UAE Trade License

Trade License in Dubai

Do you need to obtain trade license in Dubai? Put your business on a seamless path to success with a general trading license in UAE. Streamline your general trade business through optimal structures with the help of KWS ME.

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Importance of Trading License in UAE

Significance of Trading License in Dubai

The city has been the hub of international trade in the region. It has attracted investors from all around the world & the authorities have made sure their regulations and processes are streamlined and ready to take on the challenge of dealing with the influx of investments in to different industries from all over the world.

The authorities have a way of handling things and the business environment that Dubai has was possible only due to the way the country has organized itself to handle everything through due process. To run your own business in Dubai, you must have a valid trade license by the Department of Economic Development. The Department for Economic Development also deals with local and foreign investors.

Entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate or own business setup in Dubai face certain hurdles. KWS ME provides with required and viable solutions to these entrepreneurs and investors.

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General Trade License in UAE

Steps to get General Trade License in Dubai

Follow the steps below to obtain a trade license so that you can operate your business setup.

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    Procedure to acquire Dubai Business License

    Process to obtain Business License in Dubai

    Reserve a name for your company and apply for registration

    For your company to incorporated or registered, you are required to submit a company registration in Dubai application in which you have to obtain initial approvals from the License Issuing Section of the Department of Economic Development.

    The department will sanction your business activities, the name of your business, and verify the identity of the people holding a legitimate stake in the company. At DED, company name must be available to be chosen and reserved. A payment is required, which can be made online on the official website of the Department of Economic Development.

    Notarize the company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA)

    You have to complete notarization of the Memorandum of Association from the Department of Economic Development for obtaining a trade license. The process does not take too long and might even be completed in a day.

    The lawyer for the applicant takes the initial approval from the notary earlier so as to save the applicant’s time when he arrives to get his documents notarized on time.

    File company documents with the authority

    The investor or the entrepreneur needs to submit company’s documents to the Department of Economic Development and obtain a trade license. After this step is complete, he must apply for membership of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). For a Trade License and Commercial Registration Certificate to be issued, the applying investor has to make submission of the following original documents at the Commercial Registry section of DED. Applicants can also make this submission of original documents online as well.

    After the submission of required documents, the Commercial Registry decides whether or not the documents are valid, sans legal or other discrepancies, and in proper order. Then the name of the company is formally entered into the Commercial Register.

    Set up business as a representative or branch office

    Foreign companies which want to setup a branch office in Dubai is now 100% owned by the foreigner. In such a case, the company has to be 100% owned by a UAE national or a local UAE national is appointed as an agent of the company.

    Our Reviews

    Clients Reviews

    KWS Middle East place picture
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    Based on 210 reviews
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    Kylie Truong profile picture
    Kylie Truong
    10:13 07 Jan 26
    I am extremely happy with Khyati. She supported me from the very beginning right through to the end, always with professionalism, dedication, and no hesitation. She was consistently available whenever I needed her, even on her days off. I truly can’t thank her enough for all the help she provided with my startup company and throughout the entire process. She is truly amazing. I would highly recommend her and would absolutely use her again without a doubt for any future needs.
    Zande Amor profile picture
    Zande Amor
    09:37 07 Jan 26
    Ian John Casano was one of the pioneer of the company and one of the best consultant if i need something or a guide for a visa.
    Tayyaba Javed profile picture
    Tayyaba Javed
    15:41 06 Jan 26
    Got my Golden Visa done with their help, and the process was smooth and hassle-free. The team and Sana was supportive and guided me well throughout. Really happy with the service.
    Adrian Napiza profile picture
    Adrian Napiza
    15:40 06 Jan 26
    Sana helped me with my bank account, and she guided me through the whole process. Very helpful and smooth experience,. Highly appreciated her support....
    Aysha Rizbi profile picture
    Aysha Rizbi
    13:13 06 Jan 26
    I have been using their accounting and bookkeeping services for quite some time, and the experience has been outstanding. Their attention to detail, clear reporting, and timely compliance support have made our financial management stress-free. Truly dependable and efficient.
    Athira Alfan profile picture
    Athira Alfan
    12:46 06 Jan 26
    Hasan demonstrated exceptional expertise in case studies and process management during the study and reporting phase. His approach was structured, insightful, and highly practical, making complex processes easy to understand and actionable.

