion.

This is where AE Setup can make your journey much easier. Our team takes care of the entire DET licensing process for you, from choosing the right business activity to handling approvals, documents, office setup, visas, and PRO services. With expert support by your side, the process becomes simple, smooth, and hassle-free. If you’re planning to start a mainland business in Dubai, getting help from professionals early on can save you time, money, and unnecessary delays. So, get in touch today.

Commonly Asked Questions

1. What is a DET license in Dubai?

A DET license is a business license issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism that allows companies to legally operate on the Dubai mainland.

2. Is a DET license the same as a DED license?

Yes. The DET license is the updated name for what was earlier known as the DED license. The authority was renamed, but its role remains the same.

3. Who needs a DET license in Dubai?

Anyone planning to run a business on the Dubai mainland – entrepreneurs, foreign investors, professionals, freelancers, and companies- needs a DET license.