What do people look for in a city when starting a business? World-class infrastructure, ease to do business, diverse public, and a good law and order situation. If you are looking for such a city with all these and many other perks, Dubai is the place. The shift of interest towards entrepreneurship can be seen globally as startups have become a new norm. That said, there are protocols you must follow for a smooth business experience, and the most important one is about business licences. You can easily apply for a business licence in Dubai and get your business up and running in the city of gold.
Businesses that adhere to the rules and regulations of doing business in the city are the ones that usually get renowned and acknowledged. After all, you don’t want to start on the wrong foot and get in conflict with the law.
Different Types of Business Licences in Dubai
Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most preferred places for business. Having your base in the city has certain perks. Not only does it look good on paper to have a business in Dubai, but it can also be your gateway into the rest of the UAE. All of this would only be possible if you have a business licence in Dubai. Additionally, you should be aware of the real estate violation system in Dubai to avoid trouble with the law.
There are different types of business licences in Dubai that can vary depending on the nature of your business. We have compiled a guide for you on how to get a business licence in Dubai. Listed below are the types of business licences in Dubai:
DUBAI COMMERCIAL BUSINESS LICENCE
Dubai commercial business licence is issued to individuals or companies intending to engage in commercial activities including trading of commodities, goods, and services. You must decide the type of activity you want to carry out before going for this licence. This licence allows businesses to carry out activities within and outside of the Emirates.
The investors have to select a specific business licence when registering their business with the respective mainland, free zones, or offshores. The commercial business licence is available but not limited to the following businesses:
- Furniture Trading
- Media and publication equipment trading
- Oil and gas trading
- Spare parts trading
- Gold and precious metals trading
- Chemicals trading
- Automobile trading
- Safety equipment trading
DUBAI PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS LICENCE
A business professional licence in Dubai is given to individuals who intend to set up a business in their field of interest. The educational background and intellectual capabilities of the individual come in handy for getting this licence as all of these are taken into consideration when issuing the licence. If the business has more than one owner, it can be registered as a civil rights company.
Businesses that come under this category are:
- Insurance consultancy
- Computer consultancy
- Information technology consultancy
- Tax consultancy
- Environmental consultancy
- Marketing consultancy
- Management consultancy
DUBAI INDUSTRIAL LICENCE
An Industrial licence is another major one in types of business licences in Dubai. Warehouses are an important part of industries, and luckily renting a warehouse in Dubai shouldn’t be a hassle as the city has several warehouses for you to choose from.
Industrial licence is given to firms involved in the manufacturing of goods and products. The company is required to have a physical office in Dubai to be eligible for an industrial licence. The types of businesses that usually apply for an industrial licence are:
- Garments manufacturers
- Furniture and wood products manufacturers
- Meat product manufacturers
- Dairy product manufacturers
- Carpet manufacturers
- Birds and pets feed manufacturers
If you are setting up a business and looking for a warehouse, you can check out these warehouses for rent in Dubai and choose the one best suited for your business.
DUBAI FREELANCE PERMIT
A freelance permit is another popular business licence in Dubai. Specialists who offer their services apart from their full-time jobs apply for a freelance business licence in Dubai. Usually, these permits are focused on experienced professionals from the field of art, media, technology, and entertainment who offer consultancy services. Freelance licences are generally issued to the following professionals:
- Actor
- Animator
- Copywriter
- Content creator
- Media professional
- Digital artist
DUBAI E-TRADER LICENCE
The E-trader licence in Dubai allows individuals to carry out business using their social media accounts. Home entrepreneurs can get this licence and start selling their products. The E-trader licence can only be issued to a single owner. The licence also restricts the holder to open a shop or issue visas. You can apply for an E-trade licence through the DED website.
DUBAI AGRICULTURAL LICENCE
An agricultural licence is issued to individuals or businesses involved in the cultivation or harvesting of grains, fruits, or vegetables. You can also apply for this business licence in Dubai if your company provides services such as installation of a greenhouse or irrigation system, trade of pesticides, running fish farms, or providing agrarian enhancers. Fulfilling all the legal obligations and providing quality services can help put your agricultural business among the top farms to visit in Dubai.
DUBAI CRAFTSMANSHIP BUSINESS LICENCE
The craftsman business licence is issued to individuals who practise a craft for earning. Plumbers, carpenters, electricians, blacksmiths, etc. can apply for this licence. Companies that appoint craftsmen must apply for this licence at the Dubai Economy and Tourism Department (DED).
DUBAI TOURISM BUSINESS LICENCE
Dubai is a global tourist attraction point, and a tourism business licence is one the most popular types of business licences in Dubai. A tourism business licence is issued to businesses offering services such as hotel rental, boat rental, restaurants, tourist camps, and all services falling under the tourism category.
Applying for a Business Licence in Dubai
All the types of business licence in Dubai typically come under the authority of the Dubai Economy and Tourism Department (DED). Besides issuing licences to businesses, DED also proposes and executes plans to ensure sustainable growth in the city.
However, if a company is set to open in a free zone, respective free zone authorities will issue the licences.
Documents Required for Issuance of Business Licences in Dubai
The documents required for different types of business licences in Dubai can vary depending upon the licence regulating entity. However, listed below are the usual documents required for a business licence in Dubai:
- Trade name certificate
- Initial approval certificate
- RERA and Dubai Municipality attested Tenancy Agreement using the Ejari online feature
- Memorandum of Association (Applicable for One Person Company, LLCs, Simple Limited Partnership, Private and Public Shareholding Companies, Civil Company or Partnership)
- Local Service Agent Agreement (Applicable when a UAE national represents your business with regards to compliance and licensing)
- Approvals from government bodies (Applicable to certain business types)
You can visit the official DED website for the latest updates and further information.
This brings us to the end of our guide about the types of business licences in Dubai. Every business owner wants to see their business flourish, and Dubai is among one of the better places to kick-start your business. You can simply follow the protocols to operate legitimately in the city by registering your business and fulfiling all Dubai business licence requirements to get the licence. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and the closure of business. You should also beware of the hidden rent costs in Dubai to plan your finances better.
If you are starting a business in Dubai and looking for rental property, you can check out these commercial properties for rent in Dubai and select the one that best meets your needs.
If you want to buy a commercial property and start a business from your place, check out these commercial properties for sale in Dubai and have your pick.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blogs for property guides and more.
