How to Get a Business License in the UAE

The process commences with identifying the nature of your business. The UAE offers a vast array of business activities you can engage in, and each one has its specific type of license – commercial, professional, or industrial. Thus, accurately determining your business activity is paramount as it influences the type of license you need and the approval from the respective authorities.

Once you’ve selected the business activity and identified the appropriate license, the next crucial step is choosing a legal form for your business. Your company’s legal form pertains to the business structure, ranging from sole proprietorship to Limited Liability Company (LLC), each having its specific characteristics and implications on the company’s ownership and operations.

With your business activity and legal form established, it’s time to reserve a compliant trade name and seek initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant Free Zone Authority. This preliminary endorsement, while not authorizing business operations, paves the way for subsequent licensing steps. Upon securing initial approval, you should then lease a suitable business premise that aligns with DED and Municipality requirements, and execute a tenancy contract.