UAE Business Activities: Licence & Setup Guide 2025
Explore the most popular business activities in the UAE. Each guide covers licence types, costs, recommended free zones, and regulatory requirements to help you choose the right setup.
E-Commerce
Online retail, Amazon/Noon selling, D2C brands, and digital commerce in the UAE's fast-growing market.
From AED 9,000/yr →
~$2,500 USD · ~£1,900 GBP
Consulting
Management, IT, and strategy consulting. 0% income tax and access to high-growth GCC markets.
From AED 7,500/yr →
~$2,000 USD · ~£1,600 GBP
Technology
SaaS, AI, blockchain, hardware, and IT services. Subsidised licencing and grants available for startups.
From AED 12,000/yr →
~$3,300 USD · ~£2,600 GBP
Media & Content
Broadcasting, publishing, advertising, social media, and content creation. Freelancer permits available.
From AED 7,500/yr →
~$2,000 USD · ~£1,600 GBP
Finance & Fintech
Banking, asset management, insurance, and fintech under DIFC or ADGM common law frameworks.
From AED 15,000/yr →
~$4,100 USD · ~£3,200 GBP
Healthcare
Clinical practices, pharmacies, health-tech, and wellness centres in a $20B+ market.
From AED 20,000/yr →
~$5,400 USD · ~£4,300 GBP
Design & Creative
Graphic design, fashion, architecture, interior design, and UX/UI with dedicated creative districts.
From AED 7,500/yr →
~$2,000 USD · ~£1,600 GBP
Logistics & Shipping
Freight forwarding, warehousing, customs brokerage, and last-mile delivery from a global logistics hub.
From AED 15,000/yr →
~$4,100 USD · ~£3,200 GBP
General Trading
Import/export, re-export, and wholesale trading. Dubai's backbone industry connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.
From AED 12,000/yr →
~$3,300 USD · ~£2,600 GBP
Real Estate
Property brokerage, development, and management. RERA-regulated with zero property tax.
From AED 25,000/yr →
~$6,800 USD · ~£5,400 GBP
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