Thinking of Tobacco Trading License (Dubai, UAE)? Read This First (Cost, Timeline, Approvals)
Content reviewed by My Business Setup Team, Business Setup Specialists.
Getting a Tobacco Trading License (Dubai, UAE) is a practical route for founders who want a compliant way to start operations in the UAE. You can register on the Mainland or in a Free Zone. Timelines typically range from 6 to 14 working days once documents are ready. Initial visa quotas commonly start from 1 to 4 and scale with office allocation.
Who Should Consider a Tobacco Trading License (Dubai, UAE)?
- Lean founders validating demand
- SMEs expanding services or adding a new revenue line
- Operators formalizing existing work under a UAE entity
What You Can & can't Do
Permitted scope depends on the exact wording of the activity and the issuing authority. Some tasks require separate approvals. Confirm fit for Tobacco Trading License (Dubai, UAE) before applying.
Cost & Timeline (What Affects the Price)
Expect a base trade license plus immigration add-ons. Mainland vs Free Zone, shareholders, and office type (flexi/shared vs Ejari) affect price. Many packages start from ~AED 10,800 excluding optional immigration.
Good to know
- 100% foreign ownership available
- Flexi/shared office keeps overhead low
- Visa quota scales with office size
Watch out
- Choosing the wrong jurisdiction for your sales model
- Under-budgeting immigration items (establishment card, visas)
- Missing activity-specific technical approvals
How to Get Started
- Confirm compliance
- Initial approval
- Warehouse/controls
- License issuance
- Excise registration
Documents Checklist
- Passport copy & recent photo of each shareholder
- Current visa/entry status
- 2 to 3 preferred trade names
- Brief scope & staffing plan
Tobacco Trading License (Dubai, UAE) FAQs
Is a physical office mandatory for Tobacco Trading License (Dubai, UAE)?
Many Free Zones allow flexi/shared packages. Mainland may require Ejari depending on visas and the activity.
How many visas can I start with?
Commonly 1 to 4 at the start, subject to office allocation and immigration rules.
What is included in the base cost?
Trade license and core company docs. Immigration items (establishment card, status change, medical, Emirates ID) may be bundled or itemized.
Last updated: November 2025
*Estimates. Regulations and fees may change. Confirm current requirements before applying.