Creating and Issuing Trade Licenses in the UAE with Ease in 2024

The UAE is a dream destination for investors due to the facilities and initiatives aimed at encouraging investment and supporting small investors. These initiatives range from tax reductions to simplifying the process of creating and issuing trade licenses in the UAE for those wishing to establish a business.


What is a Trade License in the UAE?

A trade license in the UAE is a government-issued document that certifies a business is safe to operate for the public. The type of license you need depends on the nature of your business and the location of your operations within the UAE.


Creating and Issuing Trade Licenses in the UAE

If you want to start a business in the UAE, your company must create and issue a trade license to operate. This process depends on the sector you plan to work in and your location. You may also need to obtain local licenses specific to the city or emirate where the business operates.

The government of the UAE is actively working to simplify the process of obtaining and issuing trade licenses. The process has become faster and easier than ever before, aligning with the UAE Economic Development Department’s vision to assist business owners in launching and expanding their operations without the need for lengthy and complex procedures.

Every investor wishing to establish a business must register with the Economic Department, which specializes in registering and issuing all types of trade licenses in the UAE. The department registers businesses and offers various benefits for owners based on the type of establishment and its activities.


Why Do You Need to Create and Issue Trade Licenses in the UAE?

Trade licenses ensure businesses are safe for the public. For example, restaurants must be clean, and professionals like lawyers and doctors must operate ethically and be accountable. New medicines must also be safe and effective.

Sometimes, you may suspect that a restaurant isn’t clean enough when the dishes are dirty or the staff is negligent, but you can’t be sure about the safety of the food without inspecting the kitchen. Similarly, it’s difficult to know if an airplane’s engine has been properly maintained or if a drug has been proven effective through trials.

Just like food inspectors must enter the kitchen to verify cleanliness, scientists at the Food and Drug Administration or engineers at the Federal Aviation Administration must examine data and maintenance records to ensure businesses are operating safely and not putting the public at risk.


Types of Trade Licenses in the UAE

There are several types of trade licenses in the UAE, each corresponding to a different category of business activity:

  • Commercial Licenses: These are required for businesses dealing in general trade or specialized business activities such as wholesale and retail trade, construction, transport, storage, communications, financial brokerage, real estate, and leasing.
  • Industrial Licenses: These licenses are needed for businesses in the industrial sector, such as manufacturing, mining, quarrying, and utilities like electricity, gas, and water production.
    • Professional Licenses: These cover service-oriented businesses, including professions, crafts, and specialists, such as agriculture, fishing, education, healthcare, social work, and personal or community services.
  • Tourism Licenses: These are required for businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry in the UAE, covering services like travel agencies, hotel management, and tour operations.

Trade License Procedures in the UAE

While there are various types of trade licenses in the UAE, the process for obtaining each is generally the same:

  1. Determine the Business Activity: Define the nature of the business activity or sector.
  2. Determine the Legal Structure: Choose the legal form for your company and define the shareholders or partners.
  3. Choose and Reserve a Trade Name: Select a unique trade name for the business and reserve it.
  4. Obtain Initial Approval: Submit the application for initial approval from the relevant authorities.
  5. Draft the Articles of Incorporation and Service Agent Agreement: Prepare the necessary legal documents for company formation.
  6. Choose a Business Location and Finalize the Lease Agreement: Secure a business location and have the lease agreement notarized.
  7. Obtain Approvals from Relevant Authorities: Receive any necessary approvals from the concerned government bodies.
  8. Issue the Trade License: Finalize the process and receive the official trade license.

Requirements for Creating and Issuing Trade Licenses in the UAE

The requirements for creating and issuing trade licenses in the UAE are largely the same across most types of businesses. However, there may be additional requirements in some cases:

  • Lease Agreement: A copy of the notarized lease agreement issued by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency.
  • Company’s Articles of Association: Approval of the company’s articles of incorporation, which may vary depending on the type of business.
  • Government Approvals: In some cases, you may need approval from relevant government bodies for the business activity.
  • Service Agent Agreement: If applicable, you may need to appoint a service agent or registered agent for the company.

Note that an electronic trader license and an instant license may not require a formal incorporation agreement for the first year.


How Can You Create and Issue Trade Licenses in the UAE in 2024?

The UAE is attracting a lot of attention from entrepreneurs and investors aiming to establish licensed businesses in an environment that provides them with all the necessary facilities. At Dox Office in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, we specialize in offering all types of governmental transaction clearing services to meet your needs and streamline all procedures efficiently and quickly for creating and issuing trade licenses in the UAE. This has contributed to attracting many entrepreneurs and investors to our services.


Advantages of Choosing Dox Office for Trade License Creation and Issuance in the UAE

There are several advantages to working with Dox Office for clearing the process of creating and issuing trade licenses in the UAE, including:

  • Compliant Licenses: Ensure that you receive a valid trade license that complies with government regulations.
  • Time and Effort Savings: Save time and effort in setting up your business from scratch, as our office handles most responsibilities on your behalf.
  • Comprehensive Services: We offer a range of services necessary for your business activity.
  • Expert Guidance: Receive advice and guidance from specialists in your industry, helping you make informed decisions about your business.
  • Post-License Assistance: Get help managing your business after obtaining the license, which facilitates your path to success.
  • Strong Business Connections: Build strong commercial links within the UAE and abroad through partnerships and networks we help establish.