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Trade License for Sale in Dubai: What I Wish I’d Known Before Starting

Q: How much does it actually cost to buy a trade license in Dubai?

Based on actual experience, license purchases range from 38,000-85,000 AED depending on type, but the total investment is higher. For a commercial license, expect around 45,000 AED for the license itself, plus 2,100 AED transfer fees, 3,500 AED legal consultation, 5,500 AED office deposit, 1,000 AED bank setup, and 12,500 AED for renewal—totaling approximately 69,600 AED.

Q: Is buying an existing license faster than applying for a new one?

Yes, significantly faster. A license transfer can take just 3 weeks from start to finish, with operations beginning within 1 week of completion. New license applications typically require 2-3 months minimum for all approvals.

Q: Should I choose a free zone or mainland license?

Free zone licenses offer 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes, with faster 3-week setup, but can't operate directly in UAE mainland without a distributor. Mainland licenses allow business anywhere in UAE and government contracts, but take 6-8 weeks to set up. Choose based on your customer location and business needs.

Q: What's the difference between buying a shelf company vs an operating business?

A shelf company is established but never operated—a blank slate with zero transactions, no clients, and no liabilities. An operating business comes with existing clients, contracts, and revenue, but potentially more complications. Shelf companies are usually safer unless you specifically want existing operations.

Q: How can I avoid scams when buying a trade license?

Never pay deposits before seeing documentation. Always hire a consultant (around 3,500 AED) to check for hidden debts, legal disputes, or penalties. Use reputable brokers, review complete documentation before paying, and verify everything through official channels.

Q: Do I need to hire a consultant or can I do this myself?

Strongly recommended to hire a consultant at least for due diligence. A 3,500 AED consultant can identify critical issues like ongoing labor disputes that could cost 50,000+ AED to resolve. Think of it as insurance against major problems.

Q: How long does the license transfer process actually take?

For Dubai South Free Zone licenses, transfers take about 3 weeks. Mainland transfers typically take 6-8 weeks. The process involves signing documents, making payments, visiting the free zone authority, and completing paperwork.

Q: Can I negotiate the price of a trade license?

Yes! Use leverage points like upcoming renewal dates, office lease expiration, and lack of revenue stream. One buyer negotiated from 52,000 AED to 45,000 AED by identifying upcoming costs that would become the buyer's responsibility.

Q: What happens if the license has outstanding fines or debts?

Outstanding fines and debts become your responsibility after purchase. Always verify through official channels, check banking history and financial status, and get written confirmation of zero liabilities before completing the purchase.

Trade License for Sale in Dubai

byNaz

November 25, 2024

Reading Time: 19 minutes

5/5 - (1 vote)

Table of Contents

💡 Quick Answer: Should You Buy a Trade License for Sale in Dubai?

Yes! Buying an existing trade license can save you 2-3 months of setup time and 15,000-20,000 AED compared to starting from scratch. Expect to pay 45,000-85,000 AED depending on license type (commercial, professional, or industrial) and location (free zone vs mainland). You’ll skip the initial setup headaches and start operations within 1-3 weeks of transfer completion.

⏱️ Read time: 8 minutes | 📅 Updated: January 2026

Ok so here’s the thing about Trade License for Sale in Dubai…. Let me share what I wish someone had told me when I first started looking into this whole process. It’s May 2025 now, and my journey started about 18 months ago when I decided to stop dreaming and actually take the plunge into entrepreneurship in the UAE.

My Personal Journey with a Trade License for Sale in Dubai

I still remember the moment I decided to look into buying a Trade License for Sale in Dubai. I was sitting in a cafe on Sheikh Zayed Road, watching the bustling business district and thinking “I want in on this action.” But omg was I confused about where to even START with getting a Trade License for Sale in Dubai! 🤯

Ngl, I almost gave up before I began. The information online was either super technical (booooring) or just trying to sell me something without explaining anything. So I’m writing this guide to share my actual experience buying a Trade License for Sale in Dubai – mistakes, victories and all the stuff in between.

