Trade License in UAE

How to get a Trade License in UAE from Free Zone or Mainland?

Trade License in UAE

A Trade License is a legal document that authorizes a company to conduct trade in UAE. There are several trade activities that a company can choose to start a business. There are two options in UAE to obtain the Trade License. One is from the Free Trade Zones and the other is from the Mainland of UAE.

So, for each business category, there is a related trade license that a company can obtain. Most of the Free Zones will allow up to 7 business activities added to a single trade license. There are almost 3500 business activities that are offered by Free Zones and Mainland in UAE. These activities are across sectors such as the trading/ commercial, industrial, and service license types.

Also, the company needs to obtain a valid trade license. Else the company will be violating the regulations as per the Company Law in UAE. Operating a business without a valid Trade license in UAE is subject to penalty.

Trade Activities in UAE

There are various business activities across the license categories with the most popular ones being food stuff trading, heavy equipment trading, chemical trading etc., in the trading sector. Additionally, there is a marketing consultancy, Human Resource Consultancy, Real Estate Brokerage, Man Power Supply, Financial Consulting, and more in the services category.

imilarly, for the industrial sector, there are manufacturing, textile and garment production, cement production, steel manufacturing, Metal casting, Paper manufacturing and more. UAE has diverse business activities available for starting a company.

There are special approval required for certain trade activity such as Chemical trading, Gold and precious metal trading.

Also, there are multiple options to choose as to which jurisdiction to finalize the company. Furthermore, the process of obtaining a trade license in UAE is slightly different across the Free Zones and Mainland.

Trade License from UAE Free Zone

Obtaining a Trade License from the UAE Free Zone is a cost-effective alternative for the investor. There are more than 45+ Free Zones in UAE offering various trade licenses for entrepreneurs and startups.

Free Zones are the best option for starting a business and getting a trade license in the UAE. You can get a Free Zone trade license from any of the emirates of UAE. You can choose the free zone based on cost, office space requirements, logistics support, company setup cost, etc.

UAE Free Zones offer many business benefits to investors. There is complete ownership of the company with the lowest Corporate Tax regime. Furthermore, the business-friendly nature of the Free Zones and infrastructure such as fully furnished office rooms, meeting room facilities, and co-working spaces, are driving investors to the Free Zones of UAE.

Avail of heavily discounted packages from UAE Free Zone to seamlessly establish your dream company and get an investor visa in UAE. Get in touch with our consultant to get a Trade License from any freezone in the UAE.

Trade License from UAE Mainland

There is a respective Department of Economy for each of the 7 Emirates in UAE. They are the issuing authority for trade licenses in the UAE. The Department of Economy across the Emirates has many business activities

So, there are a wide variety of trade licenses in UAE Mainland. Also, several business activities that companies can opt to add to their trade license. Ranging from mobile phone trading, and car wash licenses, to the large-scale manufacturing facility and consultancy license, the Mainland of UAE has it all.

Additionally, there are numerous office types available in the UAE Mainland. Depending on the investor’s requirement there are multiple office types to choose from. Starting from a virtual office to coworking spaces to fully furnished office space the UAE mainland has it all.

So, Investors can set up a Limited Liability Company in the mainland UAE and secure a specific trade license for conducting their desired business in the region.

How to get a Trade License in UAE?

Trade License is a legal document issued by the respective government authority to start a business in UAE. It can be obtained by the investors from the Mainland or Free Zones.

Registration process is almost similar in both jurisdictions, yet there are a few differences in terms of company structures and requirements. These are explained in the following section.

It is important to follow the steps to obtain a Trade License in UAE the right way.

Mainland Company in Dubai – Get a License from Dubai Economy

The business owner can smoothly register and continue their business operations in UAE without any hassle. There are a few simple steps to obtain a trade license in UAE.

For mainland companies to obtain the trade license in Dubai, Dubai Economy is the issuing authority. The investor can apply for a Trade License by choosing the right business activity required as per their business expertise or prior working experience (if any).

Firstly the business owner must choose the right business activity and the Emirate where the company must be registered. Then, apply to the respective Department of Economy.

Submit the application form, pay the license fee, and supporting documents to secure the trade license for the company. It is possible to acquire a trade license in UAE with an office space or a virtual license depending on the business activity.

Companies on the Mainland are mostly limited liability companies. Presently, there is 100% expatriate ownership on LLC Company.

Opening a Free Zone Company in UAE – Get a Low-Cost License

You can also get a UAE trade license by opening a company in any of the free zones.

Depending on specific business activity, there will be a requirement to take office space in the freezone. For example, a trading company would require an office and a warehouse in freezone area to operate their business successfully.

The company registration in a Free Zone is a relatively straightforward process. It starting with reserving the trade name for your company and followed by choosing the right business activity, company structure, Free Zone authority, and business license type.

Flexi desks or office space are available along with a trade license package in free zones. The Free Zones in UAE offer numerous company license packages at the lowest cost for investors to easily set up their business in the region.

Companies in the Free Zone are mostly Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZC). Free Zones offering 100% expatriate ownership.

What is the Cost of a Trade License in UAE?

The cost of setting up the trading company varies according to factors such as license fee, office location, rent/sq.m, other amenity requirements, business activities, etc

Trade License Cost in UAE ranges from AED 6,000 to AED 45,000 in the Free Zones of UAE. The investor can choose their specific business activity and apply for a trade license in UAE accordingly.

Trade Licence Cost Details	Price
Trade License With out Visa Quota	Starting from AED 6,000
Trade License With 1 Visa Quota	Starting from AED 8,475

Aurion will assist you in choosing the right Free Zone, business activities, and cheapest business license to easily establish your dream company in UAE.

Read our blog related to General Trading License in UAE and Difference between Trading License & Freelance License.

Trade License in UAE