The UAE is an economic powerhouse where service businesses — from consultancy, IT, marketing, salons, health, design, to logistics — play a vital role. If you plan to establish a service business in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, obtaining a service license in the UAE is the mandatory legal foundation. Without the correct license, your operations may run into compliance issues or penalties.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how to obtain a service license in the UAE, the costs (including trade license UAE cost), variations like E Trader license Dubai, how to check trade license online, and tips on choosing the cheapest trade license in Dubai with visa.
If you need hands-on assistance, Tianyi Consulting is your trusted partner.

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1. What Is a Service License in the UAE?

A service license in the UAE is a type of trade license issued by the relevant authority (e.g., Department of Economy & Tourism in Dubai or equivalent in other Emirates) allowing businesses that offer services (rather than products) to legally operate. This is sometimes also called a professional license or service trade license.

With this license, you can legally provide consultancy, maintenance, design, medical, educational, IT, and other services under your business name.

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2. Types & Key Variants

When you pursue a service license in the UAE, a few related license types often come up. These include:

• Trade license UAE cost: the general term for costs associated with any trade or service license in UAE (commercial, professional, or industrial).
• E Trader license Dubai: For home-based or online service providers, a simplified license to operate via social media, websites, etc.
• E trade license Dubai cost: The fee you pay for that E Trader license.
• LLC trade license cost in Dubai: If your service business is structured as an LLC, this is the trade license cost for that entity.
• Cheapest trade license in Dubai with visa: Many small service enterprises look for the most affordable license that also allows visa issuance.

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3. Step-by-Step: How to Obtain a Service License in the UAE

Below is a general roadmap (Dubai-centric, but similar in other Emirates):

A. Decide Jurisdiction: Mainland or Free Zone

On the mainland, your service license allows you to operate across the UAE, but you might require a local sponsor or Local Service Agent (LSA) depending on the Emirate and nature of service.

In a free zone, you often have 100% foreign ownership, but you might have restrictions on serving the local mainland without additional permissions.

B. Choose the Legal Structure & Activity

If you choose to form an LLC, then you will need to consider LLC trade license cost in Dubai.
Decide on your service activity, which must match the permitted activities under that license.

C. Reserve Trade Name & Obtain Initial Approval

Reserve your business name and get preliminary approvals for your service activity.
Authorities will check that your name is unique and that your proposed service is allowed.

D. Prepare & Submit Documents

Common requirements include:

• Passport & visa copies of owners
• Proof of address
• No Objection Certificate (if applicable)
• MOA (Memorandum of Association) or service agreement
• Office or workspace lease (or proof of virtual / flex space, if permissible)
• External approvals (if your service requires regulatory approval, e.g. medical, education)

E. Pay License Fees and Government Charges

Here is where trade license UAE cost comes into play. The fees vary widely depending on:

• Emirate / jurisdiction (mainland vs free zone)
• Activity / specialization
• Office location & size
• Structure (LLC, sole, partnership)
• Visa allowances

For example, in Dubai, a trade license cost in Dubai can start somewhere in the AED 9,950+ range for professional licenses, while the E Trader license Dubai cost is relatively modest (often around AED 1,070) for online businesses.

F. Issue & Receive the Service License

Once all documents are approved and fees paid, the licensing authority issues your service license. You may receive a digital license or physical certificate depending on the Emirate.

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4. Checking & Verifying Your Trade License

After obtaining or renewing your license, you must also know how to check trade license online to verify status. Here’s how:

• In Dubai, use the DED eServices portal and the “Search License Information” feature by entering your license number or company name.
• On the UAE national portal, you can verify business licences via the unified commercial registration or Ministry of Economy services.
• Many Emirates also have dedicated license lookup portals (e.g., SEDD search for license) where you can search by license number or trade name.

This helps clients, partners, and regulatory bodies verify your service license’s authenticity.

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5. Cost Insights & Budgeting Tips

Understanding trade license UAE cost is crucial. Below are benchmarks and tips:

• A standard professional / service license in Dubai mainland may begin around AED 9,950+ (excluding visas, office, and other fees).
• For comprehensive trade license cost in Dubai, including all additions, you might reach AED 12,500 to AED 15,000 or more depending on scale and services.
• E Trader license Dubai is one of the cheaper options, especially for online service businesses.
• If setting up an LLC, your license cost may increase (the LLC trade license cost in Dubai includes added registration, local agent, and administrative charges).

To find the cheapest trade license in Dubai with visa, consider small free-zone packages or minimal office setups, but always verify if visas are allowed in those license types.

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6. Tips to Reduce Costs & Optimize License Choice

• Select a jurisdiction or free zone that gives you visa privileges without high overhead.
• Choose a minimal office or virtual/flex office option (if accepted) to reduce rent cost.
• Start with an E Trader license if you are doing online services, then scale up.
• Bundle services or negotiate with providers for license + visa packages.
• Work with a reliable consultant like Tianyi Consulting to ensure you don’t overpay for unnecessary add-ons.

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Conclusion: Simplify Your UAE Service License with Tianyi Consulting

Obtaining a service license in the UAE is the first step to launching a compliant and successful service business in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Whether you need help estimating your trade license UAE cost, applying for an E Trader license Dubai, or identifying the cheapest trade license in Dubai with visa, expert guidance can save you time and cost.

At Tianyi Consulting, we help entrepreneurs and investors navigate every stage of business setup — from license application, document preparation, and visa processing to long-term compliance. Our specialists ensure a smooth and transparent experience, helping you establish your presence in Dubai and the UAE confidently.