Business Licensing in the UAE

Every entrepreneurial activity in the UAE requires a license. To successfully launch your business, it’s crucial to choose the right type of license, understand all aspects of its issuance and renewal processes. The procedure for obtaining a license, its cost, and the requirements for approvals vary depending on the nature of the business. We provide comprehensive assistance through the licensing procedures and offer quality support for business operations in the United Arab Emirates.

Stages of Business Licensing in the UAE

• Preliminary Analysis: It’s essential to analyze the competitive environment and adapt your business strategy accordingly. Models that are successful in other countries may not be effective in the UAE.
• Determining the Place of Registration: Your strategy for operating in the domestic or international market, the need for banking loyalty, and the prestige of the jurisdiction will determine where you should incorporate your business.
• Understanding Licensing Procedures: You need to identify the type of activity that best suits your business direction and consider any additional requirements from government agencies.
• Choosing the Legal Form: Depending on the type of license, local legislation allows you to determine the form of ownership for your legal entity.
• License Acquisition and Registration: Possible after meeting the regulators’ requirements (if any), confirming the registration address, paying for the license and registration fees.
• Business Support and License Renewal: The final stage involves selecting a service company that will provide administrative and legal support for your business operations and timely renew your license and permits.

Types of Business Licenses in the UAE

A license is the primary foundational document of a company, reflecting its place of incorporation, registration and renewal dates, permitted types of activities, and details of the owners and manager.

• Commercial Licensing
  Includes import, export, re-export; wholesale and retail trade; e-commerce. Incorporation of Mainland companies generally does not require a local partner. Minimal taxes, strategic geographic location, and a growing solvent population ensure the success of a trading business in the UAE.
• Professional Activity Licensing
  Covers consulting, management, service provision to the population, restaurants. 100% foreign ownership is permitted when registering a local company.
• Investment Activity Licensing
  License requirements depend on the jurisdiction of incorporation and the type of business activity. The Central Bank of the UAE (Central Bank) and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) regulate this sector. Opportunities to earn interest and commissions, manage securities and finances. Tax-free operation in the UAE and abroad.
• Real Estate Business Licensing
  Involves activities of realtors, developers, property management, and consultancy. Controlled by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). Incorporation on Mainland land. The growth in construction volume in the UAE, increasing transactions of buying, selling, leasing, and consulting have fueled demand for professional market players.
• Engineering Services Licensing
  Engineering work, facility maintenance, planning, and design. Controlled by the Department of Construction. The form of company ownership depends on the type of activity. The global scale of construction in the Emirates presents significant challenges for contracting engineering companies in terms of work execution and facility management.
• Logistics Activity Licensing
  Maritime, land, and air transport, freight brokers, and cargo storage solutions. Licensed in Free Zones and on the Mainland, additional approvals from various departments are required for some activities. The country’s logistics market is growing and shows great developmental potential. The tax-free environment in the Emirates ensures profitable business operations abroad.
• Tourism Business Licensing
  Activities as a tour operator, travel agency, tourist consulting. Controlled by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Possible registration in SEZs and on local territory. The huge growth potential of the industry, demand, and government support guarantee a profitable business when operating in the UAE.
• Construction and Renovation Licensing
  Construction of all buildings and structures, facade and finishing works, design. Controlled by the Department of Construction. The form of company ownership depends on the business activity. Consumer demand and active development in the Emirates ensure a long-term workload for construction companies and repair teams.
• Education Sector Licensing
  Higher, secondary, and preschool institutions, sports centers, training, and courses. Controlled by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Incorporation on local land or in the Dubai SEZ. Government support of the sector and development as a priority direction ensures high income from activities an