Find the right license for your business activity in the UAE. Starting from AED 7,000.
Search your business activity and see which license, jurisdiction, and approvals may apply.
Please note, this call is intended for new business enquiries only.
Choose your activity below to understand the license type, jurisdiction options, special requirements, and next steps.
For restaurants, cafés, catering, and food businesses.
For buying, selling, and distributing goods across categories.
For businesses moving goods in and out of the UAE.
For online stores, platforms, and digital sales.
For consultancies, agencies, and specialist service providers.
For media, content, design, and creative activities.
For clinics, salons, wellness, and cosmetic businesses.
For manufacturing, production, and industrial operations.
Some activities can be licensed in both mainland and free zones, while others may need mainland presence or special approvals.
| Activity | Mainland Route | Free Zone Route | Special Permits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food / Restaurant | Required for customer-facing restaurant operations | Limited / conditional | Food establishment, layout, and food safety approvals |
| General Trading | Available | Available | Product-specific approvals may apply |
| Import & Export | Available | Available | Customs registration and product approvals may apply |
| E-Commerce | Available | Available | Product approvals may apply depending on what is sold |
| Industrial | Conditional | Available in selected zones | Facility, environmental, municipality, or industrial approvals may apply |
| Professional Services | Available | Available | Regulated professions may need additional approvals |
| Media & Creative | Available | Available | Permits may apply for filming, events, advertising, or public activities |
| Health & Beauty | Conditional | Conditional | Health authority, municipality, or activity-specific approvals may apply |
| Alcohol | Special route required | Conditional | Special approvals and permits required |
A clear process from activity selection to license issuance.
Select the activity that best matches what your business will actually do.
Review whether mainland, free zone, or another setup route is more suitable.
Submit the required documents and any activity-specific approvals.
Once approved, you can move forward with visa, banking, tax, and compliance steps where applicable.
Yes, in many cases, a license can include more than one activity. This depends on the jurisdiction, activity group, and whether the activities are compatible under the selected license.
Yes, restaurant and food businesses usually require a suitable physical premises. The premises may also need layout approval, food safety compliance, and other authority approvals before operations begin.
Food businesses may need food establishment approvals, layout approval, and food safety-related permits. The exact requirements depend on the activity, location, and whether you are preparing, storing, transporting, or selling food.
Not with a standard trading license alone. Alcohol-related activity requires the correct licensed activity and special approvals or permits for import, distribution, sale, or service.
The timeline depends on the jurisdiction, document readiness, selected activities, and any approvals required. Creative Zone can help you understand the expected process once your activity and setup route are confirmed.
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Roan Abellera
