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Trade License in Dubai – A Complete Guide

We are going to give you everything you need to know about UAE trade license visas. These are a fantastic option for entrepreneurs looking to start a company in the UAE, and with so many activities to choose from, there is something to suit everyone.

In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know in 2021 to get your UAE trade license.

Table of Contents:

So let’s jump in and find your company the best UAE trading license.

Three Types of UAE Trade Licenses

Broadly speaking there are three key UAE trade license visas to consider. They break down as follows:
Professional services license – this includes all kinds of services, including marketing or consultancy work.
Industrial license – this is suitable for those in manufacturing.
Commercial license – this is for those who wish to trade goods and carry out import/export.
When you are thinking of setting up in the UAE, it’s under one of these headers that your business idea will likely fall.

UAE trade license fees

Let’s break down exactly what you’re looking at when it comes to UAE trade license costs. The main thing to remember is that the size of your company, your chosen activity, and where you decide to set up, will have an effect on calculating your final total cost.
But there are some rough figures available to give you a general idea when you’re doing your initial planning. It’s important to remember that UAE trade license costs are fairly similar whether you decide to set up in a free zone or on the mainland.
Generally, you’re looking at approximately AED 15,000 to AED 17,000. The cost for multiple shareholders will be higher than for a single shareholder.
To get an up-to-date price, that is tailored to your specific requirements, contact Creative Zone for an accurate quote.

How to get your business license in Dubai

Before you make your trade license application, you need to understand clearly your business activity – or possibly activities. Keep in mind that, depending on the license you choose, you can often list more than one activity on your application.
At this stage, to make sure you list every activity that you intend to carry out, it’s worth engaging with a company formation specialist. They will be able to guide you through selecting your activities, noting which will be most aligned with your business, and ensuring that you always remain compliant.
Next up is picking a name for your company. The UAE is fairly strict when it comes to naming companies, so it’s important to be aware of the regulations. Essentially, you must avoid any language seen as offensive or blasphemous. You must avoid any name that is already held by a well-known organization.
If you’re naming your company after yourself, ensure that you don’t abbreviate your name. So Mark Johnson Trading is fine, but M Johnson Trading is not. Of course, you will also need to ensure your chosen company name is still available for you to register. This part of the process, like many others, is much smoother if you choose to set up with a company formation specialist.
So you have finalized a name and selected your activities. Now you can make your application for your trade license. For mainland setups, this can be done directly to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or to the specific municipality of the emirate where you are setting up. For free zone setups, you can go directly to the managing authority of your chosen free zone. A company formation specialist can assist you with these important steps, managing the application on your behalf to ensure the entire process is stress-free.

Essential Documentation for Business License

Some basic documentation is required – whether you are doing the application by yourself or working with a company formation specialist. This usually includes:

  • Completed application form
  • Passport copy of the proposed owner or owners
  • Two color passport-size photos.

So by putting together these documents ahead of time, by giving some thought to what you want to name your company, and considering carefully what your company is going to do and therefore what ‘activity’ it would fall under, you can start your application already well-prepared.

Working with Creative Zone

Now is the time to get your UAE trade license. With the incredible number of activities available, the ease of setting up, and the fantastic benefits available when setting up on the mainland or a free zone, it’s a strong choice for any entrepreneur or SME.
While the setup process can be somewhat stressful, you can fast-track it by working with a company formation specialist. It’s the quickest way to get set up in the UAE, letting us take care of all the details and ensuring your application is free from errors.
We can also help you with opening a corporate bank account and offer important advice on the type of financial institution that would best suit your requirements.
Here at Creative Zone, we offer you the best solutions to start your company in the UAE. You get fast, reliable, and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your chosen business activity/activities and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
You can let us deal with the hassle of registering a company while you focus on your business. And working with us means you get the best budget-friendly and cost-effective solution to help make your business dream a reality.
Over 10 years, Creative Zone has helped over 36,000 entrepreneurs set up their businesses. Whether it be a mainland business setup, offshore company setup, free zone company setup, or issuing of trade licenses and any related activity for registering a company, Creative Zone is your one-stop-shop.

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