Naz

Your Dubai Insider | 4+ Years Living in Dubai

As a proud resident of this bustling city for over 4 years, I’ve devoted my time to exploring Dubai’s vibrant cultural life, different ways of living, and endless possibilities. My experiences—including purchasing my own trade license and navigating Dubai’s business setup landscape—enable me to guide you through entrepreneurship, business licensing, and the ins and outs of starting a company in Dubai.

📍 Living in Dubai for 4+ years | 🎯 Helping entrepreneurs navigate Dubai’s business setup | 💼 Successfully purchased trade license in 2023 | 📅 Last Updated: January 2026

Learn more about my Dubai journey →

Understanding What “Trade License for Sale in Dubai” Actually Means

So first things first – when we talk about a Trade License for Sale in Dubai, we’re NOT usually talking about brand new licenses (tho that’s an option too). What most people mean is purchasing an EXISTING business with its trade license already established. This distinction is super important and something I didn’t get at first.

There are basically three scenarios when ur looking at a Trade License for Sale in Dubai:

Buying a shelf company (a business that was established but never really operated)
Purchasing a functioning business with its existing Trade License for Sale in Dubai
Buying just the license without the business operations (rarer but happens)

I ended up going with option 1 because I wanted to start fresh but skip some of the setup headaches. The company I bought had a Trade License for Sale in Dubai that was only 3 months old, with zero transactions or liabilities. Perfect blank slate!

Types of Trade License for Sale in Dubai You Should Know About

Before you even THINK about investing in a Trade License for Sale in Dubai, you need to understand the different types available. This took me forever to figure out, so I’ll save you the trouble:

Commercial Trade License in Dubai

This is what I ended up getting. Commercial Trade Licenses for Sale in Dubai cover most retail and trading activities. Mine specifically allows for import/export and general trading activities across multiple product categories.

When I purchased my Commercial Trade License in Dubai, it was priced at 45,000 AED which included the license transfer fees. The previous owner had already set it up in Dubai South Free Zone, which worked perfectly for my needs.

Professional Trade License for Sale in Dubai

These are for service-based businesses – consultants, creative agencies, etc. My friend Sarah bought a Professional Trade License for Sale in Dubai for her marketing consultancy last year, and she paid about 38,000 AED for a license that was previously used for a similar business.

Industrial Trade License for Sale in Dubai

For manufacturing and production businesses. These are typically more expensive and complex when looking at a Trade License for Sale in Dubai. I haven’t personally gone this route, but my neighbor runs a small packaging facility and paid around 85,000 AED for his Industrial Trade License for Sale in Dubai.

📊 Trade License Types Comparison

License Type	Best For	Typical Price Range	Activities Covered	Author’s Experience
Commercial License	Import/export, retail, trading	45,000 AED	General trading, multiple product categories	This is what I bought—perfect for my import/export business ✅
Professional License	Consultants, agencies, services	38,000 AED	Service-based activities, consultancy	Friend Sarah paid this for marketing consultancy
Industrial License	Manufacturing, production	85,000 AED	Manufacturing, production facilities	Neighbor’s packaging facility—most expensive option

💡 Note: Prices based on actual purchases in Dubai South Free Zone (2023-2025). Mainland licenses may vary.

Free Zone vs. Mainland: A Critical Decision for Your Trade License for Sale in Dubai

This was probably THE biggest decision I had to make when looking at a Trade License for Sale in Dubai. Let me break down what I learned:

Free Zone Trade License for Sale in Dubai

I ultimately chose a Free Zone Trade License for Sale in Dubai, specifically in Dubai South. Here’s why:

100% foreign ownership (I’m Canadian, so this was important!)
Zero corporate and personal income taxes (um, yes please!)
Simplified procedures for a Trade License for Sale in Dubai
Ability to repatriate all capital and profits

The downside? My business can’t operate directly in the UAE mainland market without a local service agent or distributor. For my import/export business, this wasn’t a dealbreaker.

