Starting your own venture from your living room is no longer just a dream, it’s a massive trend in Dubai. The city’s push for digital entrepreneurship has made it incredibly easy and affordable to get a home business license in UAE. This guide breaks down what you need to do to turn your great home idea into an official, operating business.
Is it Legal to Start a Home Business in Dubai?
Who Can Get a Home-Based Business License in Dubai?
- UAE or GCC nationals
- Expats
- Freelancers and online sellers
- Homemakers
- Entrepreneurs looking to start small-scale ventures
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a Dubai residence visa and Emirates ID
- Apply as the sole owner
Group | Type of home business license |
UAE or GCC nationals | E-trader license, Intelaq license |
Expats | E-trader license, Free zone company |
Freelancers or online sellers | E-trader license |
Homemakers & entrepreneurs | E-trader license, Intelaq license (for Emiratis) |
What are the Benefits of a Home Business Setup in Dubai?
- Affordable setup: You don’t need a physical office or storefront for running your home business. That makes it a cost-effective license for entrepreneurs.
- Complete business ownership: Individuals with a home business license have full ownership of their business, meaning they are in charge of all the decisions.
- Minimal tax obligations: There is no income tax in the UAE corporate tax is only levied on businesses with taxable income over AED 375,000.
- Flexible hours: When you’re in charge of your own schedule, you can choose your own working hours. This makes home businesses ideal for individuals who work other jobs or have family responsibilities.
Streamline Your Business Setup Process
What are the Activities Allowed Under a Home Business License?
There is a difference between the business activities that expats and Emiratis can carry out with a home business license. Expats are not allowed to sell products under this license. They can only offer services like:
- Virtual coaching
- Online consulting
- Creation and sale of online courses or educational content
- Digital marketing (web development, graphic design, SEO, social media)
- Social media content creation
- Online tutoring
Emiratis can apply for the Intelaq license, an exclusive home business license to UAE and GCC nationals that is issued by the Dubai SME. After five years of holding this license, it should be converted into a commercial trade license. These are some of the activities under the Intelaq license:
- Foodstuff trading (cakes, sweets, dairy, dates)
- Fashion and apparel trading
- Reselling cosmetics or clothing
- Real estate brokerage
- Consultancy (Finance, business, HR)
- Event planning
How to Get a Home Business License in Dubai?
1. Pick a Business Activity
You can choose any of the permitted business activities for home business registration in Dubai. If you’re applying as an expat, you cannot sell any physical products.2. Create a DET Account
You can log in with your UAE PASS or create an account on the DET website with your phone number or Emirates ID.3. Apply for a Trade License
You can reserve a trade name for your business on the same platform, upload some personal identification documents, and pay the fees. The application generally can take up to five business days to be processed.4. Open a Bank Account
Every registered business in the UAE needs a corporate bank account. Having a separate, local bank account for your business allows you to better track your expenses and fulfill your tax obligations.What is the Cost of a Dubai Home Business Permit?
It costs AED 1,370 to apply for a home business license in Dubai. You will pay this when you apply for a license and will need to pay it for every year you renew the license.
Base fee (includes initial license fee, knowledge and innovation fees) | AED 1,070 |
Dubai Chamber of Commerce fee (mandatory membership) | AED 300 |
