By Adil Ahmad, Business Setup Consultant at Gulf Corporate Services
Summary
Dubai offers two main home business licences. Residents of any nationality can get an e-Trader licence online through Invest in Dubai from about AED 1,070, to sell products or services through websites and social media. UAE and GCC nationals can get the Intelaq home licence, which covers more activities and allows a few staff. Neither allows walk-in customers, so growing businesses later move to a full trade licence.
What Is a Home Business Licence in Dubai?
A home business licence lets you run a small, legal business from your residence without renting a commercial office. It is issued under the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) framework and is designed for low-risk activities such as online selling, consulting, design and content creation.
From my experience with clients, a home licence is the cheapest legal way to test an idea in Dubai. It gives you a licence number, lets you open a business bank account in many cases and helps you invoice clients properly.
Benefits of a Home Business Licence
- Legal protection: sell openly without risking fines for unlicensed trading
- Low cost: no office rent and minimal government fees
- Credibility: a licence number builds trust with clients and platforms
- Banking: easier to open a business account and accept card payments
- Marketplace access: many platforms and payment gateways ask for a licence
- Easy upgrade path to a full company when you grow
Types of Home Business Licences in Dubai
| Licence | Who can apply | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Trader licence | Dubai residents of any nationality (21+) and UAE nationals | From about AED 1,070 | Selling online and on social media |
| Intelaq home licence | UAE and GCC nationals living in Dubai | About AED 1,050 a year | Home-based services and small production |
| Freelance permit (free zone) | Qualified expat professionals | About AED 7,500 to 15,000 with visa | Freelancers needing their own visa |
| Full trade licence | Anyone | From about AED 12,500 | Growing businesses with staff and visas |
These are approximate figures from published guides. Confirm the latest fees on the Invest in Dubai platform.
e-Trader Licence: The Home Licence for Residents
The e-Trader licence is the most popular home business licence for expats in Dubai. According to Emirates 24|7, UAE nationals and residents can apply online through the Invest in Dubai portal, with prices starting from about AED 1,070.
Key features:
- Apply fully online with UAE Pass
- No office or Ejari required for most activities
- Sell through Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, websites and marketplaces
- Sole ownership in your own name
- Usually issued within a few working days or faster
Limitations:
- No visa sponsorship for yourself or staff
- No physical shop or walk-in customers
- Limited list of activities
- Not suitable for importing large volumes of goods
If you plan to scale an online store, read our guide to an e-commerce licence.
Intelaq Licence: The Home Licence for UAE and GCC Nationals
The Intelaq licence is a home business licence for Emiratis and GCC nationals living in Dubai, supported by Dubai SME.
- Wider list of activities, including consultancy, design, events and some handicrafts
- Can sponsor a small number of staff
- Sole ownership by the qualifying national
- Requires a landlord NOC if you rent, or a title deed if you own the home
Activities Allowed Under a Home Business Licence
Common activities include:
- Online selling of clothing, accessories, cosmetics and handmade products
- Social media marketing and content creation
- Graphic design, web design and photography
- Consulting, coaching and training
- Translation and writing services
- Event planning (with events held at proper venues)
- Tutoring and online classes
- IT support and software services
Usually not allowed from home: restaurants, food production for sale without approval, salons, clinics, manufacturing, storage of hazardous goods and anything that brings customers to your door.
Popular Home Business Ideas in Dubai
From the clients we support, these home businesses grow fastest:
- Online fashion and abaya stores selling through Instagram and websites
- Handmade products, such as candles, jewellery and gift hampers
- Social media management for local restaurants and shops. For a bigger agency, see our digital marketing licence guide
- Online tutoring and language classes
- Freelance design, video editing and photography
- Business and career coaching delivered online
Requirements for a Home Business Licence in Dubai
- Valid Emirates ID and UAE residence visa (for expats)
- Minimum age of 21 for e-Trader
- UAE Pass account for online applications
- Your chosen business activity and trade name
- Tenancy contract or title deed, and landlord NOC where required (mainly for Intelaq)
- No objection from your employer, if your employment contract requires it
How to Get a Home Business Licence in Dubai: Step by Step
- Choose your licence type: e-Trader, Intelaq or freelance permit.
- Pick your activity from the approved home business list.
- Log in to Invest in Dubai with UAE Pass.
- Reserve your trade name.
- Upload your documents, such as Emirates ID and, where needed, Ejari and landlord NOC.
- Pay the fees online.
- Download your licence and start trading legally.
