How to Get a Business License in Dubai in 2024-25

Table of Contents

Overview

Dubai has become the world’s foremost destination for investors dreaming of starting their business in the UAE. If you are struggling to get your business license in Dubai, this blog will help you to know these necessary processes:

Types of business licenses in Dubai
Process to obtain your business license
Document required to get a business license in UAE

What is a business license in Dubai?

Investors who are planning to start a business in Dubai need to have a business license in Dubai which depends on the business activities you want run in the UAE. There are more than 2000 business activities that you can choose from and add to your Dubai trade license.

These activities involve professional services, commercial activities, industrial activities, home-based business types, tourism, healthcare, restaurants, and more. Having your trade license in Dubai allows you to run these business activities legally.

Additionally, a business license depends on your company’s structure which varies on registering a mainland company or freezone company in Dubai.

Types of Business Licenses in UAE

There are six kinds of business licenses in Dubai to choose from. These are:

Industrial License
Commercial License
Professional License
Crafts License
Tourism License
Agricultural License

Primary Steps to Get Your Business License in Dubai

Foreign entrepreneurs need to complete the following steps to get a Dubai trade license. Approaching an expert business setup agency like Arab Business Consultant is the best way to get your trade license and run an efficient business. Our professional business consulting services also include PRO services, Local Sponsorship, VAT Services, and Digital marketing services to ensure your business success in UAE.

Let’s explore the key steps where we will provide your expert guidance to get your business license in UAE.

Step 1: Select the Right Business Activities

Firstly you need to identify the best business activities for your Dubai business license. UAE offers you to choose from several activities depending on your interests and goals. We will help you align your business activities and license application.

Step 2: Select the Legal Form

Choosing the right legal form is essential to obtaining your business license in UAE. The following are the major legal form permits in Dubai.

Partnership
Limited Partnership
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Public Joint Stock Company
Private Joint Stock Company
Branch of a Foreign Company

Step 4: Choose Your Trade Name

Decide a unique name for your company and register it with the relevant authority. Make sure that your trade name adheres to the naming policies of the UAE and does not include any offensive or profane language.

Step 5: Obtain All Initial Approval

Once you have decided on your business activities, legal form, and trade name, apply for initial approvals from the DED ( Department of Economic Development). Working with Arab Business Consultant will ensure that you will obtain all necessary approvals for a smooth business setup in Dubai.

Step 6: Find a Business Location

Find a business location in the UAE based on your budget, requirements, and preferred locations. In UAE it is necessary to get your business location’s tenancy contract/rental agreement to get a business license in Dubai.

Step 7: Get Approvals from Government Departments

Based on the selected business activity, you need some additional approvals from local or federal government authorities. It may include approvals from municipal departments to federal departments that regulate specific business activities and industries in the UAE.

Documents Required to Get a Business License in Dubai

Foreign investors need to submit documents to get their business license in the UAE.

Complete the application form for the business license
A Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Approved name of the business from the UAE’s Registry Office
Passport copies of all shareholders and business partners

Ready to Get Your Dubai Business License

We have discussed everything to get a business license in Dubai including its types processes and required documents. Connecting with an Arab Business Consultant is the most ideal way to get your trade license easily.

We will personalized support and guidance throughout the entire process of your business setup in UAE.

So, are you ready to embark on your business journey in UAE?

Contact us now and visit our website to explore more business setups updated in the UAE.