Types of Abu Dhabi Trade Licenses (Updated)
This guide explains the various types of business license in Abu Dhabi.
Business license types in Abu Dhabi
Before it actually begins operating, a commercial enterprise must obtain a license that allows it to carry out its chosen economic activity.
There are six types of license: commercial, agricultural, craftsmanship (or occupational), professional, industrial and tourism.
Such licenses are issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
You can apply for a business license via the Department of Economic Development website or in person at a DED customer service center.
You may also need to get approval from other relevant authorities – this will depend on the nature of your economic activity.
For example:
If your business operates in the insurance industry, you may need to get approval from the Insurance Authority
if your business operates in the healthcare industry, you may need to get approval from the Ministry of Health
if your business operates in the hotel sector, you may need to get approval from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
Commercial licenses
Commercial licenses are issued to the owners of businesses practising activities such as:
general trading
contracting
real estate
transportation
healthcare
Agricultural licenses
Agricultural licenses are issued to the owners of arable and livestock farms, and fisheries
Craftsmanship licenses
Craftsmanship licenses are issued to any person who independently practices a craft for profit, and is dependent on their physical effort, or use of tools and equipment, such as:
carpentry
blacksmithing
printing
Professional license
Professional licenses are issued to individuals whose work depends on their mental skills, intellectual abilities, academic achievement and scientific talents, such as:
consultants
lawyers
auditors
Industrial licenses
Industrial licenses are issued to owners of factories, of whatever type, which manufacture products for the purpose of selling them for profit.
Tourism licenses
A tourism license is issued to owners of facilities that specialise in tourist activities, such as:
hotels
travel agencies
restaurants
cruise boat rental
tourist camps
floating restaurants
Business license issuance
The procedures and documents needed for getting a business license vary according to the legal status of the enterprise and the economic activity it intends to carry out.
See our various guides on business licenses.
Further information
This guide is for reference only. For legal advice you should contact a UAE lawyer.
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