One Central – Offices No. 4 Dubai | Office: +971 45686046
ITQAN is a company that specializes in business setup and business growth

Dubai trrade license

Dubai trrade license

٢٤ يناير Dubai trrade license

Dubai trade license is an essential and vital step to start or expand a business. The UAE city of Dubai offers an investment environment full of opportunities, and provides investors with many options and advantages to obtain the Dubai commercial license appropriate for their business activity.

In cooperation with Itqan Company for Establishment of Companies, in this article we will explore the world of business licenses in Dubai and their importance for investors. We will take a look at the types of licenses available and the advantages of each type, in addition to clarifying the procedures necessary to obtain them.

We will begin by explaining the concept of commercial licenses and their importance in building a successful business, pointing out the role of Itqan Company in facilitating this process and guiding investors step by step in choosing the appropriate license and completing the necessary procedures.

Through this article, you will be able to understand the importance of commercial licenses in Dubai as a key to entering the business world with confidence and stability, and you will obtain practical advice and valuable information to successfully start your business journey in the Emirate of Dubai.

Dubai trade license

Dubai trade license

When is the Dubai trade license issued?

A commercial license in Dubai is usually issued after completing all necessary procedures and submitting the required documents and payments. The time for issuing a license varies depending on the type of business activity, the extent to which requirements are met, and the organization of procedures.

Usually, the application is submitted through dedicated electronic platforms or local service offices, and the application is followed up on a regular basis. After submission, the application and documents are examined by the relevant authority, and any additional information is provided if necessary.

Once all requirements are met and the file is final reviewed, the business license is issued. This usually takes place after a period ranging from several days to several weeks, depending on the efficiency and speed of meeting requirements and the ability to communicate with the concerned authorities.

After receiving the business license, the business owner must comply with all regulations and controls related to the business activity, and begin conducting business according to the specified plan. In case of non-compliance with the conditions, the license may be withdrawn or other penalties may be imposed by the relevant authorities.

Conditions for obtaining commercial licenses in Dubai

Conditions for obtaining business licenses in Dubai vary based on the type of license and the proposed business activity. However, there are some general conditions that are usually required to obtain a business license in Dubai, which include:

  1. Legal age: The applicant for a commercial license must have reached the legal age specified in the UAE, which usually depends on the type of activity and the conditions of government agencies.
  2. Necessary qualifications: Some activities may require specific academic qualifications or professional experience in the field, and the necessary documents proving the required qualification must be provided.
  3. Special permits and licenses: Some activities require special permits from the relevant authorities, such as health or public security, and these permits must be obtained before submitting the commercial license application.
  4. Space and location: In some cases, office space or a work site must be provided, and this space must comply with the requirements of local authorities.
  5. Required capital: Some business licenses may require a certain capital deposited in a local bank account, and this depends on the type of activity and specific conditions.
  6. Personal and Financial Information: Some business licenses may require detailed personal and financial information about the applicant and partners, including financial records and credit history.
  7. Social and health insurance: Social and health insurance must be provided to employees in accordance with local laws.

Requirements necessary to obtain a Dubai trade license 

To obtain a business license in Dubai, there are a set of requirements that must be provided and followed. Here is a list of basic requirements that are usually included in the process of obtaining a business license in Dubai:

  • Commercial activity: You must specify the type of commercial activity that you wish to practice and for which you will be given a license.
  • Trade name: An appropriate trade name must be chosen and confirmed to ensure that it is not repeated and to ensure its compliance with the laws of the emirate.
  • Commercial address: A reliable commercial address must be provided in Dubai, whether it is an office address or the company’s headquarters.
  • Partners/Shareholders: In some cases, it may be necessary to identify the shareholders or partners in the company, along with providing supporting documents.
  • Financial capital: The necessary capital for the company must be determined and provided under the terms of local law and the type of business activity.
  • Legal documents: A set of legal documents must be submitted, such as shareholders’ passports, necessary contracts, and others as needed.
  • Government Permits: Some businesses may require special government permits before submitting a business license application.
  • Environmental and health permits: In the case of some commercial activities, special environmental or health permits may be required.

Types of business licenses in Dubai

Types of business licenses in Dubai

Dubai trade license fees

Business license fees in Dubai may vary based on several factors, including the type of company, scope of business, and specific government requirements. However, an overview of the estimated fees you may incur to obtain a business license in Dubai can be provided:

  1. Initial registration fees: These fees include company registration fees and issuance of the initial business license.
  2. Annual renewal fees: These fees include renewing the commercial license annually, and vary according to the type of company and commercial activity.
  3. Special License Fees: Some businesses may require additional fees to obtain special licenses or permits.
  4. Additional government services fees: You may need to pay additional fees for other government services such as document authentication or environmental permits.
  5. Legal and accounting consulting fees: If legal or accounting assistance is needed, you may pay an additional consulting fee.
  6. Business address fees: In some cases, you may incur fees to rent a notarized and approved business address from local authorities.