Mainland Trade License for Sale in Dubai

If I’d gone with a Mainland Trade License for Sale in Dubai, I would’ve needed a local sponsor (UAE national) who would own 51% of my business ON PAPER. This used to be a hard requirement, but as of 2023, some business activities dont require this anymore.

The big advantage of a Mainland Trade License for Sale in Dubai is being able to do business anywhere in the UAE and bid for government contracts.

⚖️ Free Zone vs Mainland: The Critical Decision

Feature	Free Zone (What I Chose)	Mainland
Foreign Ownership	✅ 100% foreign ownership	100% for most activities (changed in 2023)
Taxation	✅ Zero corporate & personal income tax	Subject to UAE tax regulations
Market Access	❌ Can’t operate directly in UAE mainland (need distributor)	✅ Business anywhere in UAE + government contracts
Setup Process	✅ Simplified procedures—my transfer took 3 weeks	More complex—typically 6-8 weeks
Office Requirements	Must be in specific free zone area	Anywhere in UAE mainland
My Experience	Perfect for import/export—45,000 AED in Dubai South	Better if you need UAE-wide operations

💡 My choice: Dubai South Free Zone worked perfectly for my import/export business. Choose based on where your customers are!

My Real Experience: Buying a Trade License for Sale in Dubai

Ok so here’s where I’ll share my actual step-by-step journey purchasing a Trade License for Sale in Dubai. Buckle up!

Step 1: Finding Legitimate Trade License for Sale in Dubai Listings

I started my search for a Trade License for Sale in Dubai online, checking these places:

- Specialized business brokers (I used BusinessExchange UAE)
- Online classified platforms (Dubizzle had some listings)
- Business setup consultants (expensive but helpful)
- Networking events (where I actually found my license!)

I almost got scammed TWICE when looking for a Trade License for Sale in Dubai. One “seller” wanted a 15,000 AED deposit before showing ANY documentation. Red flag! Another had a Trade License for Sale in Dubai with hidden debts they conveniently “forgot” to mention. Always, ALWAYS do your due diligence.

Step 2: Due Diligence When Purchasing a Trade License for Sale in Dubai

This part was tedious but saved me from making a huge mistake with my Trade License for Sale in Dubai. Here’s what I checked:

- License validity and expiration date
- Any outstanding fines or penalties
- Existing contracts or obligations
- Banking history and financial status
- Legal disputes or pending cases

I hired a local business consultant for 3,500 AED to help with this process. Worth. Every. Dirham. She found that one Trade License in Dubai I was considering had an ongoing labor dispute that would have become MY problem after purchase!

📋 Pre-Purchase Checklist: Before You Buy

Use this checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared before committing to a trade license purchase:

Budget verified: Calculated total investment including license price, transfer fees, legal consultation, office deposit, renewal, and visa costs (expect 69,600+ AED total)

Consultant hired: Engaged a business consultant (around 3,500 AED) to conduct thorough due diligence and verify all documentation

Activity codes confirmed: Verified the license includes all activity codes needed for your planned business operations

Free zone vs mainland decided: Made decision based on your customer base, ownership requirements, and operational needs

License validity checked: Confirmed expiration date and calculated when renewal will be due (and its cost)

Clean record verified: No outstanding fines, penalties, debts, or legal disputes attached to the license

Office lease reviewed: Understood office requirements, checked lease expiration, and budgeted for deposit (typically 5,500 AED) and annual rent (around 22,000 AED)

Visa quota confirmed: Checked how many visas come with the license (need 2-6 typically) and factored 4,500 AED per visa

Banking history reviewed: Examined financial records to ensure zero hidden transactions or obligations

Negotiation strategy prepared: Identified leverage points (renewal dates, office lease expiration, no revenue) for price negotiation

Payment structure agreed: Negotiated payment terms (suggested: 50% upfront, 50% after transfer completion)

Seller legitimacy verified: Confirmed seller identity through official channels and avoided any requests for deposits before documentation review

💡 Complete all items before making any purchase commitments. This checklist has saved buyers from costly mistakes!

