Getting a business license in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involves several steps and requirements. Here are the general steps you need to take to obtain a business license in UAE:
- Choose your business activity and legal form: The first step is to choose the legal form of your business and the activity you want to conduct. The type of legal form will determine the registration and licensing requirements you need to comply with.
- Choose a company name: Choose a unique name for your company that is not already registered in the UAE. It’s important to note that certain words are prohibited by law, such as “God,” “Allah,” and “Emirate.”
- Apply for an initial approval: Once you have chosen your business activity and legal form, you need to apply for an initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the emirate where you want to set up your business.
- Rent an office space: You will need to rent an office space in a designated business area, which will be approved by the relevant authorities.
- Obtain necessary approvals: Depending on the type of business activity and the legal form, you may need to obtain additional approvals from various authorities such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Health Authority, and others.
- Submit your application: Once you have completed all the required documents and obtained all the necessary approvals, you can submit your application to the DED.
- Pay the fees: You will be required to pay the registration and licensing fees, which vary depending on the legal form and business activity.
- Receive your license: Once your application is approved and the fees are paid, you will receive your business license.
It’s important to note that the process of obtaining a business license in UAE can vary depending on the emirate where you want to set up your business, as well as the legal form and business activity. You may want to consult with a local expert or a business consultant to ensure that you have completed all the necessary requirements.