After licensing, open a business bank account and set up a simple bookkeeping system from day one.
Documents Required
- Emirates ID copy
- Passport and visa copy
- Passport-size photo
- Trade name reservation
- Ejari or title deed (if required)
- Landlord NOC (if required)
Home Business Licence Cost in Dubai
| Cost item | Approximate cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| e-Trader licence (first year) | About 1,070 to 1,400 |
| e-Trader renewal | About 1,070 |
| Intelaq licence | About 1,050 a year |
| Trade name reservation | About 200 to 600 |
| Optional establishment card | About 260 to 2,000 |
Costs can change, so always check the final amount shown on Invest in Dubai before paying. For a full company comparison, see our guide to the cost of a trade licence in Dubai.
Home Licence vs Freelance Permit vs Full Business Licence
| Factor | Home licence (e-Trader) | Freelance permit | Full business licence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | No | Yes, for yourself | Yes, for owners and staff |
| Office | Home | Flexi desk or co-working | Office, flexi desk or shop |
| Staff | No | No | Yes |
| Cost | Lowest | Medium | Higher |
| Growth potential | Limited | Medium | Unlimited |
If you need your own visa, read our freelance visa in Dubai guide. If you are ready to hire, compare mainland company formation and free zone company setup.
Home-Based Food Businesses
Many people want to sell home-cooked food, cakes or snacks. Food businesses involve health and safety rules, so they usually need Dubai Municipality food safety approval and may need commercial kitchen facilities after an initial period. Check the food safety requirements carefully before you start selling.
Banking, Tax and Compliance
- Bank account: many banks and digital banks accept e-Trader licence holders. Our bank account opening team can help.
- Corporate tax: natural persons running a licensed business must register for corporate tax once annual turnover exceeds AED 1 million, according to the Federal Tax Authority. Our corporate tax team can confirm your position.
- VAT: register once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000.
- Renewal: renew your licence every year before it expires.
Home Business Licences in Other Emirates
- Abu Dhabi: the Tajer Abu Dhabi licence supports home-based and online businesses, with activities expanded over time by ADDED. See our guide to a business licence in Abu Dhabi.
- Sharjah and northern emirates: offer their own home-based and freelance options, often at lower cost.
When Should You Upgrade From a Home Licence?
Upgrade to a full business licence when you:
- Need a visa for yourself, staff or family
- Want a shop, warehouse or meeting space
- Need to import stock in larger volumes
- Want to bid for corporate or government contracts
- Plan to bring in partners or investors
Options include a sole proprietorship licence, a professional licence or a low-cost free zone package. Our business setup consultants can map the right next step.
Starting a Home Business in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia also supports home businesses and freelancers. If you plan to work across the Gulf, see our guide to a freelance visa in Saudi Arabia and our business setup in Saudi Arabia services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selling on social media without any licence
- Choosing an activity not allowed from home
- Receiving customers at a residential building
- Mixing personal and business money in one account
- Ignoring corporate tax registration once turnover grows
Expert Tip from Our Desk
Start with an e-Trader licence to test demand, but keep clean records from day one. When you upgrade to a full licence, a year of invoices and bank statements makes banking, visas and investor talks much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can expats get a home business licence in Dubai?
Yes. Residents of any nationality aged 21 and above can apply for an e-Trader licence through Invest in Dubai.
How much does a home business licence cost in Dubai?
From about AED 1,070 for an e-Trader licence. The Intelaq licence for UAE and GCC nationals costs about AED 1,050 a year.
Do I need an office for a home business licence?
No. You can run the business from home, as long as customers do not visit your residence.
Can I get a visa with a home business licence?
No. The e-Trader licence does not include visa sponsorship. You need a freelance permit or full licence for a visa.
Can I sell food from home in Dubai?
Only with the right food safety approvals. Home food businesses face extra health and safety rules.
How long does it take to get a home licence?
Often a few working days, and sometimes faster through the online portal.
Can I run a home business in a rented apartment?
Yes, for permitted activities. Some licences require landlord approval, so check your tenancy contract.
Is the e-Trader licence the same as a business licence?
It is a type of business licence, but with fewer activities and no visa or shop rights.
Start Your Home Business with Confidence
A home business licence is the easiest legal first step for entrepreneurs in Dubai. Our team helps you choose the right licence, apply online and upgrade when you are ready to grow. Explore our full business setup in Dubai services, or talk to us about business setup in Saudi Arabia as your business expands.