✅ Due Diligence Checklist (What I Verified Before Buying)

Item to Check	Why It Matters	Mandatory?	What I Found
License Validity & Expiration	Avoid buying expired licenses that need immediate renewal	✅ Yes	Valid for 4 more months—factored into negotiation
Outstanding Fines or Penalties	These become YOUR responsibility after purchase	✅ Yes	Clean record—no issues
Existing Contracts or Obligations	Could limit your business flexibility or cost money	✅ Yes	None—shelf company never operated
Banking History & Financial Status	Reveals hidden debts or financial problems	✅ Yes	Zero transactions—perfect blank slate
Legal Disputes or Pending Cases	Can become YOUR legal headache and cost thousands	✅ Yes	Consultant found one license had labor dispute—avoided!
Activity Codes & Permissions	Must match your planned business activities	✅ Yes	Covered import/export—exactly what I needed
Office Lease Status	Expiring lease = additional cost for you	⚠️ Important	Expiring soon—used for negotiation leverage
Visa Allocation & Quota	Determines how many employees you can hire	⚠️ Important	6 visa allocation—plenty for my needs

🚨 Pro tip: Hire a consultant for 3,500 AED to verify everything. I almost bought a license with hidden problems—consultant saved me!

Step 3: Negotiating the Price of a Trade License in Dubai

The initial asking price for my Trade License in Dubai was 52,000 AED. I negotiated it down to 45,000 AED based on these factors:

- The license needed renewal in 4 months (renewal fees would be my responsibility)
- No established clients or revenue stream came with the business
- The registered office lease was expiring (another cost for me)

Pro tip: always ask about ADDITIONAL COSTS beyond the basic Trade License in Dubai price. In my case, I also needed to budget for:

- License transfer fees: 2,100 AED
- Office lease renewal: 22,000 AED annually
- Visa costs: 4,500 AED for my own visa
- Bank account transfer: 1,000 AED

Step 4: Legal Transfer Process for a Trade License for Sale in Dubai

Here’s where things got complicated with my Trade License in Dubai. The actual transfer process involved:

Signing a memorandum of understanding
Making the payment (I did 50% upfront, 50% after transfer)
Visiting the relevant free zone authority (Dubai South in my case)
Signing the transfer documents
Getting the updated Trade License for Sale in Dubai with my name

The whole process for transferring my Trade License for Sale in Dubai took about 3 weeks, which was faster than I expected tbh. The seller’s cooperation made everything smoother – another reason to make sure ur dealing with legitimate offers.

Common Pitfalls When Buying a Trade License in Dubai

Let me share some mistakes I made (or almost made) when getting my Trade License :

Not Checking Activity Codes

Each Trade License for Sale in Dubai has specific activity codes that determine what business activities you can legally conduct. I initially found a great deal on a Trade License for Sale in Dubai, only to discover it didn’t cover my planned import activities! Adding new activities would have cost more and taken additional time.

Ignoring Location Restrictions

Some Trade Licenses for Sale in Dubai are specific to certain areas. I almost purchased one for JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) before realizing it would require me to have a physical office SPECIFICALLY in that zone – which was far from where I lived.

Forgetting About Visa Allocations

Different Trade Licenses for Sale in Dubai come with different visa quotas. My license came with allocation for 6 visas, which was plenty for my startup plans. But some only offer 2-3, which could limit your ability to hire staff.

Cost Breakdown: What I Actually Paid for my Trade License for Sale in Dubai

Let’s talk money – here’s exactly what I paid for my Trade License for Sale in Dubai:

Base purchase price: 45,000 AED
Transfer fees: 2,100 AED
Legal consultation: 3,500 AED
New office lease deposit: 5,500 AED
Bank account setup: 1,000 AED
License renewal (came due shortly after purchase): 12,500 AED

Total investment: 69,600 AED (approximately $18,950 USD)

Compare this to setting up a brand new business with a fresh Trade License for Sale in Dubai, which would have cost me around 85,000-90,000 AED when factoring in all the initial setup fees and waiting time.

