Mainland Business License Types in UAE – All you Need to Know

The process of company formation in Dubai is highly structured, with dedicated business consultants providing comprehensive support to investors throughout the registration process. It involves several key steps, starting from selecting the appropriate business activity and preparing the necessary documents, to applying for the business license and obtaining the required permits. Once the business license is obtained, further procedures include obtaining residence visas and opening a corporate bank account, all of which are crucial for the smooth operation of the business in the UAE. Rest assured, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Types of Mainland Business Licenses in the UAE

There are several types of Business Licenses available for Company formation in the Mainland of UAE. These licenses encompass a range of options to cater to different business needs and requirements.

1. Commercial License in the UAE

To engage in the trading and supply of goods such as garments, textiles, dry goods, and other consumer supplies in Dubai, businesses must obtain a Commercial License. This requirement ensures compliance and facilitates smooth operations within the bustling marketplace.

Business activities falling under the Commercial License Category in the UAE.

• Mobile Phones & Accessories Trading
• Used Furniture Trading
• Trading in building materials
• Oil & gas trading
• Spare parts trading
• Gold & precious metals trading
• Trading in chemicals
• Trading in Automobile
• Safety equipment trading
• Building Cleaning Equipment Trading
• Fire Fighting & Safety Equipment Trading
• Office Furniture Trading
• Telecommunications Equipment Trading
• Computer Software Trading
• Plastic Bags & Containers Trading
• Medical Gas Trading
• Agricultural Pesticides Trading

2. Industrial License in the UAE

The Industrial license in Dubai is granted for various industrial activities, such as manufacturing fabrics and textiles, bottling mineral water, producing uniforms, and manufacturing plastic bottles and containers.

Listed below are the business activities falling under the Industrial License category in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

• Garments Manufacturing License
• Meat Products Manufacturing
• Dairy Products Manufacturing
• Animal & birds Feed Manufacturing
• Pastry & Sweets Manufacturing
• Fabrics & Textiles Embroidering
• Carpets Manufacturing
• Mineral Water Bottling
• Fishing Net Making
• Uniforms Manufacturing
• Plastic Bottles & Containers Manufacturing

3. Professional License in the UAE

A Professional License is intended for individuals or business groups who offer their expertise as a service to the public. It serves as a testament to their competence and allows them to deliver exceptional value to their clients.

Professional License Category in UAE: A Comprehensive List of Business Activities

• Computer Consultancy
• Insurance consultancy
• IT Infrastructure Consultancy
• Tax Consultancy
• Marketing Consultancy
• Auditing & Accounting
• Legal Consultancy
• Waste Management & Recycling Consultancy
• Public relations Management
• Project Development Consultant
• Agricultural Consultancy
• Customs Consultant
• Fire Safety Consultancy
• Construction Engineering Consultancy
• Electronic Engineering Consultancy
• Mechanical Engineering Consultancy
• Science & Technology Consultancy
• Safety Consultancy
• Advertising Consultancy

*Please note that the following list of business activities is not exhaustive. The Free Zones and DED in UAE have listed over 3000 business activities. If you require more information regarding specific business activities, we encourage you to get in touch with our experienced business consultants.

LLC Company Registration in the UAE

Establishing a Mainland Company or LLC in the UAE enables you to access the local market, expand your business activities, and acquire office spaces. Moreover, it allows you to effortlessly scale up your mainland operations in Dubai and the rest of the UAE by recruiting additional support staff. An LLC in the UAE grants you the opportunity to apply for government projects and contracts, fostering close collaboration with the Government of UAE. Furthermore, an LLC provides investors with greater flexibility and ample room for business growth and expansion.

Obtaining a Trade License for an LLC Company in the UAE requires certain requirements to be fulfilled.

Investors must fulfill specific requirements to obtain a trade license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED).

Key Steps in LLC Company Formation in the UAE

Here are the steps to establish an LLC Company in Dubai.

• Segment the business activity into commercial, industrial or professional
• Select the corresponding business activities that are covered by a specific Business License.
• Discovering a local business partner can be a game-changer for your enterprise. Engaging the expertise of business consultants can greatly assist you in identifying and securing such a partnership.
• Submit the application form to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for the approval of your trade name and initial activity.
• Now you can look out for a physical office location and prepare a tenancy contract.
• Memorandum of Association(MOA) with the Local UAE Sponsor.
• Submit the application, along with the tenancy contract and any other necessary legal documents, to finalize the issuance of the business license from the Department of Economic Development (DED).

Required Documents for Trade License Issuance from DED:

To obtain a Trade License from DED, you will need to provide the following necessary documents.

• Submit a fully completed application form signed by the authorized signatory.
• DED letter approving company name
• Approval letter from DED confirming the establishment of the company.
• Tenancy Agreement for the physical office
• Provide the details of the shareholders along with copies of their passports.

How to Renew the Business License for your LLC Company in the UAE?

Here are the steps to renew the business license for your LLC Company in Dubai. The renewal process for an LLC Company’s trade license in Dubai is facilitated by the Department of Economic Development (DED).

• Check your Tenancy Contract
• Get the Licensing Approval
• Submitting the Application
• Get the Transaction Number
• Make Payment to the DED

How can you renew the Business License for your LLC Company in UAE?

1. Renew Business License Offline

Renewing DED business licenses in the UAE is a breeze with various options available. From business consultants, authorized service agents, and law firms to DED branches, there are convenient avenues to ensure a seamless renewal process.

2. Renew Business License Online

Renew your business licenses conveniently through the DED website. Business consultants can also utilize online portals and government e-Services for their renewal needs.

3. Renew Business License via Auto-Renewal

DED has implemented an auto-renewal process that involves sending an SMS to 6969. Upon renewal, the fees will be automatically generated, and a payment voucher will be sent to the registered mobile number. Payment can be made conveniently through authorized online or offline channels. Once the trade license is renewed, it will be promptly delivered to the business owner via SMS and email.

Mainland Trade License Renewal

In order to conduct business in the UAE, every company must possess a valid Trade License. This license must be renewed annually by submitting a renewal fee to the Department of Economic Development (DED), applicable to LLC companies in Dubai and other emirates across the UAE. For further information on LLC Company Formation in the UAE, feel free to reach out to our team of knowledgeable consultants.