Buy Dubai House And Get Free Trade Licence

January 24, 2019

Property ownership for business setup in Dubai

You can now use your Dubai property to launch a home-based business with proper licensing. Property ownership proof or tenancy contract (Ejari) is required to verify your business address, especially when applying for licences that list your home as the business location.

This gives buyers the freedom to work flexible hours and set up a business they can run from home, making it attractive to families with young children and entrepreneurs looking to reduce overhead costs.

Who can own property in Dubai?

GCC Citizens and UAE Citizens can purchase property anywhere in Dubai. Foreign nationals and non-residents can also buy property in Dubai, but only in designated freehold areas specified by Dubai’s government.

Popular freehold areas

• Dubai Hills Estate
• Dubai Marina
• Downtown Dubai
• Business Bay
• Palm Jumeirah
• Arabian Ranches

Foreigners can access designated freehold zones, allowing long-term ownership or leases up to 99 years DrivenProperties.

Home-based business license options

Intelaq license (for UAE & GCC nationals)

The Intelaq license is a special business licence offered by Dubai SME, created specifically for UAE nationals and citizens of GCC countries who live in Dubai. It’s ideal for those looking to start small, home-based businesses with low startup costs, Shuraa.

Key benefits:

• Cost-effective setup
• Approval process typically takes one working day
• Can employ up to three staff members
• Renewable annually

E-trader license (for all residents)

The E-Trader licence allows Dubai residents to run online or home-based businesses without the need for a physical office space.

Suitable for:

• E-commerce businesses
• Online consulting
• Digital marketing services
• Content creation
• Graphic design
• Software development

Requirements for home-based business

You must be the owner of the property or have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner to operate a home-based business. The business activity should be allowed to be conducted from a home-based location.

Required documents

• Passport copy, Emirates ID, lease agreement or premises ownership deed, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord
• Business activity selection
• Trade name proposal

Cost savings for property owners

It helps you achieve cost savings. Property owners running home-based businesses eliminate the need for separate commercial office rentals, which can cost AED 30,000-100,000+ annually depending on location.

DLD fees typically 4% of the property value, as well as transfer fees and agency commissions, which usually amount to around 2% PRO Partner Group are one-time costs, while office rentals are ongoing expenses.

“The product is targeted at SMEs, who contribute 80 percent of the economy,” similar to what industry experts noted about home-based business opportunities in Dubai.

How property ownership helps business setup

No commercial lease required

Earlier, business owners had to show their office tenancy contract as proof to get a trade license. Now, they can do so with their property ownership deed or Ejari certificate.

Immediate business address

Property ownership proof is required to verify your business address when applying for licenses that list your home as the business location. This eliminates delays in finding and leasing commercial space.

Family visa benefits

Property owners can also apply for family residency visas, providing stability for families while running home-based businesses.

2025 Dubai property & business regulations

The DLD’s 2025 law is a comprehensive update to real estate regulations, introducing changes to off-plan sales, ownership registration, digital transactions and agent licensing.

Key updates

• Escrow accounts are now mandatory for all Off Plan transactions, offering greater financial protection
• Digitisation of property registration and title deeds simplifies ownership transfers
• Enhanced buyer protection measures

Opportunities for entrepreneurs

With home-based business licenses, entrepreneurs and startup owners have a chance to run businesses legally from their Dubai properties.

Many service-based and digital businesses can be legally run from home, including online consulting, content creation, tutoring, digital marketing, graphic design, and certain beauty services.

“This kind of freedom has never existed in the market before,” as property ownership combined with streamlined business licensing creates unprecedented opportunities for SMEs and freelancers.

Steps to start your home-based business

Step 1 – Purchase or own property

Purchase or own property in Dubai freehold area

Step 2 – Obtain NOC

Obtain NOC from community management if required

Step 3 – Choose license type

Choose appropriate license (Intelaq or E-Trader)

Step 4 – Apply online

Apply through Dubai SME or DED portal

Step 5 – Submit documents

Submit passport, Emirates ID, ownership deed, and NOC

Step 6 – Receive approval

Receive approval (typically 1 working day for Intelaq)

Step 7 – Start operating

Start operating your home-based business

Important notes

License validity

Trade licenses in Dubai are typically valid for one year and need to be renewed annually.

Compliance requirements

The business should comply with all health, safety, and zoning regulations.

Property restrictions

Not all properties are suitable for commercial activities. Always check with your community management whether commercial activities are permitted in your residential property.

Closing

While specific promotional offers from developers vary and are time-limited, Dubai’s current regulations make it easier than ever for property owners to establish home-based businesses. The combination of freehold property ownership and streamlined business licensing provides significant advantages for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and families looking to achieve work-life balance.

For assistance with Dubai property purchase and business setup, contact our expert team for professional guidance on current regulations and licensing options.