💰 My Actual Cost Breakdown for Trade License Purchase

Cost Item	Amount (AED)	When Paid	Notes
Base License Purchase Price	45,000	50% upfront, 50% after transfer	Negotiated down from 52,000 AED
License Transfer Fees	2,100	During transfer process	Paid to Dubai South Free Zone Authority
Legal Consultation	3,500	Before purchase	Worth every dirham—saved me from bad deal!
New Office Lease Deposit	5,500	After transfer	Annual lease: 22,000 AED
Bank Account Setup	1,000	After transfer	Account transfer and new setup fees
License Renewal	12,500	4 months after purchase	Came due shortly after—factor this in!
Visa Costs (Personal)	4,500	After license transfer	For my own residence visa
TOTAL INVESTMENT	69,600	Approximately $18,950 USD

💡 Savings vs. new license: 15,000-20,000 AED plus 2-3 months of time! Starting fresh would’ve cost 85,000-90,000 AED total.

Case Study: Success Stories Using a Trade License for Sale in Dubai

Ahmad’s Tech Startup

My friend Ahmad purchased a Trade License for Sale in Dubai that was previously used for a tech consultancy. Within 3 months of acquisition, he had secured 2 major clients because he could immediately show them his active Trade License for Sale in Dubai. The instant legitimacy helped him skip the “we only work with established businesses” objection.

My Own Import/Export Business

With my Trade License for Sale in Dubai, I was able to start operations within just 1 week of completing the transfer. My first shipment of goods from Canada arrived 3 weeks later, and I was officially in business! If I’d started from scratch, I’d still have been waiting for approvals.

💎 Pro Tips: Buying a Trade License in Dubai

🎯 Always Hire a Consultant for Due Diligence

Tbh this saved me from a HUGE mistake. I paid 3,500 AED for a business consultant who discovered that one license I was considering had an ongoing labor dispute. That would’ve become my problem after purchase!

💡 Real example: One hidden labor case could cost you 50,000+ AED to resolve

💰 Budget for Hidden Costs Beyond Purchase Price

The license price is just the beginning! I paid 45,000 AED for my license but ended up spending 69,600 AED total when you factor in transfer fees, legal consultation, office lease deposit, and license renewal.

📊 My total costs: 45K license + 24.6K additional = 69,600 AED investment

📋 Check Activity Codes Before Buying

I almost bought a license that didn’t cover my planned import activities! Each license has specific activity codes determining what you can legally do. Adding new activities later costs more money and time, so make sure the codes match your business plans.

⚡ Pro tip: Get the activity code list BEFORE making any offers

🚀 Negotiate Based on License Condition

I negotiated my license from 52,000 AED down to 45,000 AED because renewal was coming up in 4 months and there were no established clients. Smart move: use renewal dates, office lease expiration, and lack of revenue stream as negotiation leverage.

💪 Negotiation power: Saved 7,000 AED just by pointing out upcoming costs

⏱️ Free Zone = Faster Setup, Mainland = More Freedom

I chose Dubai South Free Zone for 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes, but ngl there’s a tradeoff—I can’t operate directly in mainland UAE without a distributor. If you need to do business everywhere in UAE or bid for government contracts, go mainland instead.

🎯 My transfer took 3 weeks in free zone vs 6-8 weeks typical for mainland

🔍 Verify Visa Quota Before Purchase

Different licenses come with different visa allocations. Mine came with 6 visas which was perfect, but some only offer 2-3. If you’re planning to hire staff soon, this limitation could seriously mess with your growth plans.

👥 Visa costs: 4,500 AED per visa for basic employee visas

🚨 Watch Out for Scams—I Almost Got Burned Twice

One “seller” wanted 15,000 AED deposit before showing ANY documentation—huge red flag! Another had hidden debts they conveniently forgot to mention. Always insist on seeing all documentation before paying anything, and use trusted brokers or consultants.

