We Offer Licences That Support Your Business in Dubai

1. We Offer Licences That Support Your Business in Dubai Introduction If you are looking to start a business in Dubai, the first thing you need to know is that we offer licences that support your business in Dubai—no matter your industry, business model, or future goals. Dubai’s dynamic business environment and strategic location have made it a top choice for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. To tap into the immense potential of the Dubai market, you must secure the right business license. But with so many options, regulations, and processes, the licensing landscape can be confusing. This guide will walk you through everything—from understanding different license types, the step-by-step process for business setup in Dubai, costs involved, and the benefits of choosing the right license. By the end, you'll have actionable insights and practical tips to kickstart your company formation journey in Dubai, ensuring legal compliance and long-term success. Why You Need a Business License in Dubai A business license is not just a regulatory formality—it’s the foundation of your business operations in Dubai. Without a valid license, you cannot legally conduct business, open a business bank account, or apply for visas for you and your employees. Dubai’s strict regulatory environment ensures that every business operates under the right license, whether it’s a trade license Dubai, professional license, commercial license, or industrial license. The license also defines the scope of your activities and the jurisdictions where you can operate—such as mainland Dubai, Dubai free zones, or offshore. Securing the right license shows potential partners and clients that you are a credible, law-abiding business. It also enables you to benefit from Dubai’s startup ecosystem, economic zones, and government incentives. In short, obtaining a business license is the first, most essential step in the Dubai company registration process, helping you avoid penalties, reputational risks, and legal issues. Types of Business Licenses Available in Dubai Dubai offers a wide variety of business licenses, each tailored to specific business activities and industries. The four primary types of business licenses in Dubai are: ● Commercial License: For businesses engaged in trading activities, such as import/export, retail, or general trading.

2. ● Professional License: For service-oriented businesses like consultancies, IT, education, and legal services. ● Industrial License: For companies involved in manufacturing, production, or industrial activities. ● Tourism License: For businesses operating in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector. Apart from these, specialized licenses such as the Dubai free zone license or DED license Dubai (issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development) offer unique advantages depending on where you wish to establish your company. Understanding the different Dubai business license types is crucial to ensure your business is legally compliant and enjoys all available benefits. Each license has its own requirements, processes, and benefits, which we’ll explore in detail in the sections below. Choosing the Right License for Your Business Selecting the appropriate business license in Dubai depends on several factors: your business activity, target market, desired location (mainland vs. free zone), and growth plans. If you plan to trade products locally and internationally, a commercial or trade license Dubai is typically the best fit. For service-based enterprises, a professional license Dubai is more appropriate. Industrial activities require an industrial license. Additionally, your choice between a Dubai free zone license and a mainland license impacts your business structure, ownership rights, and operational scope. ● Dubai Mainland License: Allows you to trade anywhere in the UAE and beyond. Issued by the DED, it’s ideal for businesses wanting full access to the local market. ● Dubai Free Zone License: Offers 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified setup. Best for international trading or export-oriented companies. ● Offshore License: Suitable for holding companies, international trading, and asset protection, but not for conducting local business in Dubai. Careful evaluation of these options—ideally with expert help—ensures you get a license that truly supports your business in Dubai, today and in the future. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Business License in Dubai

3. How to get a business license in Dubai? Here’s a step-by-step guide to simplify the process: 1. Choose Your Business Activity: Identify the nature of your business—trading, professional, industrial, or tourism. Your chosen activity will determine the required license and approvals. 2. Select a Jurisdiction: Decide whether you want a mainland, free zone, or offshore company formation Dubai. Each has its own benefits, restrictions, and cost structures. 3. Reserve a Trade Name: Choose a unique name for your business, following the UAE’s naming conventions. Submit it for approval with the relevant authority (DED or Free Zone Authority). 4. Prepare Required Documents: Typical documents include a passport copy, visa (if in the UAE), business plan, and application forms. Additional documents may be needed based on business activity. 5. Apply for Initial Approval: Submit your documents for initial approval to the DED or free zone authority. This confirms your business meets all legal requirements. 6. Secure Your Office Space: Leasing a physical office or opting for a flexi-desk in a free zone is mandatory for most license types. 7. Finalize Approvals & Pay Fees: Complete any remaining formalities, pay the licensing and registration fees, and receive your business license. 8. Post-Licensing Steps: After you get your license, you can open a corporate bank account, apply for visas, and start business operations. Comparison Table: Mainland vs. Free Zone vs. Offshore Feature Mainland Free Zone Offshore Local Market Access Full Limited No Foreign Ownership Up to 100% (2025) 100% 100% Tax Benefits Corporate Tax Corporate Tax No Local Tax Visa Eligibility Yes Yes No Physical Office Required Flexi/Shared OK Not Required

