How will I Get a Dubai Trade License?
1.Choose Your Business Activity: Dubai offers over 2,000 business activities. Select one that aligns with your operations, as it determines the type of license you’ll need.
2.Determine Your Legal Structure: Decide on the legal structure of your business (e.g., Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Partnership, Branch of a Foreign Company, or Free Zone Company), which affects ownership and liability.
3.Choose and Register a Trade Name: Select a name that reflects your business and meets the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) guidelines. Ensure the name is unique and register it with the DED.
4.Apply for Initial Approval: Submit an application to the DED to confirm they have no objections to your business activity and legal structure. Required documents include passport copies of the owners and a business plan, if applicable.
5.Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA): For structures like an LLC, prepare and notarize the MOA, which outlines ownership, share distribution, and management.
6.Select a Business Location: Secure a physical office in Dubai and register your tenancy contract with the Ejari system, which is mandatory.
7.Submit Required Documents: Provide all necessary documents, including the Initial Approval certificate, MOA, tenancy contract, Ejari certificate, and passport copies of shareholders, to the DED.
8.Pay the License Fee: After document approval, pay the trade license fee. The cost varies by business type, activity, and location.
9.Receive Your Trade License: Upon payment, the DED will issue your trade license, allowing you to legally operate in Dubai.
10.Post-Licensing Steps: Open a corporate bank account and apply for visas, if needed.
11.Annual Renewal: Renew your license annually by submitting updated documents and paying the renewal fee. Following these steps ensures your business in Dubai is established legally and efficiently.