⚠️ Safe approach: Never pay deposits before reviewing complete documentation

📅 Start Operations Within Weeks, Not Months

The biggest advantage? I was able to start operations within 1 week of completing the transfer. My first shipment arrived 3 weeks later and I was officially in business! Starting from scratch would’ve meant waiting 2-3 months minimum for all approvals.

🎉 Time saved: 2-3 months compared to new license application

The Future Outlook for Trade License for Sale in Dubai Options

As of May 2025, the market for Trade License in Dubai is actually getting more competitive. The UAE government’s initiatives to attract entrepreneurs means more people looking to start businesses, and many are discovering the shortcut of buying an existing Trade License in Dubai.

Some trends I’m seeing:

Prices for Free Zone Trade License for Sale in Dubai increasing by about 10-15% annually
More specialized brokers focusing exclusively on Trade License in Dubai transactions
Enhanced due diligence requirements from authorities
New digital marketplaces specifically for Trade License for Sale in Dubai listings

If ur thinking about getting into the Dubai market, I’d say don’t wait too long. The best Trade License in Dubai deals are getting snapped up quickly.

How to Choose the Right Trade License for Sale for YOUR Needs

After going through this whole process, here’s my advice for finding the perfect Trade License for Sale in Dubai:

Be crystal clear about your business activities first
Decide between free zone and mainland based on your customer base
Set a realistic budget (remember, cheaper isnt always better!)
Consider the license’s history and reputation
Think about location and physical presence requirements
Evaluate visa quota needs for your team
Check compatibility with your long-term business goals

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Trade License in Dubai

How much does it actually cost to buy a trade license in Dubai?
+

Based on my actual experience, the license purchase itself ranged from 38,000-85,000 AED depending on type, but tbh that’s just the beginning. I paid 45,000 AED for my commercial license but my TOTAL investment was 69,600 AED when you include transfer fees (2,100 AED), legal consultation (3,500 AED), office lease deposit (5,500 AED), bank setup (1,000 AED), and license renewal (12,500 AED). Professional licenses tend to be cheaper around 38,000 AED while industrial can hit 85,000 AED or more.

Is buying an existing license faster than applying for a new one?
+

YES and omg this was the biggest advantage for me! My license transfer took just 3 weeks from start to finish, and I was able to start operations within 1 week of completing the transfer. If I’d applied for a brand new license, I’d still have been waiting 2-3 months minimum for all the approvals. My first shipment of goods arrived just 3 weeks after the transfer and I was officially in business—no way that would’ve happened with a new application.

Should I choose a free zone or mainland license?
+

I chose a free zone license (Dubai South) because I wanted 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes, which was perfect for my import/export business. The downside is I can’t operate directly in UAE mainland without a distributor, but that wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. If you need to do business everywhere in UAE or bid for government contracts, go mainland instead. Free zone setup is also faster—mine took 3 weeks vs the typical 6-8 weeks for mainland. Think about where your customers are and what you need!

What’s the difference between buying a shelf company vs an operating business?
+

A shelf company (what I bought) is one that was established but never really operated—basically a blank slate with zero transactions, no clients, and no liabilities. This was perfect for me because I wanted to start fresh but skip the setup headaches. An operating business comes with existing clients, contracts, revenue stream, and potentially more complications. Ngl a shelf company is usually safer unless you specifically want the existing business operations. Mine was only 3 months old with a completely clean record.

How can I avoid scams when buying a trade license?
+

I almost got scammed TWICE so listen up! First red flag: anyone asking for deposits before showing documentation—one seller wanted 15,000 AED upfront before showing ANYTHING. Second: always hire a consultant to check for hidden debts, legal disputes, or penalties. I paid 3,500 AED for this and it saved me from buying a license with an ongoing labor dispute that would’ve cost me 50,000+ AED. Never pay anything before reviewing complete documentation, use reputable brokers, and always do proper due diligence. Worth the extra cost!