    The final report was clear, well-documented, and added real value to decision-making. A reliable professional with strong analytical and execution capabilities.
    Mehrosh Ahmed profile picture
    Mehrosh Ahmed
    12:35 06 Jan 26
    I opened my license with KWS, and the team assisted me very professionally and in great detail throughout the process. It was a great experience working with KWS. Sana’s support and guidance during the entire journey were truly appreciable.
    Bill Angelo profile picture
    Bill Angelo
    12:20 05 Jan 26
    The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and clearly committed to high standards. Communication is smooth, timeliness are respected, and the quality of work reflects real expertise in the field. Highly recommended.
    Niti Chhatwal profile picture
    Niti Chhatwal
    11:46 05 Jan 26
    NOR ALAYAM profile picture
    NOR ALAYAM
    11:43 05 Jan 26
    I proceed my trade license and visa through this company. These guys are amazing in their work. Especially thanks to Ian john ❤️ his guidance is a complete package
    Ali deem profile picture
    Ali deem
    11:41 05 Jan 26
    my Visa process went really very smooth it's just because of IAN thank you so much sir
    Faith Jeptoo profile picture
    Faith Jeptoo
    09:34 02 Jan 26
    Amazing experience.setting up my business license in UAE was super easy and hassle free wth KWS. A special thanks to Ms Susma at kws, she was extremely a professional helpful and a responsible through out the entire process,she quided me step by steps and make everything smooth .until I achieve my cleaning Company license am really greaful,be blessed Ms Susma and Team. Highly recommended for anyone looking to start a Business in UAE.
    Perrie Wilson profile picture
    Perrie Wilson
    08:35 06 Nov 25
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding Experience with KWS Middle East!

    I had an amazing experience with KWS Middle East during my freezone company formation, visa and residency process. From start to finish, Khyati Vyas and her team were absolutely incredible.

    Khyati guided me through every step with professionalism, clarity and genuine care. She was always available to answer my questions and made the entire process smooth, stress-free and efficient. The whole KWS team worked seamlessly to ensure all documentation and procedures were completed on time and without any issues.

    Their expertise, transparency and commitment to helping clients is outstanding. What could have been a complicated journey was made effortless thanks to their support.

    I’m truly grateful for everything they did. I’m now fully set up and ready to move forward with confidence.

    I highly recommend KWS Middle East to anyone looking for trustworthy and professional business setup services in the UAE!
    ביולה נאנד profile picture
    ביולה נאנד
    20:30 05 Nov 25
    We had an excellent experience working with Mr. Sharjeel from KWS Middle East for setting up our company in Dubai. He was extremely professional, responsive, and supportive throughout the entire process.
    Sharjeel made sure everything was handled smoothly — always following up, answering our questions quickly, and keeping us updated at every stage. His help made what could have been a complex process feel simple and stress-free.
    Highly recommend KWS Middle East and especially Mr. Sharjeel for anyone starting a business in the UAE!
    Abdulhamit Bolat profile picture
    Abdulhamit Bolat
    08:13 08 Oct 25
    Many thanks to the entire KWS Middle East team. I was truly surprised at how straightforward and simple everything was. From the company formation to the personal support at important appointments regarding the visa. My special thanks also go to Mr. Casano, who addressed my questions and uncertainties in a very professional manner. For me, it is certain that I will continue to rely on the support of KWS Middle East throughout my entrepreneurial journey in Dubai. An absolute recommendation when it comes to business consulting.
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    FAQs about UAE Business License

    FAQs about Dubai Trade License

    Business activities fall into following categories of licenses:

     

    • Commercial licenses.
    • Professional licenses.
    • Industrial licenses.
    • Tourism.

     

    DED issues the Trade License and Commercial Registration Certificate to the company after the due processes are complete. Business consultants in Dubai can help you through the whole process.

    • A financial institute or bank has to obtain approval from the UAE Central Bank before applying for a Trade License to start operations in Dubai.
    • Manufacturing companies have to get the approvals of Ministry of Finance and Industry before a license can be issued to them.
    • An Insurance company must have the approval of the Economy and Commerce Ministry before a License can be issued to it.
    • For a medical and pharmaceutical company healthy ministry’s approval is required.
      Companies engaged in oil & gas business must get approvals from a number of government agencies.

    The UAE Commercial Companies Law requires, companies holding a professional license must have a local partner in ownership with 51% shares. Companies involved with Oil & Gas business are exempt from the 51% requirement and are given certain concessions.

    The registration process consists of these steps:

     

    Step 1

    • Decide who will partner with the company or a local sponsor.
    • Decide the role played by the local partner in business matters.
    • Decide on fee the company is prepared to pay each year.


    Step 2

    • Reserve a name for the company and get required approval for the name and business activities from DED.

     

    Step 3

    • Decide a place for office premises and get a tenancy contract.
    • This contract is necessary for getting the company registered.

     

    Step 4

    • Creation of Memorandum of Association (MOA) with the sponsor and its submission to the DED.
    • A legal firm or business consultants in Dubai may be hired for the development of MOA which is going to highlight business activities, special arrangements, and share of the partners in the company

     

    Step 5

    • The MOA and the license application has to be submitted to the DED with other required legal documents and the tenancy contract.
    • Applicable fees and charges will have to be paid and a trade license can be obtained a week or two after the submission of application.

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