The most important step to business setup in Dubai is applying for your business license. Your license is what makes your business legal, so you won’t be able to get your company setup without it.
The process is quick and easy. We mean it! In about as little as five days, you can have your trade license in Dubai. Let MSZ Consultancy help you through the process to make sure you don’t have any delays.
What is Trade License in Dubai
A business license is an important document issued by the Department of Economic Development in the UAE, which allows the specific activities a company can perform. A general trading license permits the import and export of goods and other commercial activities. Moreover, a Dubai trade license is available for companies operating within Dubai Free Zone and professionals providing industry-specific services. The Department of Economic Development issues every trade license.
Different Types of Trade Licenses in Dubai
The Department of Economic Development is the office that will issue business licenses in Dubai. You will have to decide on what your business activity is and apply for the appropriate license.
Here are four of the most popular business license types that are available in the UAE.
Commercial License
This license is mainly for trading and other commercial activities. This is the best choice for a license if you have a trading company and want to sell your products inside Dubai and UAE. It’s also required for setting up a trading company in the Free Zones.
Some companies that need a commercial license are:
- Car rental
- Logistics
- Real estate brokerage
Professional License
A professional license is given to someone that provides services. With this license, it can only be a single person, if more than one person is involved in the company, then this is considered a civil corporation. This includes:
- Accountants, auditors, and financial advisors
- Architectural consultants
- Teachers and educational professors
- Business consultants
- Beauty salons
- Health and medical services
Industrial License
This license is mostly used for manufacturing companies and large industries that are involved in transforming natural materials into the final product. With this license, a company can produce, accumulate, and manufacture raw or semi-manufactured materials. This includes:
- Textile manufacturing
- Paper manufacturing
- Metal casting industries
- Engine manufacturing
Tourism License
In order to start a travel and tourism business in Dubai, you will need a tourism license. There are actually three types of tourism licenses available in Dubai:
- Outbound tour operator
With this license, you can organize inbound tourist trips for visitors.
- Inbound tour operator
This license allows the operator to organize inbound trips, including global conferences and exhibitions.
- Travel agent
This allows the license holder to sell plane tickets outside the country.
How Do You Get a Trade License?
The DED is responsible for issuing a business license in Dubai. Here are the steps you’ll have to take:
- Reserve your trade name
- Apply for initial permission for the business activity
- Get business premises and tenancy certificate
- Get the company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA) notarized
- File trade license application
- Submit the required documents
- Pay the required fees
After you pay your fees, you’ll get your license within a week.
Documents Required for a Dubai Trade License
Why Should You Get a Trade License in Sharjah, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi?
There are so many advantages to getting a trade license in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and any of the emirates in the UAE. One of the main things that attract entrepreneurs to the country is the opportunities that are there for growth and international recognition.
Here are some other benefits for getting a trade license in the UAE:
- Import duty is low
- Easy access to the corporate bank account
- Tax-free benefits
- Paid-up capital is not necessary
- Gateway for local and international trading
- Business-friendly government
How Can You Get Dubai Trade License Instantly?
If you can’t wait to get your business setup, we have good news! It’s possible for you to get your license in about five minutes. All you have to do is apply for the instant license through the DED’s e-service portal, happiness lounge, service centers, and smart lounges. This option is quick and doesn’t require as many approvals. However, this license will be limited to the business setup in Dubai.
What is an E-Trader License in Dubai?
If you plan on running your business from home, there’s an option for that too, it’s an E-trader license. This license is only for home-based businesses, and you will have 100% ownership of the company.
Here are the steps to take to apply for an E-trader license:
- Create a Trader account on the DED Trader website
- Register and make the necessary payments
- Provide all the information about your social media accounts that you will use
How Can You Renew a Trade License?
A business license in Dubai is only valid for one year. You’ll have to make sure you stay on top of renewals, so your business activities are not banned, and you don’t get hit with a penalty fee.
Here’s the process you have to go through with the DED to get your license renewed:
- The first step is to check your tenancy contract. Make sure you have a tenancy contract that has a least one month left before it expires. If the contract doesn’t have a month or more left on it, then you’ll have to get that renewed first.
- Next, you’ll have to submit the required documents for review:
- A typed BR/1 form
- Copy of tenancy contract
- Copy of current trade license
- Copies of passports from the business partners and investors
- After the documents are approved, then you’ll get an invoice from the DED. After you pay the fees, then you’ll instantly get your license renewed.
Trade License Dubai Fees
The price for a trade license varies depending on the business activity and the requirements that are involved. So, we can’t get you a concrete cost, but we can give you an estimate of what you can expect.
The trade license fee starts around AED 12,000. You’ll also have to pay an activity fee, which can range from AED 150 to 500.
If you have any questions about trade license Dubai fees, contact MSZ Consultancy at +971 52 544 1248 for a quote.
MSZ Consultancy Can Help Get Your Trade License
Do you want to start your business in the UAE? What are you waiting for? Apply for your trade license today! The process is quick and easy, and with MSZ Consultancy on your side, we will make sure there aren’t any roadblocks standing in the way. Contact us today at +971 52 544 1248 for a FREE consultation.
WHAT WE DO?
We help you with everything you need to properly form your company and get it registered for business in the UAE. We also provide financial and legal advice, so you have all the tools you need for a successful business setup.
HOW DO WE HELP?
We have an expert staff of consultants, lawyers, and PRO executives. We will help register your company for business, but that’s not all. We can even help with paperwork, legal advice, and financial expertise.
WHY CHOOSE US?
We truly care about our customers and will work our hardest to provide the exact services that you need. We are easily approachable, we constantly look for innovative strategies, and we have the best quality services that will meet all your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Trade License is Best in Dubai
A General Trading License, also known as a Commercial License or Business License, is the most commonly used and applied trade license in the UAE. It allows for commercial and trade activities in Dubai and throughout the UAE, activities such as importing and exporting products and goods, as well as commodities trading. Companies operating in Dubai Free Zone can benefit from the regulation and protection provided by this license. If you need help with which license is best for your business, it’s best that you consult a business setup specialist at MSZ Consultancy.
What does a company need to do after getting a trade license in Dubai?
- Apply for an establishment card
- Register native workers with the Labor Ministry
- Register native workers with the General Authority of Pension and Social Security
Do different product categories need separate trade licenses?
No. You can use one single Dubai trade license for different products.
Do you have to have a trade license for the companies that are opening a company branch in Dubai?
Yes. Even if you’re setting up an office branch in Dubai, you will need to register for a trade license.
Is a trade license in Dubai the only business license that you need?
It depends. A business license is only good for certain business activities. There’s a chance that you may need another license. MSZ Consultancy can help you figure out which business licenses are right for your business.
Can I get a trade license in Dubai if I am a foreigner?
Yes, foreign investors are allowed to get a trade license if they register a company in Dubai.
Can I change a trade license into another type of permit?
Yes, a company is allowed to change its business license.
Is it hard to get a trade license in Dubai?
No, after the steps are followed, and the paperwork is approved, then you’ll be issued your trade license. MSZ Consultancy can help you through the process to make it even easier.
Who needs a general trading license?
Companies that import and export items like textiles, furniture, food, electronics, etc., will need a general trading license.
How fast can I get a trade license in Dubai?
It usually takes five working days.
Do I need a specialized agent?
A specialist can help you handle all the legal formalities to get your trade license.
WhatsApp us