Business Licenses in Dubai’s Free Zones: Everything You Need to Know
Dubai free zones offer unique business opportunities to entrepreneurs from all over the world. With modern infrastructure, tax-free policies, and a ton of amenities, the UAE is the perfect place to set up shop!
However, in order start a business in Dubai free zones, you must obtain a business license. There are several types of licenses available for company formation in the UAE, according to different activities and operations. Here is everything you need to know:
Types of Business Licenses in Dubai Free Zones
In order to start your company in any of the UAE’s reputed free zones, you will need to acquire a license that is relevant to your business activities and industry. Dubai free zones offer a variety of licenses that allow you to carry out certain activities and services.
Each free zone authority is responsible for accepting license applications and granting the business licenses along with the all the other company setup grants. Therefore, we always recommend understanding the exact requirements stipulated by each free zone for business setup, and the types of licenses that it offers.
The following are the main trade licenses that are available in Dubai:
1. Commercial License
This is the type of license that companies who wish to take part in commercial trade activities must acquire. It will be needed if you plan on establishing a specific or general trading company; industries that fall in category include.
- Import/export
- Real estate
- Clothing, Textile, Fashion
Dubai has Free Trade Zones where you are allowed to get a commercial license with 100% ownership, regardless of your nationality. This is in contrast with acquiring the license in the mainland area where you will have to give a local sponsor 51% of your company.
2. Professional License
If you seek to offer services that are based on your educational background, you will need to obtain a professional license. Doing so will allow you to work in the field you want, either with a company or as an individual. The following are professions that would require this license;
- Consultation
- Law practice
- Teaching
- Auditing
- Photography
- Freelancing
A professional license basically gives educated individuals the permission to work in the market. It is also a prerequisite if you plan on starting a service-providing company.
3. Industrial License
An industrial license is required for you to be eligible to establish a manufacturing or industrial related business. Upon acquirement, you will be given permission to use imported or locally produced raw materials to manufacture products. These are some of the industries that require this license.
- Food industry
- Textile industry
- Medical equipment manufacturing
- Stationery supplies manufacturing
5. Craftsmanship license
This license will be the one for you if you make your living through your craftmanship skills. It is a requisite, regardless of whether you wish to work with a company or individually. These are some of the fields that will require out to get this license:
- Electrical works (Electricians)
- Plumbing
- Painting
- Carpentry
If you plan on working on any of the above-mentioned or related professions, then it is extremely important to choose a jurisdiction for Dubai freezone company setup that permits such activities.
6. Agriculture license
If your ambition is to get into the agricultural side of business, this is the license that will be required. The activities that you can carry out include.
- Farming
- Trading agricultural products (fertilizers for example)
- Producing farming equipment
- Consulting on agricultural related matters
If you are interested in learning more about the types of activities permitted under each type of Dubai trade license, then you can visit eservices.dubaided.gov.ae and search for the activity that you are interested in performing. You will find a complete list of permitted activities.
Alternatively, you can also search for the Dubai free zone that you are interested in to find the business licenses that are offered.
Find the Best Company Formation Experts in Dubai
If you are ready to start a business in Dubai but daunted by the seemingly complicated company formation procedures, don’t be! Here at Blue Kryon Consulting, we are here to help! In fact, we help thousands of people start their dream businesses in some of the best free zones that the UAE has to offer. Contact us today to get started!
