Establish a Retail Business in Dubai
To start a retail business in Dubai you need a trade licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism for your retail activity, plus shop or e-commerce approvals and VAT registration once you cross the threshold. OMC handles the licence, the approvals and the visas for physical and online retail.
How to set up a retail business in Dubai
- 1
Choose the retail activity and channel
Decide whether you sell in a physical shop, online, or both. The activity and channel set the licence and whether you need a shop tenancy.
- 2
Register the company and trade licence
Register the entity and the retail trade licence with DET. Selling to the local UAE market is usually a mainland activity.
- 3
Secure premises or e-commerce approvals
A physical shop needs an approved tenancy; an online store needs an e-commerce activity on the licence. We set up whichever fits your model.
- 4
Set up staff visas
Sponsor your shop and admin team through the establishment card and visa quota.
- 5
Register for VAT and open the bank account
Retail crosses the VAT threshold quickly, so we handle FTA registration, and introduce you to a banking officer for card payments.
Why start a retail business in Dubai?
Dubai is a retail hub with high spending power, a large resident base and a steady flow of visitors, across malls, high-street shops and fast-growing online channels. E-commerce has widened the field: you can reach customers without a physical shop, or run both together. Each channel has its own licence route, which is where getting the setup right saves time and cost.
Retail licence: types and cost
A retail business runs on a DET trade licence for the specific goods you sell, and the cost depends on the activity, whether you need a physical shop, and your visa quota. An online-only store uses an e-commerce activity instead of a shopfront. Because those choices drive the cost, we price your exact setup rather than publish a figure that would not fit it. Get your exact quote.
Documents required
- Passport copies of the shareholders and the manager
- The proposed trade name and retail activity
- A tenancy contract for a shop, where you sell in person
- Product details for any regulated goods that need extra approval
Online retail and e-commerce in Dubai
An e-commerce licence lets you sell online without a physical shopfront, which is lighter and faster to start than a mall or high-street unit. You still register the company, add the e-commerce activity, and register for VAT once you cross the threshold. We set up an online-only store, a physical shop, or both under one company.
Mainland vs free zone vs offshore: which fits?
| Structure | Ownership | Where it can trade | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland | 100% foreign for most activities | Anywhere in the UAE, and bids for government work | Shops and e-commerce brands selling to the UAE market |
| Free zone | 100% foreign | Within the zone and internationally | Services, consultancy and trading that does not need to sell across the UAE market |
| Offshore | 100% foreign | Holding and international business only, no UAE trade | Holding assets and international structuring, not local operations |
How OMC helps you establish your retail business
We have handled UAE company formation since 2007, across more than 1,400 companies. We set up the DET trade licence for your exact goods, arrange the shop or e-commerce approvals and the staff visas, handle VAT registration, and introduce you to a banking officer so you can take card payments from day one.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a retail trade licence in Dubai?
You register a company with the Department of Economy and Tourism for your specific retail activity, then add the shop or e-commerce approvals your model needs. OMC files the licence and arranges the approvals and visas together.
Can I run an online-only retail business in Dubai?
Yes. An e-commerce licence lets you sell online without a physical shop, and you still register the company and VAT. We set up an online store, a physical shop, or both under one company.
Do I need a physical shop to get a retail licence?
Only if you sell in person. A physical retail licence needs an approved tenancy, while an e-commerce activity does not. We advise on the route that fits how you plan to sell.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a retail business in Dubai?
Yes. Most mainland retail activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, so you do not need a local partner to hold shares. We confirm the rule for your specific goods before you file.
Do I need to register for VAT as a retailer?
Retail turnover usually crosses the UAE VAT registration threshold quickly, at which point registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required. We handle the registration and set up the records as part of the setup.
Related services
Ready to set up your retail business?
We have handled UAE company formation since 2007, across more than 1,400 companies. Tell us what you are planning and we will map your exact licence, approvals and costs.