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ITQAN is a company that specializes in business setup and business growth

How do I get a business license in Dubai?

٠٢ أبريل How do I get a business license in Dubai?

Foreign investors starting any type of business in Dubai should pay attention to the requirements of the Companies Law which stipulates all the steps one must complete in order to set up and operate a company. One should also pay attention to the trade license they need to operate as this reflects the operations that the company carries out.

What is a Dubai business license? 

Obtaining a trade license is perhaps the most important part of setting up a company in Dubai . The most commonly used type of business permit is the trade license, which specifies most of the activities that can be carried out throughout the UAE. The trade license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai.

This work permit can be used for the following activities:

  • Import and export of goods, usually required by commercial companies registered in Dubai. 
  • To carry out different types of business activities, such as selling goods and services in Dubai. 
  • A general trade license can also be obtained by companies registered in Dubai free zones. 
  • A business license can also be obtained by professionals who provide services in a specific industry.

How to get a trade license in Dubai?

In order to obtain a trade license , the company’s incorporation documents must state the company’s activity which must be related to the field of trade. It is also important to note that most activities in Dubai can be completed under a general trade license. In order to obtain a trade license for a sole proprietorship company in Dubai, one must first choose a trade name, prepare the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, and then submit it to the Department of Economic Development for initial approval.

One must also have a rental agreement as proof of the registered address of the Dubai company. Then the trade license application can be submitted.

Professional Business License in Dubai

A professional business license is a special work permit and is usually issued in one of the following industries:

  • Accounting and Finance. 
  • Information technology management. 
  • Health care. Education. 
  • Advertising and marketing.

A professional trade license comes with several advantages, including the fact that it can be obtained by sole proprietors in Dubai. It also grants the right to full foreign ownership when obtained by a sole trader.

It should be noted that, however, a foreign national applying for a trade license must first become a resident of Dubai in order to obtain full foreign ownership of the sole proprietorship.

Free Zone Business License

In Dubai, the requirements applicable to companies opening in mainland Dubai also apply to those establishing companies in the city-state’s free zones and seeking a general or professional trade license. The trade license, when applied for in the Dubai Free Zone, will be issued by the relevant free zone authority. The peculiarity of the trade license issued to a free zone company is that it can only be used to complete commercial or business activities in the relevant free zone.

Company formation

We establish companies and all legal forms for all nationalities.

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Assisting the investor in facilitating all procedures, whether establishing a company or facilitating the procedures for obtaining a long-term investor residency, according to the availability of the conditions.

Company formation – Start your business in the UAE

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Investment opportunities

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Rental (offices – warehouses)

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Legal Business Representation

You can assign all the legal and paperwork of your company before the government agencies to us and our team will do what is necessary.