Dubai, a bustling metropolis and a global hub for business, offers a myriad of opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to establish their presence in the region. Obtaining a commercial license in Dubai is a fundamental step for businesses planning to engage in trading, retail, wholesale, import, export, and other commercial activities. Whether you're starting a new company or expanding an existing one, understanding the process of acquiring a commercial license is absolutely necessary.
A commercial license in Dubai is a license that enables a company to trade, import, export, and indulge in other commercial business activities within the country. It is an attractive option for businesses looking to build a robust presence in the region. You can perform a wide range of business activities with a commercial license that includes purchasing and selling products and services in Dubai.
A UAE commercial license allows you to import and sell products in the UAE, export them outside the nation, or trade within the local market. This license allows you to sell everything from food and beauty care essentials to bags and electronics.
Here is the list of business activities that you can perform using a commercial license:
1. Determine Your Business Activity
To start a business and get a commercial license, you must first decide your business activity. You may choose from numerous business activities, including those in the industrial, commercial, professional, and tourist sectors. The complete list of business activities in Dubai is available on the DED website. Business consultants like Bizvise can help you decide the kind of business activity you can indulge in.
2. Choose a Legal Structure:
Choose the legal structure for your business entity. It can be a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or a branch of a foreign company. The choice of legal structure will have an impact on factors like ownership, liability, and operational requirements.
3. Choose a Location
Next, you will need to decide the location of your business operation. You can conduct your business activities on the mainland or in one of the free zones. Both of them have their own benefits. In the free zone, you can enjoy benefits like 100% ownership, tax benefits. On the other hand, you need to have a local sponsor to start a business on the mainland. However, starting a company in the mainland means your company will enjoy excellent exposure and you can trade directly with the UAE market.
4. Choose a Company Name</p>
You need to choose a company name for acquiring a license. The name must follow a set of naming conventions laid down by the authorities and you must avoid any offensive or blasphemous language, as well as the names of well-known organizations. Make sure that the name is available for registration.
5. File Your License Application
After choosing the name, activity and location, submit all the documents to DED for review. Once the authorities have authorized your company’s activity, you can apply for a Memorandum of Association, an Incorporation Certificate, and other legal papers. After getting the approval, you may also apply for visas and tenancy agreements.
6. Submit Necessary Documents
The authority will ask for documents to verify and approve your application. The documents you will need to submit to the authorities may vary depending on the type of business activities you want to indulge in using the commercial license. When submitting the documents, you need to make sure that you provide correct and updated information. You can seek the help of professional business consultants for this purpose.
7. Pay the Fees and Collect the License
Once your application is approved, you will have to pay the fees to collect the Dubai commercial license. Once the payment process is done, you can collect the license from the office. With the commercial license, you can now legally run your business in Dubai.
The below mentioned are the documents you need to submit for acquiring a commercial license in Dubai:
The renewal process for a commercial license in Dubai involves an array of steps. This license is initially valid for one year from the issuance date and can be extended for a period of four years.
Visit the website of Dubai Economic Department (DED) and log in to the eServices portal using your credentials.
To apply for a commercial license renewal in Dubai, the following documents are necessary:
Are you ready to setup or expand your business in Dubai? Secure your commercial license now for a seamless start! Bizvise will provide you with the right guidance and assistance in obtaining a commercial license in Dubai and UAE. Contact us today and let's achieve your business objectives together.