Ship Management & Operation licence in the UAE
Ship Management & Operation licensing in the UAE — the authority catalogue rows we hold for this line, the approvals attached to them, and where the activity can be filed.
- IFZA (Dubai)
- 5222005
- Ajman Free Zone
- AM-03114
Regulator approval required
What the authority says
Includes firms specialized in managing operating ships and vessels and other sea means of transport for the account of other parties. This involves executing other operations necessary for handling passengers and cargo transport, changing ships crew and navigators.
IFZA activity catalogue · synced 4 September 2026
Where you can licence this
| Authority | Status | Code | Licence type | Approval | Facility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai) | Listed | Code5222005 | Licence typeProfessional | ApprovalRequired before the licence issues | FacilityNot restricted in the catalogue |
| Ajman Free Zone | Listed | CodeAM-03114 | Licence typeServices | ApprovalNot stated | FacilityNot restricted in the catalogue |
| Dubai mainland (DET) | Not verifiedWe hold no DET activity catalogue | Code— | Licence type— | Approval— | Facility— |
Catalogue evidence, not legal advice. Authorities change activity lists without notice — confirm before you file.
Routes that list this activity
- IFZA (Dubai)Dubai address, available with Dubai Setup IndexFrom, no visaAED 12,900
Updated
Open guide - Ajman Free ZoneLower cost, available with Dubai Setup IndexFrom, no visaAED 5,555
Updated
Open guide
A route listing the activity is a starting point. The authority confirms eligibility when you apply.
Third-party approvals
Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA)
Before licenceIFZA (Dubai)Read the authority’s process note
The activity requires approval from Dubai Maritime Authority before license issuance; this means that you will submit the license application. Once the required documents are generated in the final stage (after the license application passes the security check), we will send the documents across to apply for the approval. The procedure to obtain the approval will be through email on [email protected] Required documents: • Initial approval/Trade License Copy for Existing Companies • Third Party Approval Letter After sending the requirements, DMA will send the payment SPL to the customer for settlements. Once the payment is done, the electronic Maritime Activity NOC will be sent to the customer. Charges: 1,020 - 5,020 AED/NOC – online through a secure payment link. Renewable every year with the same fees. Duration: 2-3 working days.
Free zone or mainland
- Both IFZA in Dubai and Ajman Free Zone list this activity, so the choice is a Dubai licence address against a lower package cost.
- We hold no Dubai DET record for this activity, so treat mainland as unverified here rather than unavailable.
- Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) clearance is required before the licence issues, which breaks any advertised same-week timeline.
Also catalogued elsewhere
The same activity name appears in other authority catalogues we track. This is a name match, not a legal equivalence, and Dubai Setup Index does not file in these zones.
- DMCC6303-10 · Service
- Meydan Free Zone5222.88
- SPC Free Zone5229.20
Related activities
- Airplane Management & OperationIFZA (Dubai)
- Electric Vehicles Charging Stations Management & OperationIFZA (Dubai)
- Management and operation of Artificial Intelligence robotic systemsAjman Free Zone
- Management and operation of public utilitiesAjman Free Zone
- Marina Management and OperationAjman Free Zone
- Medical Equipment Management & OperationIFZA (Dubai)
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FAQ
Can I add more activities to a Ship Management & Operation licence later?
Usually yes, as a licence amendment, subject to the authority's rules and any extra approval attached to the new line.
Does this activity need third-party approval?
Yes. Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) must clear the activity before the licence issues, so build that step into your timeline.
Licence Ship Management & Operation with Dubai Setup Index
Explore the available free-zone options, then confirm the activity code, approvals and timeline.