The licensing of a company can be expedited for you to start operations quickly. This means that there are multiple processes that can be completed. Anyone’s business can be up and running after only a week of processing as soon as you have completed all the legal procedures. The following is a short guide to running startups:
SECURE A BUSINESS LICENSE
The first step is to secure a business license from Dubai’s department of economic development (DED). This is a body that has the control of the foreign ownership shares. The type of business you intend to run determines the type of license you are required to secure. This will also define the operations that your business has to practice. There are major license types to choose from namely: professional; industrial; and commercial. There are about 2,000 activities under these that you are required to choose from. Some of these activities are the following: jewelry trading, veterinary and legal practices, medical practices, aviation operators, food and pharmaceuticals distribution, all these require more forms of government approval. It is necessary for you to acquire detailed guides from the embassy in the UAE or from the DED.
There are also sector-specific free zones in Dubai that you can take advantage as an entrepreneur. There are more than 20 of these free zones. Each of these free zones has each set of regulations and approval requirements.
THE TRADE NAME
The trade name you want to have for your business is a major part of the entire legal process. In an ideal scenario, company names are expected to reflect the activities you engage in for business unless you are another’s company arm or a branch of it. It is the DED’s call to advise you on this.
BRANCH OFFICE OPENINGS
When you are opening a branch office, there are additional documents that are required. These are the documents that will verify the legitimacy of the branch office and also its future managers. There is a list of all the required documents on the DED website. You are required to register with the Ministry of Economy using the New Agency Registration electronic service.
For more information about securing the right trade license in the UAE, visit or consult HBS Dubai for assistance.