Do I need to hire a consultant or can I do this myself?
+

Tbh I strongly recommend hiring a consultant for at least the due diligence part. I paid 3,500 AED and she found critical issues with one license I was considering—specifically an ongoing labor dispute that would’ve become MY problem and cost way more to resolve. You technically CAN do it yourself but unless you know exactly what to check and where to look, it’s risky. The consultant also helped me navigate the transfer process which was super complicated. Think of it as insurance—spending 3,500 AED to avoid a potential 50,000+ AED problem is worth it!

What are activity codes and why do they matter?
+

Activity codes determine what business activities you’re legally allowed to conduct with your license—this is SUPER important! I almost bought a great deal on a license only to discover it didn’t cover my planned import activities, which would’ve made it useless for me. Adding new activity codes later costs additional money and takes time, so make sure the license you’re buying has the right codes for your business from the start. Get the complete activity code list BEFORE making any offers and verify they match your business plans exactly.

How long does the license transfer process actually take?
+

For my Dubai South Free Zone license, the whole transfer process took about 3 weeks from signing the memorandum of understanding to getting the updated license with my name. This involved signing documents, making payments (I did 50% upfront and 50% after transfer), visiting the free zone authority, and completing all the paperwork. Mainland transfers typically take longer—around 6-8 weeks. The seller’s cooperation really matters here, so make sure you’re dealing with someone responsive. Faster than I expected tbh!

Can I negotiate the price of a trade license?
+

Absolutely yes! I negotiated my license from 52,000 AED down to 45,000 AED—saved 7,000 AED just by pointing out upcoming costs. My leverage points were: renewal coming up in 4 months (which would be my expense), no established clients or revenue stream, and the office lease expiring soon. Look for these factors to use in negotiation: upcoming renewal dates, office lease status, visa allocations, any additional setup needed. Sellers know these are costs you’ll have to cover, so they’re usually willing to adjust the price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate!

What happens if the license has outstanding fines or debts?
+

These become YOUR responsibility after purchase, which is why due diligence is SO critical! One seller I looked at had “forgotten” to mention hidden debts that would’ve transferred to me. My consultant checked banking history, financial status, outstanding fines, and any legal disputes before I committed. If you find issues, you can either negotiate a lower price to cover them or just walk away. Never assume a license is clean—always verify through official channels and get written confirmation of zero liabilities. This is literally where a 3,500 AED consultant saves you from 50,000+ AED problems!

How many visas can I get with my purchased license?
+

This totally depends on the specific license you buy—visa allocations vary! My license came with allocation for 6 visas which was plenty for my startup plans, but I’ve seen some that only offer 2-3 visas. This is critical if you’re planning to hire staff soon, as the limitation could seriously impact your growth. Check the visa quota BEFORE purchasing and factor in that each visa costs around 4,500 AED. If the allocation is too low, you might need to negotiate a better deal or look for a different license with higher quota.

Where can I find legitimate trade licenses for sale?
+

I checked multiple sources: specialized business brokers like BusinessExchange UAE, online classifieds like Dubizzle (be careful here—scams exist!), business setup consultants (expensive but helpful), and networking events. Ngl I actually found my license at a networking event which felt more trustworthy than random online listings. Whatever source you use, ALWAYS verify the legitimacy through official channels, insist on seeing complete documentation before paying anything, and ideally use a reputable broker or consultant who can help with verification. Avoid anyone who won’t show documentation or asks for deposits upfront!

What’s the office requirement for a purchased license?
+

This depends on whether you’re buying a free zone or mainland license. Free zone licenses require you to have a physical office specifically in that zone—I almost bought one for JAFZA before realizing it would require an office far from where I lived! My Dubai South license required an office in that specific area, which cost me 22,000 AED annually plus a 5,500 AED deposit. Mainland licenses give you more flexibility on office location anywhere in UAE. Check the existing office lease situation too—if it’s expiring soon like mine was, that’s another cost and negotiation point.

