alwasal Business Services Starting a business in the UAE requires a trade license, which varies based on your activity (commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism). At alwasal, we simplify the process—here’s a complete guide to securing your license quickly and compliantly.

Types of UAE Trade Licenses

Commercial License – For trading goods (e.g., retail, import/export)

Professional License – For service providers (e.g., consultants, freelancers)

Industrial License – For manufacturing/processing

Tourism License – For travel agencies, hotels, etc.

(Free Zone licenses may have additional perks like 100% ownership and tax exemptions.)

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a UAE Trade License

Step 1: Determine Business Activity & Legal Structure

✔ Choose your business activity (check DED or Free Zone lists)
✔ Select a legal structure (LLC, Sole Establishment, Free Zone Company)

Step 2: Register Trade Name

Submit via DED website or Free Zone portal

Follow naming guidelines (no offensive/religious terms)

Cost: AED 200–600

Step 3: Apply for Initial Approval

✔ Submit application to DED (Mainland) or Free Zone Authority
✔ Provide:

Passport copies of shareholders

Proposed business activities

Initial approval fee (~AED 1,000)

Step 4: Secure Local Sponsorship (Mainland Only)

Mainland businesses require a local sponsor (51% ownership) or a service agent (for professional licenses).

Free Zones allow 100% foreign ownership.

Step 5: Lease Office Space

✔ Mainland: Ejari-registered office (or flexi-desk)
✔ Free Zones: Virtual office options available

Step 6: Submit Documents & Pay Fees

📄 Required Documents:

Passport/visa copies of owners

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Lease agreement

No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsor (if applicable)

💸 Fees:

License Fee: AED 5,000–15,000 (varies by activity)

Registration Fee: AED 500–2,000

Step 7: Collect Your Trade License
Once approved, collect from:

DED (Mainland)

Free Zone Authority

(Processing time: 3–7 days in Free Zones; 1–2 weeks for Mainland.)

Cost Breakdown (2024 Estimates)
Expense Mainland (AED) Free Zone (AED)
Trade Name Registration 200–600 500–1,000
License Fee 5,000–15,000 10,000–20,000
Office Rental 15,000+ 5,000–10,000 (flexi-desks)
Visa Costs 3,000–5,000 Included in packages
Total Estimated Cost 20,000–35,000 15,000–30,000
(Free Zones may offer bundled packages with visas.)

Why Choose alwasl for Your Trade License?

✔ Fast Processing – Avoid delays with expert guidance
✔ Free Zone vs. Mainland Advice – Optimize for ownership & taxes
✔ End-to-End Support – From name registration to visa processing