Loading…
  • Zaid
  • May 23, 2025

Trade License for Sale in Dubai: How to Buy Safely (2026)

Trade License for Sale in Dubai: How to Buy Safely (2026)

Short answer: In Dubai you don’t buy a “trade licence” on its own. You buy the company or establishment that holds it, and then the ownership is changed through the licensing authority. On the mainland that is the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); in a free zone it is the free zone authority. Trade licences and licensed companies are listed for sale with asking prices in AED on BusinessFinder.me’s trade licence section, from about AED 25,000 for simple trading licences to much higher prices for companies with staff and contracts.

Which trade licences are for sale in Dubai right now?

These licences were listed on BusinessFinder.me on 19 October 2026. The prices are the sellers’ asking prices and may change: Our guide to starting a business in the UAE as a foreigner covers this in more detail.

This post originally covered licences in International City. Licences there appear in the same category; use the search filters to narrow it by area. Our freight and cargo business in Dubai guide explains the details.

Why buy an existing trade licence instead of a new one?

  • Track record: an older company may already have a bank account, a VAT registration, supplier accounts or an established trading history.
  • Approvals: some activities need extra approvals, and an existing company may already hold them.
  • Visas and premises: the company may already have an office lease and a visa quota.
  • Speed: you may be able to start trading sooner. But the ownership change still takes time and paperwork.

The trade-off is risk. When you buy a company, you may also take on its history, including debts, fines, labour cases and tax issues. Our how to renew trade license in Dubai guide explains the details.

What should I check before buying a trade licence in Dubai?

CheckWhy it matters
Licence status and expiryAn expired licence must be renewed, and fines may be due. You can look up companies in the Dubai business directory.
Licensed activitiesThey must match what you plan to do. Adding activities is a separate amendment.
Legal form and ownersA sole establishment, LLC and free zone company each transfer differently.
Debts and finesAsk for written confirmation of government fines, bank liabilities and supplier debts.
Labour and immigrationCheck the employees, visas, absconding cases and end-of-service gratuity owed.
TaxCheck VAT and corporate tax registrations, filings and any outstanding amounts with the Federal Tax Authority.
LeaseCheck the Ejari, the rent and whether the landlord will continue the lease.
Legal casesCheck for court cases or cheque cases against the company or its owners.

How is a trade licence transferred in Dubai?

  1. Agree the price and sign an MoU or a share purchase agreement. Ideally have it prepared by a lawyer.
  2. Complete due diligence using the checklist above.
  3. Submit the ownership change. For mainland companies, DET’s request to amend a trade licence service covers adding, removing and changing owners and partners. Shareholder changes usually need an updated memorandum of association and a share transfer agreement.
  4. Get any no-objection certificates required for regulated activities.
  5. Update the bank signatories, the immigration establishment card, the MOHRE labour records and the tax registrations.
  6. Pay against completed transfer documents, not before.

Free zone companies follow the free zone’s own process and fees.

How much does a trade licence cost to buy?

Prices on BusinessFinder.me currently range from about AED 25,000 for a basic trading licence to AED 360,000 or more for licences in regulated activities such as audit, limousine or travel services. Companies with staff, contracts or special approvals cost more. Compare the price with the cost and time of a new licence from DET or a free zone, and only pay a premium for things you can verify, such as approvals, contracts or trading history. If you plan to trade goods, our guide to products you can import and export in Dubai can help you choose the right licence activities.

For a wider view of the buying process, read how to buy a business in Dubai. To sell a licence, post your ad on BusinessFinder.me.

Key takeaways

  • You buy the company that holds the licence, and DET or the free zone records the new owners.
  • Check the expiry, activities, debts, labour, tax and legal history before you pay.
  • Mainland ownership changes go through DET’s trade licence amendment service.
  • Current trade licences for sale in Dubai start from about AED 25,000 on BusinessFinder.me.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a trade licence in Dubai?

You can buy the company or establishment that holds the licence. The ownership is then changed with DET for mainland companies, or with the free zone authority.

How much is a trade licence for sale in Dubai?

On 19 October 2026, trade licences on BusinessFinder.me were listed from about AED 25,000 for simple trading licences to AED 360,000 or more for regulated activities.

Is buying an old trade licence risky?

It can be, because you may inherit the company’s debts, fines, labour issues or tax problems. Always do due diligence and get written confirmations before paying.

How do I check if a Dubai trade licence is valid?

Search the official Dubai business directory on Invest in Dubai by business name or licence number, and ask the seller for the current licence certificate.

What is the difference between a general trading and a specific trading licence?

A general trading licence covers a wide range of goods, while a specific trading licence covers selected product groups. Check that the listed activities match your plans.

Where can I sell my trade licence in Dubai?

You can list it in the trade licence section of BusinessFinder.me, with the activities, price and location.

Last updated: 19 October 2026

Top