4. Benefits of Setting Up a Business in Dubai Dubai is famous for its business-friendly policies, global connectivity, and modern infrastructure. When you choose to start a business in Dubai, you gain access to a market with minimal trade barriers, advanced banking, and a diverse talent pool. Here are the top benefits of Dubai business registration: ● 100% Foreign Ownership: Most free zones and, from 2025, many mainland sectors allow full foreign ownership. ● Strategic Location: Dubai bridges East and West, making it ideal for international trade. ● Tax Advantages: Enjoy 0% personal income tax and low corporate tax rates. ● Robust Legal System: Business-friendly regulations and robust legal protections for investors. ● Wide Choice of Economic Zones: From the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Dubai Silicon Oasis, there’s a free zone or mainland sector for every business type. ● Residency Visas: Business owners and their families can obtain UAE residency visas. ● Access to Funding: Dubai’s startup ecosystem and global investor networks provide excellent opportunities for funding and scaling up. For more details on Dubai’s startup advantages, see Dubai Chamber. Dubai Free Zone License vs. Mainland License When considering company formation in Dubai, the most crucial choice is often between a Dubai free zone license and a mainland (DED) license. Each comes with unique pros and cons: Dubai Free Zone License ● 100% foreign ownership ● Access to world-class infrastructure and business clusters ● Tax exemptions and duty-free imports/exports

5. ● Faster company setup, often within a week ● Limitations: Cannot trade directly in the UAE local market without a local distributor Dubai Mainland License (DED License Dubai) ● Operate anywhere in the UAE ● Can bid for government contracts and local tenders ● Access to a larger customer base ● 100% foreign ownership allowed in most activities (from 2025) ● Requires office space and compliance with DED regulations Both license types support your business goals in Dubai, but your choice will depend on your business plan, target customers, and operational requirements. Explore a full comparison in our guide to Dubai company formation services. Cost of Starting a Business in Dubai One of the most frequent questions is: What is the Dubai business setup cost? The total cost varies depending on several factors: ● License Type: Professional, commercial, industrial, or tourism ● Jurisdiction: Mainland, free zone, or offshore ● Office Space: Physical office, flexi-desk, or virtual office ● Business Activity: Some activities require additional approvals or higher fees ● Number of Visas Required: More visas mean higher government charges On average, setting up a business in Dubai can cost from AED 12,000 to AED 50,000 (approx. USD 3,300 to 13,600), depending on your choices. Free zone packages for startups often include office space and visas at competitive rates. Always factor in ongoing renewal costs and government fees. For an updated breakdown, check the official DED website. Pros and Cons of Different License Types

6. Commercial License ● Pros: Ideal for trading businesses, import/export, retail. Broad activity options. ● Cons: Higher fees for multiple activities, more compliance if importing goods. Professional License ● Pros: Perfect for consultants, IT, and service providers. Simple setup, lower costs. ● Cons: Limited to specific services, may require special qualifications or approvals. Industrial License ● Pros: Enables manufacturing, assembly, and production. Access to industrial zones. ● Cons: Requires physical space, higher capital investment, strict compliance. Tourism License ● Pros: Access to Dubai’s booming tourism sector, wide market reach. ● Cons: Subject to seasonal demand and industry-specific regulations. Evaluate these options based on your business goals, and seek expert advice to avoid common pitfalls. FAQs Q1: What documents are required for Dubai company registration? A: Usually, you need passport copies, a business plan, application forms, and NOC (if applicable). Specific requirements vary by license and activity. Q2: How long does it take to get a business license in Dubai? A: Free zone licenses can be issued in as little as 3-5 days, while mainland licenses may take 1-2 weeks depending on approvals. Q3: Can foreigners own 100% of a Dubai business? A: Yes, in most free zones and for many mainland activities from 2025, foreigners can have full ownership.

7. Q4: What is the difference between DED license Dubai and free zone license? A: DED licenses are for mainland businesses (full UAE market access); free zone licenses offer tax benefits and 100% foreign ownership but restrict local trading. Q5: What are the main benefits of Dubai free zone license? A: 100% foreign ownership, no import/export duty, fast setup, and access to business clusters. Q6: What is the cost of starting a business in Dubai? A: Costs vary from AED 12,000 to AED 50,000, based on your business activity, jurisdiction, and visa needs. Q7: How can I get a Dubai business visa? A: After you obtain your license, you can sponsor residency visas for yourself, employees, and family. Q8: What is the process for obtaining a trade license in Dubai? A: Choose your business activity, reserve your name, prepare documents, apply for approvals, lease office space, pay fees, and collect your license. Q9: Can I upgrade or change my business license later? A: Yes, Dubai allows license amendments to add activities, partners, or change locations with the right approvals.