Dubai is a global business hub that attracts foreign investors to start different kinds of trading activities using different options. They are free to apply for a business license based on the activities they want to operate as a company in the country. Getting a valid business license is an essential process to start a company in Dubai and run your business activities legally as per the company regulations and laws in the country.

In Dubai, you can apply for the following three types of business licenses depending on the kinds of services you want to offer in the name of your company:

• Trade license or commercial license
• Industrial license
• Professional license

Commercial licenses and industrial licenses are obtained by investors who want to set up a company for trading and manufacturing businesses respectively in the country. A professional license is the most sought after business license by entrepreneurs and start-ups that are willing to work in the sectors that require intellectual abilities or creativity to offer their services.

You can set up the following kinds of business activities after obtaining a professional license:

• Consultancy services
• Medical/healthcare services
• Auditing & accounting
• Educational services
• Printing & publishing
• Carpentry
• Beauty Salons
• IT & Computer services, etc.

How to get a professional license to start a company in Dubai?

You have to follow a tailored process to apply for a business license in Dubai to get approval from the DED (Department of Economic Development). When you are applying for a professional license to incorporate a company in Dubai, you need to fill an application form clearly describing the business activities you will operate after the company formation. You will need a professional business consultant and local service agent to help you complete the legal formalities as per the business rules in the country. You also have to submit the following documents during the application process:

• Duly filled application form
• Passport copies of business partners
• Naturalization book (Jinsiya) of local partners
• A copy of the tenancy contract with the Dubai municipality to set up your business office
• No objection certificate (NOC) in case a foreign partner is in the country on an employment visa
• A document stating the UID number if the foreign partner is on a visitor visa
• A copy of the visitor, tourist, or transit visa
• Copy of the initial approval from the relevant authority

Registration cost

You have to pay a business license fee with your application form to process your application for approval from DED. Dubai company registration cost to get a professional license depends on many factors such as the number of UAE national partners, trade name, municipality fee, market fee, government cultural fees, service agent fee, and others. It will cost you approx AED 25,500 to get a professional license to start a company in Dubai.

So, if you want to obtain a professional license in Dubai to set up a service-based company, contact Socialite Consultancy Services to take you through the registration process and legal formalities to get your business license.