Starting a business in Dubai is an exciting venture, but it requires the right license to operate legally. With various options available, understanding the specific types of business licenses in Dubai can help ensure your business starts on the right foot. Whether you’re planning to run a trading company, a restaurant, or a service-based business, knowing the right license for your activities and how to obtain it is crucial.
10 Types of Dubai Business Licenses
In this guide, we’ll cover 10 different types of Dubai business licenses, their purpose, and how you can get them.
1. Commercial License in Dubai
If a company is engaged in the purchase and sell of goods such as retail shops, trading companies, and logistics companies, it is required to have a commercial license. This license enables them to perform generic and specialist trading practices within the country.
How to Get It: For a person to be granted a commercial license in Dubai he must apply to the Department of Economic Development (DED) and state the business activities, office premises, and trade name of the applicant. However, working with business setup consultants in Dubai can help ease the process.
2. General Trading License in Dubai
A general trading license permits a firm to engage in commerce of any unspecified goods without limitation as to the products sold. This type of license is most suitable for businesses that have a goal of importing, exporting, and merchandising multiple products.
How to Go About It: Submit an application in the DED and provide all the necessary papers. There is a possibility of working with a business setup company to assist in the process of archiving the application.
3. Professional License
It is vital for the operation of service-oriented organizations like consulting agencies, schools, and legal offices, among others. A professional trade license in Dubai permits a person or entity to provide certain services within his area of practice.
How to Get It: You’ll need relevant qualifications and skills. Ensure you provide the DED with these details when applying.
4. Industrial License
Manufacturing or industrial business entities must apply for industrial licensing. Often, this license is granted to processors of raw materials and to exporters of finished products.
How to Obtain It: You will have to present a business plan as well as proof of office space and a description of your production facilities. This stage normally entails numerous government clearances.
5. Freelance License
The freelance license suits self-employed individuals such as illustrators, authors, and advisors who prefer to work without a long-term commitment. With this particular license, one can operate an enterprise without the need to set up a formal structure.
Where to Apply: You may need to make an application via certain free zones, including but not limited to, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City as per your sector.
6. E-commerce License
The license for e-commerce businesses allows for operations of any form of trade over the Internet.
How to obtain it: You will have to submit an application to the DED and satisfy the e-commerce conditions such as specifying the website, and activities of the company and providing evidence of a physical presence.
7. Tourism License
In case you are intending to engage in any kind of enterprise that is tourism-focused, namely a travel agency, hotel, or tour operator, a tourism savvy license must be obtained when dealing with Dubai. This particular license is targeted to activities that facilitate inbound tourism business and the hospitality market.
How to Get It: Apply through the DED and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) for necessary approvals.
8. Agricultural License
Farming, fishing, and other farming-related businesses must obtain an agricultural license. This license is rare but mandatory for companies intending to partake in Dubai’s agriculture industry.
How to Get It: Submit your application to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, along with your business plan and activity details.
9. Craftsmanship License
If you intend to establish a venture that requires craftsmanship such as carpentry or blacksmithing, one has to obtain a craftsmanship license. This license is particularly important for businesses that engage in hands-on activities.
How to Get It: File an application with the DED and make sure that you have the required experience and skills for your profession.
10. Small Business License
Catering to the needs of startup companies and small businesses, the small business license is an economical tool to enable entrepreneurs to venture into business. The small business license fees in Dubai are comparatively cheaper thereby encouraging most of the new ventures in the region.
How to Obtain It: Pay a visit to the Department of Economic Development or an appropriate free zone, fill in the required forms, and provide explanations of the business activities you plan to undertake.
Final Thoughts
The correct type of UAE business license should be availed in order to remain on the right side of the law and carry on your business activities without undue interruptions. Whether one is interested in acquiring a general trading license in Dubai or a niche such as crafting and tourism, there is always something suited for every business.
If you’re planning to run a multinational company, or desirous of acquiring a small business license, it is advisable to work with a business setup company familiar and experienced with the licensing system in Dubai.
So, if you are in a position to kick start your project, getting down to business in Dubai is now even simpler than before, with the favorable business inertia and wide range of licensing options.
