DED License Options For Business Setup In Dubai

When applying for a DED License in Dubai as a business proprietor, Mainland Dubai or Free zone. It helps in determining where you want to commence and also you are required to register the business with DED Dubai. To start the business in Mainland Dubai it is required to get familiar with the procedures before setting up the business in DED Dubai. The freezone and Mainland has over 2000 business operations going on and DED Dubai may issue a trade license. The business activities are categorized into manufacturing, commercial, technical, crafts, agricultural, tourism, and more. Here is the list of various DED Licenses issues based on these categories

Understanding the DED to DET Transition

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has been rebranded as the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). All mainland trade licenses and activity codes along with approvals in Dubai are now approved and governed under DET. Getting to know this name update is important when searching official government resources.

DET Trader (e-Trader) License: A Low-Cost Option for Home-Based Businesses

Except for the five main license categories, the DET also provides an affordable license focusing at individuals operating a home based or online businesses through social media or website.

• Eligibility: UAE and GCC nationals staying in Dubai are eligible. Expatriates over 21 may apply only for professional or service based activities.
• Ownership structure: Allowed to individuals only.
• Key limitations: No physical space required. No employee visas and large scale storage permitted.
• Permitted activities: Online services like consultancy or design work are allowed along with limited goods sales only for UAE nationals.
• Application process: Online process with quick issuance.

For business owners checking a small business idea before applying a full commercial license, the DET Trader license provides a fast and cost effective entry point into Dubai’s regulated business environment.

Examples of Business Activities Under Each License Type

Industrial Licenses

• Industrial Licenses are issued to the companies that commence any type of production activity. These businesses work on converting natural materials or resources that are turned into finished goods or profit-selling products.
• The 51% of the company shares of the company are owned by the UAE nationals

Commercial License

• The companies who are engaged in one or any other form of commercial trade operation are offering physical facilities such as general trading, specialized trading, leasing, real estate, transportation, healthcare, and more commercial license.
• The commercial license for companies with foreign ownership in Dubai is given as a Limited Liability company which is one of the most common legal entities.
• The partners are liable only to the extent of their share capital when signing off the Memorandum of Agreement and LLC.
• 51% of the company’s shares are owned by UAE nationals while 49 percent are by foreign investors. 

Professional Licenses

• Professional licenses are obtained by the people who offer non-physical services in the UAE such as consulting.
• Professional licenses are offered to individuals and consultancies that tend to offer professional services who are skilled workers as their work entirely depends on their knowledge and experience, mental and intellectual abilities, academic achievement, and other talents that one can use to conduct the business. The practitioners include a series of advisors, prosecutors, auditors, and more.

Craftsmanship Licenses

• Craftsmanship Licenses are offered to people who tend to make crafts and other artisanal works that help you in retaining more profits.
• The craftsmanship licenses are required for commencing carpentry, blacksmithing, printing, and more.

Tourism Licenses 

• A tourism License is issued to the owners of tourism-related facilities such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, camps, and more.
• The three key categories in which travel agency licenses are issued i.e. Inbound Tourism Operators, Outbound Tourism Operators, and Travel Agents.

What Is a DET/DED Activity Code?

Every approved business activity in Dubai is assigned a unique numerical activity code by the DET. This code is the foundation of your trade license and defines exactly what your company is legally permitted to do.

• Defines your business scope: Operating outside the activities linked to your code can result in fines, license suspension, or forced amendments.
• Determines your license type: The code classifies your business as Commercial, Professional, Industrial, or Tourism, which in turn affects fees, ownership rules, and office requirements.
• Triggers additional approvals: Certain codes automatically require sign-off from bodies such as Dubai Municipality, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), or the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
• Supports amendments: When adding or removing an activity from your license, the correct code must be referenced during the application.

Activity codes are typically 7 to 8 digits long and include both English and Arabic descriptions. For example, Software Design and Development activities are typically classified under Professional License codes, while Retail Sale of Fashion and Apparel falls under a Commercial License code. Selecting the correct code upfront helps you avoid delays or costly license amendments later.

How to Search the Official DED/DET Business Activities List?

Finding the right business activity from the official list is straightforward and can be done entirely online, without needing to visit a government office.

Using the Invest in Dubai Portal

1. Visit the official activity search tool on the Invest in Dubai portal.
2. Enter a keyword related to your business, such as “e-commerce,” “consultancy,” or “restaurant.”
3. Filter results by sector, such as Commercial, Professional, or Industrial.
4. Review the matching activities, including the activity code, English and Arabic description, and license type.

Using the Dubai Pulse Open Data Portal

• For a downloadable, full dataset of all approved activities, the Dubai Pulse open data portal provides a regularly updated CSV file containing every activity code, name, and category, useful for consultants or businesses comparing multiple activities at once.

Cross-checking your intended activity on the official portal before applying helps confirm current 2026 regulations and flags any additional approvals your activity may require.

How to Choose the Right Business Activity

Choosing the correct activity is one of the most consequential decisions in the mainland setup process, as it determines your license type, fees, visa quota, and office requirements. The following steps can help guide that decision.

1. Clearly define your core business: Be specific about your primary products or services rather than using broad, vague descriptions.
2. Search the official DET activity list using relevant keywords and review each match's code, description, and license category.
3. Plan for future growth by selecting a slightly broader activity, or including multiple related activities under the same license category where possible.
4. Check whether your activity requires additional external approvals, such as from Dubai Municipality for food businesses, KHDA for education, or DTCM for tourism.
5. Avoid common mistakes such as picking a mismatched activity, overlooking required approvals, or choosing too narrowly without room to grow.

If your business idea spans multiple activities or industries, it is best to consult a business setup specialist early to avoid rework and ensure your license supports your long-term plans from day one.

Steps to Obtain a DED/DET Mainland License

1. Select your business activity and corresponding license type.
2. Choose your legal structure, such as an LLC or sole establishment.
3. Reserve your trade name with the DET.
4. Secure office space and complete Ejari tenancy registration.
5. Submit your documents and obtain any required external approvals.
6. Pay the applicable fees and receive your trade license.

Costs vary depending on your activity, legal structure, and office requirements, so it's best to request a tailored quote based on your specific business plan.

FAQs

What are some popular DED/DET business activities in Dubai?

Popular activities span general trading, e-commerce, IT services and software development, marketing and advertising, real estate brokerage, management consultancy, logistics and freight forwarding, event management, and tourism-related services.

Can I have multiple business activities under one license?

Yes, you can typically add multiple related activities to a single license if they fall under the same category, such as several trading activities under a commercial license. Unrelated activities across different categories may require a license amendment or a separate license.

Can I change my business activity after getting my license?

Yes. You can apply for an amendment through the DET, subject to approval and the applicable fees.

Are there any restricted business activities in Dubai?

Yes. Certain activities, such as medical services, legal consultancy, banking, and education, require additional approvals from relevant federal or local authorities before a license can be issued.

How do I find the right activity code for my business?

You can search the official activity list using the Invest in Dubai portal by entering relevant keywords, or consult a business setup professional for a tailored recommendation based on your specific business plan.

Is the DET Trader license the same as a standard commercial license?

No. The DET Trader (e-Trader) license is a separate, lower-cost license designed specifically for home-based and online businesses, with restrictions on physical premises, employee visas, and large-scale trading that don't apply to standard commercial licenses.

If you are a foreign investor who would love to explore and expand your work horizons it is recommended to learn about the basics or take assistance from the experts at Flyingcolour Business Setup Services. We help you with the licenses, legalities, and setting up your business in the proper manner. We take the hassle out and set up your business in no time with the proper framework and licenses.