An In-Depth Manual for Obtaining a Commercial Permit in Dubai

An In-Depth Manual for Obtaining a Commercial Permit in Dubai

If you aspire to start your own business in Dubai, which is recognized as the most prominent business hub in the Gulf region, you must fulfill a crucial requirement of obtaining a trade license.

The process of acquiring a trade license in Dubai is lengthy and involves determining the business's nature, location, and other factors. The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the primary regulatory body responsible for issuing original trade licenses to businesses in Dubai. Obtaining a trade license from DED provides your business with a systematic structure, enabling you to comply with regulations and access various benefits and returns.

Dubai Trade License: Meaning
A Dubai trade license is an official document that permits a business owner to lawfully initiate commercial operations in Dubai. The license specifies the approved activities that the organization can conduct, which may vary depending on the nature of the business. 

A trade license in Dubai enables businesses to engage in a wide range of activities, including import and export of goods, sale of goods and services, commercial activities, and professional services across various industry segments. It is obtainable by companies registered in Dubai's free zones and professionals operating in specific industry zones.

Dubai Trade License Types
  • Commercial License: A trade license in Dubai is applicable to both general trading and specialized trading businesses, authorizing them to engage in buying and selling of goods. However, the trade activities are restricted to only those products that are mentioned in the license.
  • Professional License: A service license in Dubai is designated for businesses that provide professional or service-oriented activities, such as doctors and artisans. Unlike other types of licenses, a local sponsor is not required for this license, and the company can be entirely owned by its proprietor.
  • Industrial License: A manufacturing license in Dubai is intended for businesses engaged in manufacturing or industrial activities, including importing raw materials and exporting finished goods. This license enables organizations to undertake such operations and obtain necessary permissions for manufacturing products in Dubai.
  • Tourism License: A travel and tourism license in Dubai is mandatory for businesses operating in the hospitality and tourism industry. The rules and regulations governing this sector differ from other industries, and obtaining this license is crucial for organizations engaged in such activities.

Significant Advantages of Obtaining a Trade License in Dubai
  • Tax exemptions and other associated benefits in Dubai, a jurisdiction that is free from taxes.
  • Promotion of local and international trade leading to business growth.
  • No mandatory paid-up capital requirements for businesses.
  • Reduced import duties, leading to cost savings for businesses.
  • Enhancement of the business's credibility and reputation, which can help to gain the trust of clients.
  • Ability to trade and sell products globally, leading to increased competitiveness.
  • Fewer trade restrictions, leading to more freedom to conduct business operations.
  • An easy and hassle-free setup process, resulting in time and effort savings.
  • Streamlined processes with less paperwork and faster turnaround time.
  • Simple and easy sponsorship of dependents, such as family members or employees.
  • Reasonable trade license fees, making the process more accessible.
  • Permission to establish holding companies.

Essential Paperwork Required for Obtaining a Trade License in Dubai
  • Completion of the trade license application form by the organization's legal representative.
  • Submission of the Memorandum of Association document.
  • Provision of statutory documents of the organization in both original and copy formats.
  • Submission of DED documents for company name approval and authorization to commence business activities.
  • Details of all shareholders involved in the organization.
  • A tenancy agreement is required for the physical location of the business.
  • Submission of any necessary special licenses or permits.

Obtaining a Trade License in Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • Choose a trading name that conforms to the regulations of the region.
  • Select the business activities that you want to include in your license.
  • Establish the legal structure of your company with a clear hierarchy.
  • Complete the standard application form and submit it to the DED for initial approval.
  • Obtain any required approvals from the relevant authorities.
  • Gather all necessary documents and ensure that they have the appropriate stamps and signatures.
  • Choose a suitable location, and if it is on the mainland, obtain a tenancy contract.
  • Submit your application and all supporting documents to the DED.
  • Pay the necessary licensing fees to obtain your trade license.

3 Steps to Renewing a Trade License
1. It is necessary to possess a tenancy contract that is legally acceptable.
2. Renewing license application.
3. Make relevant license fee payment.

Obtain your trading license effortlessly
Dubai, as known, is the heart of the Gulf and starting off a business in Dubai is an aspiration for many. Obtaining the trade license comes as one of the foremost tasks to go on for a successful business front. It comes out as a complicated task for novices. Getting the license and kicking off the business in Dubai comes out easy and effective if there is appropriate guidance of experts.

We at NSRM Taxation & Accounting Consultancy are all set to guide you and run you through the entire process of obtaining the trade license and setting up  your business in Dubai. We are experienced consultants and a group of expert financial consultants and accountants based in UAE to serve a multitude of organizations across GCC.

We intend to leverage our expertise and support businesspersons by offering the best of our services in the areas of company formation, taxation, licensing, accounting, financial consulting.

Share with us all your requirements, give us all necessary documents, sit back and rest!

We will manage all your license needs, communication with authorities and get needed approvals. Get in touch and leave the rest to us! rephrase these paragraphs in other words and plagiarism free.