Is buying a trade license worth it compared to starting fresh?
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For me it was 100% worth it! I saved 2-3 months of setup time and approximately 15,000-20,000 AED compared to starting from scratch. Starting fresh would’ve cost me 85,000-90,000 AED total when factoring in all initial setup fees and waiting time. The ability to hit the ground running gave my business momentum that would’ve been hard to generate otherwise—I had my first shipment arriving just 3 weeks after the transfer! If you have very specific business requirements though, starting fresh might give you more flexibility. But if you want to get started quickly and save money, buying existing is definitely the way to go.

What should I look for in a business consultant when buying a license?
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Look for someone with experience specifically in license transfers, not just general business setup. My consultant charged 3,500 AED and had done dozens of license due diligence checks before. She knew exactly what to look for: banking history, legal disputes, outstanding fines, contract obligations, and activity code verification. Good consultants should provide written reports, have connections with free zone authorities, and be able to spot red flags quickly. Ask for references from other clients who’ve used them for license purchases. Worth spending a bit more for someone experienced—their expertise literally saved me from a bad deal!

Final Thoughts: Is Buying a Trade License in Dubai Worth It?

For me, purchasing a Trade License for Sale in Dubai was 100% worth it. I saved about 2-3 months of setup time and approximately 15,000-20,000 AED compared to starting from scratch. The ability to hit the ground running gave my business momentum that would have been hard to generate otherwise.

That said, buying a Trade License for Sale in Dubai isn’t for everyone. If you have very specific business activities or unique requirements, starting fresh might give you more flexibility to customize everything exactly as you need it.

What I can say with confidence is that Dubai continues to be an incredible place to do business in 2025. The infrastructure, strategic location, tax benefits, and business-friendly government make it worth navigating the complexities of getting your Trade License for Sale in Dubai sorted out.

My business is now in its second year, and we’re already expanding into new markets across the Middle East. None of this would have been possible without taking that first step to acquire a Trade License for Sale in Dubai.

If your reading this and feeling overwhelmed, dont worry – that’s normal! I felt the exact same way. Just take it one step at a time, get good advice, and remember that thousands of entrepreneurs have successfully navigated this process before you.

🎯 Key Takeaways: Buying a Trade License in Dubai

Budget Realistically: License prices range from 38,000-85,000 AED, but total investment will be 50-70% higher when including transfer fees, legal consultation, office lease, and renewal—expect 69,600+ AED total
Speed is the Advantage: Buying existing licenses saves 2-3 months compared to new applications—you can start operations within 1-3 weeks instead of waiting 2-3 months for approvals
Always Hire a Consultant: Spend 3,500 AED on due diligence to avoid 50,000+ AED problems from hidden debts, legal disputes, or labor issues that transfer to new owners
Check Activity Codes First: Verify the license covers your planned business activities before purchasing—adding codes later costs extra money and time
Free Zone vs Mainland Decision: Free zone offers 100% ownership, zero taxes, and 3-week setup but limits mainland access; mainland allows UAE-wide operations but takes 6-8 weeks
Negotiate Smart: Use upcoming renewals, expiring office leases, and lack of revenue as leverage points—one buyer saved 7,000 AED through strategic negotiation
Verify Visa Quotas: Check how many visas come with the license (typically 2-6)—critical if you’re planning to hire staff, with each visa costing around 4,500 AED
Watch for Scams: Never pay deposits before reviewing complete documentation, avoid sellers who won’t show paperwork upfront, and use reputable brokers or networking events to find legitimate listings

💪 Bottom Line: Purchasing a trade license in Dubai can save you significant time and money compared to starting from scratch. With proper due diligence, smart negotiation, and the right consultant, you can be up and running in just a few weeks. Dubai continues to be an incredible place for entrepreneurship—don’t let the initial complexity stop you from taking that first step!

P.S. This info is from May 2025 but tbh things change fast in Dubai’s business landscape so double check everything! And if ur reading this later… hope things have gotten even better lol 😊

byNaz

Published November 25, 2024