Different Mainland Licensing Authorities in the UAE

• Department of Economic Development, Dubai
• Economic Development Department, Sharjah
• Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi
• Department of Economic Development, Ajman
• Other Emirates: Municipality/ Chamber of Commerce

Different types of Mainland Licenses issued while setting up a business in Dubai, UAE

Trade License

A trade license is issued to a natural or juridical person for start-ups in Dubai to practice any trading activity for the purpose of profit-making through buying and selling of goods. For new business set up these kinds of licenses are issued for engaging wholesale or retail trade enterprises, contractors, hotels, transport and storing establishments etc., A Trading License can be a General Trading or Specific Trading. A specific trading license limits the scope of activities to trade in only closely related items. [For e.g. a company cannot trade in building materials if its licensed activity is trading in computer peripherals].

Industrial License

An industrial license is issued to a natural or juridical person to start-up in Dubai, UAE who choose to practice any investment activity, the object of which is to discover natural resources or transform raw materials in terms of its structure or appearance into manufactured products or to transform the semi-manufactured products into fully manufactured products by using mechanical power and segregate the products, filling, assembling or packing them.

Professional License

A professional license is issued to a natural or juridical person to form a new business set up in Dubai, UAE and practice any profession in which he depends on his physical or mental efforts rather than depending on a cash capital. This license is issued for start-ups in Dubai to practice certain professions such as engineering consultancy, management consultancy, other consultancy services and studies, auditing and accounting, medical and educational services and similar services.

Some of the business activities require approvals from government bodies other than Dubai DED like:

Activity: Road transport activities, Oil-related services, Legal activities, Telecommunications and Architectural & Engineering activities

Approving Authority: Road and Transport Authority, H.H. The Ruler’s Court, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Dubai Municipality.

Department/Section: Commercial Activities Department, Department of Petroleum Affairs, Legal Affairs Department, Licensing Department, Building Department and Veterinary Section

Details/Documents required for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai,UAE

• • Passport Copy / Emirates ID of the shareholders, managers including the local sponsor.
  • Attested and Legalized Power of Attorney required if shareholders are not available in the UAE.
  • No Objection Certificate from the existing sponsor for the UAE visa holders.
  • The activity of the company
  • Trade name of the company
  • Initial Approval from license authority.
  • Tenancy contract / Ejari for the office space
  • Legally translated Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Special approvals if required for specific activities.

If the shareholder is a Foreign company – The documents required

• Certificate of registration of the company duly legalized and attested by the UAE Embassy/Consulate in the country of origin.
• Certificate of good standing of the company duly legalized and attested by the UAE Embassy/Consulate in the country of origin.
• Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company (Applicant Company) duly legalized and attested by the UAE Embassy/Consulate in the country of origin.
• Bank Reference Letter.
• Board resolution calling for the establishment of the new company in UAE, the appointment of Directors, Managers and Legal Representative duly attested by the UAE Embassy/consulate in the country of origin.

Benefits of starting a business in Dubai, UAE

U.A.E. offers incoming businesses & start-ups in Dubai with all the advantages of a highly developed economy. The infrastructure and services match the highest international standards, facilitating efficiency, quality and service. Among them, the most advantageous benefits are:

• • • Free enterprise system.
    • Highly developed transport infrastructure.
    • State-of-the-art telecommunications.
    • Sophisticated financial and services sector.
    • Top international exhibition and conference venue.
    • High-quality office and residential accommodation.
    • Reliable power, utilities etc.
    • First-class hotels, hospitals, schools, shops etc. Cosmopolitan lifestyle.