Commercial Brokerage Services Business License in Dubai: Cost and Requirements
Topic Summary
What a Commercial Brokerage License Actually Covers
Activity 4610.11 authorizes intermediation, advisory, and brokerage services for B2B transactions without taking title to goods. This includes commission agency operations, wholesale representation for overseas suppliers, and sector-specific brokerage in technical or industrial product lines.
Commission Rates You Can Realistically Expect
Commission income for licensed brokers in Dubai typically runs between 2% and 8% of transaction value. Higher rates apply for exclusive representation agreements, specialty products, or technically complex sales.
Service License vs. Trading License: Know the Difference
Commercial brokerage is classified as a Service activity, meaning you receive a Business License rather than a Trading License. If you import and resell inventory you own, you need a separate direct trading license instead.
Setup Costs Start Lower Than Most Expect
At Dubai South Business Hub, a license and office package starts from approximately AED 12,500 to AED 18,000 per year. Using a cost calculator can provide tailored pricing based on your specific office and visa requirements.
Licensing Process Takes as Few as Five Days
After selecting activity 4610.11, submitting passport copies, an MOA, and a lease agreement, your license can be issued within 5 to 10 working days. Staff visas are processed as a separate step after the license is received.
Compliance Obligations You Should Plan For
Commission agents must comply with UAE consumer protection and contract law. Anti-money laundering reporting requirements may also apply, particularly for high-value cross-border transactions.
Why Dubai Suits the Commission Agency Model
Dubai's neutral trading environment, strong contract law, and concentration of regional buyers and sellers create ideal conditions for commission-based wholesale operations. Free zone structures add 100% foreign ownership and tax efficiency on top of that foundation.
Commission-based wholesale activities are a foundational trading category in Dubai's ecosystem of intermediaries. Commission agents, trade brokers, and wholesale representatives operate as critical connectors between overseas suppliers and UAE buyers, between manufacturers and distributors, and between large buyers and end-users.
The model thrives in Dubai because of the city's neutral trading environment, strong contract law, and concentration of regional trading partners. Commission income typically runs at 2 to 8% of transaction value, with higher rates for exclusive representation, specialty products, or technically complex sales.
This activity is classified as a Service category (Business License rather than Trading License), distinguishing it from the trading-classified brokerage sub-activities. For more detail, see our guide on financial analysis and brokerage business in Dubai. For more detail, see our guide on car auctions and commercial brokerage business in Dubai. For more detail, see our guide on wholesale and trading business licence in Dubai. For more detail, see our guide on investment advisory and brokerage business in Dubai. For more detail, see our guide on loyalty services and commercial business in Dubai. For more detail, see our guide on real estate and commercial brokerage in Dubai. For more detail, see our guide on foreign securities and commercial brokerage in Dubai.
4610.11 - Commercial brokerage services
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed commercial brokerage services business as a professional service activity, providing intermediation, advisory, and brokerage services for B2B commercial transactions across various sectors.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.
What Does the Commercial Brokerage Services License Cover?
Commission agency operations: brokering wholesale sales on a commission basis without taking title to goods.
Wholesale representation: representing overseas suppliers as their UAE-based wholesale agent.
Trade intermediation: connecting buyers and sellers across multiple sectors and geographies.
Contract-based wholesale: operating wholesale transactions under fee or contract arrangements rather than ownership.
Sector-specific brokerage: specialised commission work in technical, industrial, or commercial product lines.
Who Is This For?
Commission agents and trade brokers serving multiple sectors.
Overseas suppliers establishing UAE representation entities.
Specialised intermediaries for technical or industrial product sales.
Trade consultants combining advisory and brokerage services.
Activity Scope
This activity covers wholesale on a fee or contract basis. Direct trading where you own and sell inventory requires a separate trading license.
In short: if you operate wholesale on a commission or fee basis without taking title to goods, you are in. If you import and resell inventory, you need a direct trading license.
Licensing & Compliance
Standard free zone licensing applies. Commission agency operations must comply with UAE consumer protection and contract law. Anti-money laundering reporting may apply for high-value transactions, particularly in cross-border deals.
Cost & Investment
Setup costs at Dubai South Business Hub start from approximately AED 12,500 to AED 18,000 per year for license and office package. Use the cost calculator for tailored pricing.
Setup Steps
Verify name with company name check.
Select Commercial Brokerage Services (4610.11) from the business activities directory.
Choose office and warehouse package matching trading volume.
Submit passport copies, MOA, and lease.
Receive license within 5 to 10 working days.
Process visas for staff.
Why Dubai for Wholesale Commission Agency?
Dubai's position as a regional trading hub, strong contract law, neutral business environment, and concentration of regional buyers and sellers make it ideal for commission agency operations. Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, tax efficiency, and full profit repatriation rights.
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