Types of business licenses in Dubai

There are several types of business licenses available in Dubai to suit the needs of different businesses and commercial activities. The following table provides an overview of the types of business licenses in Dubai:

Type of licensea description
Individual licenceIt allows an individual to conduct business as a single person, with the owner solely responsible for the business and financial obligations.
Limited Liability CompanyIt allows a group of shareholders to establish a company and participate in its management, and they have limited liability for debts and obligations.
Personal companyIt allows a group of shareholders to establish a company, and participation in it is closed to a specific number of individuals or companies.
Public companyIt allows shareholders to raise money by selling its shares on the stock exchange, and shareholders have limited liability for debts and obligations.
Literal licenseIt allows individuals to practice professional activities such as medicine, law, engineering, accounting, interior design, and others.

These are some of the common types of business licenses in Dubai, and the requirements and conditions for each type of these licenses vary according to the intended business activity and the size of the company.

Documents necessary to obtain commercial licenses in Dubai

To obtain a business license in Dubai , you usually need to submit a set of basic documents. These documents may vary based on the type of company and its activity, but generally can include the following documents:

  • Commercial license application form: The form must be filled out with the necessary information about the prospective company and its commercial activity.
  • Copy of passport: for both shareholders and main directors of the company.
  • Recent personal photos: of key shareholders and directors.
  • Approval letter if there are foreign partners or shareholders: This letter is provided by the competent authorities.
  • Lease contract or ownership document: The company’s location is proven through a valid lease contract or ownership document.
  • Tax Clearance Letter: In some cases, the tax authorities may require a company tax letter.
  • Process approval letter: If the company intends to use prohibited or sensitive activities.
  • Feasibility study report: In some cases, you may be asked to submit a feasibility study report for your business.

Conditions for obtaining a Dubai trade license

Conditions for obtaining a Dubai trade license

How to renew business licenses in Dubai

Renewing business licenses in Dubai is an important procedure to ensure the legal and regular continuity of your business. Here are the basic steps to renew a commercial license in Dubai:

  1. Prepare ahead: Before starting the renewal process, check the expiration date of your current business license. There is usually a specific period of time before the license expires. You must contact the responsible party to determine this date.
  2. Gather the necessary documents: Before submitting your renewal application, make sure to collect all necessary documents. These documents may include a copy of your current business license, passport or ID card, and a renewal application form.
  3. Submitting the application: Submit the renewal application to the responsible authority, which is usually the Department of Economic Development or Dubai Municipality. You can apply online or in person at their office.
  4. Payment of fees: The renewal process may require payment of certain fees. Make sure to pay these fees on time to avoid any late fees.
  5. Waiting for processing: After submitting the application and paying the fees, you must wait for the application to be processed by the concerned authority. This may require some time until the documents are verified and the renewed license is issued.
  6. Receiving your renewed license: Upon completion of the renewal process, you will receive your renewed business license. Be sure to check the data included in the license to ensure its accuracy.
  7. Compliance with additional requirements: There may be additional requirements to comply with after receiving a renewed licence, such as updating tax data or renewing leases.

Some tips for starting a business in Dubai

There are many steps and advice that an investor must follow before starting to establish any commercial activity in the UAE in general, not only in the Emirate of Dubai, in order to ensure achieving the highest percentage of profits, and these steps are summarized as follows:

  • It is not preferable to borrow money at the beginning of your project in order to start a commercial activity.
  • Don’t put all your capital into your business.
  • Prepare a strong feasibility study that contains all the gaps for the activity you want to start. It is preferable to consult an economist in this activity, as they can know
  • The extent of the success of the activity and their provision of a set of useful advice for you in the long term.
  • You have to accept the idea of ​​not making a lot of profits, especially at the beginning of any business.
  • You must develop an alternative plan to the basic plans that you can resort to when any problem occurs.

