Dubai is definitely one of the world's best cities for an entrepreneur to enjoy a very powerful business environment with modern infrastructure opportunities for growth in all directions. Either you are considering opening a new company or expanding an existing one to enter the market of the Middle East, getting your business license in Dubai will be the first step taken.
In BSET Dubai, we have made obtaining a business license an easy, stress-free path- and we are here to assist in licensing, including free zone licences, industrial licenses, and small business licenses, so you can actually focus on running your business.
Types of Business Licences in Dubai
There are several types of business licences registration present within the Emirate of Dubai and based on the nature of the industries and activities they represent. Therefore it is rather crucial to obtain the right type of license, for the persistent running of your business. Here are the main types of licences which you can think of.
1. Commercial License
A commercial license is best suited for trading activities such as import and export, general trade, or retail. This is one of the most commonly issued licenses in Dubai.
2. Professional License
If your business is in the form of consulting, IT solutions, freelance work, e-commerce, hiring consultancy, or digital marketing, you will require a professional license. This license is issued to professionals and service providers to lawfully operate their businesses in Dubai.
3. Industrial License
If your business is manufacturing or trading, you will require an industrial license. This license is for businesses like workshops, factories, production units, or manufacturing plants. It allows you to legally produce, process, or assemble goods in Dubai.
4. Freezone License
If you want to establish your business in a free zone in Dubai, for example in Dubai Design District or JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) a free zone provides a lot of the benefits.
They provide 100% ownership, zero tax, and an easier setup process, which gives business owners freedom and ease with regard to choosing services.
Here are the top 5 free zones in the UAE to consider:
- RAK Free Zone (Ras Al Khaimah)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
- Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Ajman Free Zone
5. Real Estate License
One should get licensed if his business is engaging in property development, real estate brokerage, or property management services considering the robust rise of the real estate market in Dubai.
6. Small Business License
This license is exclusively designed for start-ups and small businesses, so that they can easily start and run in Dubai at low cost. The license covers various activities such as trading, business consultancy, freelancing, ecommerce business licence, digital marketing, event management, graphic design, content creation, and other related services.
Why Start a Business in Dubai?
Some of the main advantages for launching a venture in Dubai are its business-friendly environment, strategic location, and excellent infrastructural facilities in most cases.
- No Income Tax: Dubai is a tax-free ambiance wherein the businesses do not require paying income tax on their profit.
- Global Connectivity: Dubai is a rapidly emerging international hub, offering easy connectivity between markets across the border.
- Different Economy: Dubai has several sectors in its economy, such as tourism, real estate, technology, and trade, among others.
- Government Backing: The UAE government, in particular in Dubai, is famous for its friendly policies towards businesses, safety, and accommodating Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, startups, and small-scale entrepreneurs. It also provides with loans, product launching, and investor-friendly regulations.
How to Obtain a Business License in Dubai
Step 1: Determine the business activity.
Understanding the business practice aids in avoiding further complications and makes it easier.
Step 2: Business Location
Decide if you want to set up your business in one of the free zones or the mainland.
Step 3: Reservation of Business Name
Select a trade name that is in compliance with Dubai's naming standards. Ensure that the name depicts your business activity and does not contain any offensive terms. The UAE government also offers a free Arabic business name for any license.
Step 4: Documentation and submission
Gather all the required documents, including a copy of your passport, photograph, visa, business plan, and other supporting documents based on your license activity. Submit these to the respective authority and wait for approval.
Step 5: Get Specific Approvals
Certain government departments give special approval for specific activities to be conducted under those particular businesses. BSET Dubai does it all so that you need not.
Step 6: Pay Fees and Receive Your License
Once all the paperwork is cleared, pay for the fees you are required to pay for your business license. Then you can now legally operate your business in Dubai.
Start Your Business in Dubai Today
Getting a apply for business license in Dubai is the key to unlock endless opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Whether you’re launching a small business or a large company, BSET Dubai is here to make the process easy and stress-free.
Contact us today, and let us help you take the first step toward your business success in Dubai.