Establishing a company in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai requires several steps and procedures. Here are general steps that can be followed to establish a company in Dubai:

  1. Determine the type of company: Before embarking on the incorporation process, you must determine the appropriate type of company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company, a one-person company, or another private company.
  2. Choosing a trade name: A trade name for the company must be chosen that complies with the laws and legislation in Dubai and is also available in the commercial registry.
  3. Identifying the shareholders and the percentage of each of them: The identity of the shareholders and the distribution of the percentages for each of them must be determined if there is more than one shareholder in the company.
  4. Arranging legal documents: Legal documents such as contracts, agreements, shareholder documents, and the company’s articles of association must be prepared.
  5. Submitting a registration application: An application for registration must be submitted to the Department of Economic Development in Dubai or to the designated free zone.
  6. Payment of fees and costs: The fees prescribed for the registration process and any other related fees must be paid.
  7. Obtaining additional permits and licenses if necessary: ​​Some company activities may require additional licenses from the relevant government agencies.
  8. Opening a bank account for the company: Once the commercial license is obtained, a bank account must be opened for the company to manage financial operations.
  9. Registration with social security and taxes: You must register with the relevant authorities for social security and taxes and meet all legal obligations.

The cost of establishing a company in Dubai

The cost of establishing a company in Dubai is affected by several factors, including the type of company, the size of the proposed business, and the services required from company incorporation offices and legal advisors. Here are some items to consider when calculating the cost:

  • Registration fees: Registration fees vary according to the type of company and region of incorporation, and include the costs of issuing a commercial license and registering the company in the commercial registry.
  • Legal Services Costs: If you retain a law firm or legal advisor to assist with the incorporation process, you will be charged a fee for the services provided.
  • Contract and agreement costs: Establishing a company requires preparing legal contracts and agreements, and the cost of this changes based on the volume of work and the type of contracts required.
  • Commercial registration costs and taxes: There may be annual costs for renewing the commercial registration and taxes on profits, and these costs vary based on the size of the company and the type of business activity.
  • Labor and office costs: If you plan to hire employees or rent an office, you will have additional costs such as employee salaries and office rent.
  • Insurance and social security costs: Health and social insurance must be provided to employees in accordance with local laws, and the cost of this varies according to the number of employees and job level.

Advantages of establishing a company in Dubai

Establishing a company in Dubai offers many advantages and opportunities that make it an ideal destination for business. Here are some key advantages:

  1. Vibrant business environment: Dubai is characterized by a vibrant and dynamic business environment, making it an ideal place to establish and expand companies.
  2. Excellent strategic location: Dubai is located in the heart of the Middle East and is considered a hub for global trade and investment, providing opportunities to access new markets and expand globally.
  3. Advanced infrastructure: Dubai has an advanced infrastructure that includes international airports, modern seaports, and advanced transportation networks, which facilitates transportation and distribution operations for companies.
  4. Flexible investment policies: Dubai adopts flexible and open investment policies, which encourages foreign investments and provides a flexible and favorable business environment.
  5. Strong financial and banking centre: Dubai is home to many of the world’s leading banks and financial institutions, providing advanced financial and banking services to businesses.
  6. Flexible labor laws: Dubai is characterized by flexible labor laws and a stimulating work environment, which helps attract human talent and stimulate innovation and creativity.
  7. Diverse and multicultural society: Dubai is home to a diverse and multicultural society, which facilitates the attraction of global talent and provides a multicultural environment for business.
  8. Government Facilities: The Dubai government provides many facilities to companies, such as tax exemptions and reductions in construction and licensing fees.

In conclusion, we discover that a trade license in Dubai is not just a legal document, but rather a key to opening the doors of opportunities and success in the business world. Through Itqan Company, we can guide you step by step through the process of obtaining a business license in Dubai, and ensure full compliance with all legal conditions and requirements.

A business license in Dubai provides an opportunity for investors to realize their dreams and build a successful business in a dynamic and evolving investment environment. Itqan Company is your ideal partner in this journey, as we provide the necessary experience and knowledge to guide you through every step and facilitate the process of obtaining a commercial license smoothly and efficiently.

The most important frequently asked questions about the Dubai trade license

What types of business licenses are available in Dubai?

Commercial licenses in Dubai include the individual licence, the limited liability company, the personal company, the public company, and the craft licence.

What are the basic requirements for obtaining a business license in Dubai?

Requirements vary depending on the type of license, but generally include identification documents, business address, and required financial capital.

Can foreigners get a business license in Dubai?

Yes, foreigners can obtain a business license in Dubai provided they provide documents and comply with the required conditions.

What legal controls and regulations must be complied with?

You must comply with Dubai’s commercial laws and regulations, and further information can be obtained from the Dubai Business Regulatory Authority (DED).

How long does it take to obtain a business license in Dubai?

This varies depending on the type of license and the completeness of the required documents, and can take from days to several weeks.