Author: Ayushi Doegar
Published: April 23, 2024
Home to one of the fastest-growing and most diverse economies in the world, the UAE has a long tradition of welcoming business and trade. Consistently ranked as one of the world's best places to do business, it's fast becoming a popular destination for forward-thinking entrepreneurs to set up new and exciting companies. Like most countries, it is a legal requirement for businesses to have a license in the UAE. For most business owners, this will mean acquiring a trade license, which defines specific areas of your business operations and can encompass a wide range of industries.
This comprehensive guide covers the following topics related to UAE trade licenses:
If you're ready to set up your business in the UAE but you're concerned about how to go about it, the process can be broken down into three simple steps:
As part of the application process, you'll need to:
Timeline: Once your application is approved, you can receive your license in as little as two hours, depending on the free zone.
The UAE has introduced an e-channel service to help speed up business set-up in the region. This portal:
Once you have your entry permit, you will need to:
Emirates ID Benefits: This card allows you to open bank accounts, rent properties, and take out phone contracts.
| Cost Component | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| UAE Trade License | AED 6,875 |
Note: Prices vary depending on the type of business activity and trade license you require. For example, if you require an industrial trade license, you are required to pay for warehouse facilities or storage units.
For a free quote tailored to your specific requirements, contact the SPC Free Zone team.
In order to conduct business in the UAE, you need to ensure that you are applying for the correct trade license. There are currently three common types of trade licenses in the UAE:
Also known as: General trading license
Description: The most common type of trade license in the UAE.
Covers:
Key Benefit: Entrepreneurs can trade in any number of unrelated goods under one license.
Designed for: Skilled entrepreneurs who wish to practice a profession in a specific field of expertise.
Applicable Industries:
Key Benefit: This license makes it possible for professionals to be totally transparent about specific services and industries.
Designed for: Entrepreneurs involved in the production and manufacturing of new products.
Applicable Industries:
Requirements: This type of license requires businesses to operate from a physical office space or warehouse within the UAE free zone of their choice.
You will need to choose from more than 1,500 business activities in your license application to acquire the correct license. If you're unsure about where to begin, you can reach out to SPC Free Zone advisors who have helped other entrepreneurs navigate this process thousands of times before.
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, doing business in the UAE is a no-brainer. As well as enjoying a strong banking system, first-rate transport and digital infrastructure, luxurious lifestyle, and diverse economy, the UAE offers specific benefits to business owners:
Setting up a company in the UAE is faster and simpler than most destinations across the globe.
The UAE enjoys a convenient location in the heart of the Middle East, with easy access to emerging markets in:
Entrepreneurs based in the UAE and its free zones can maximise their profits with one of the world's most competitive tax regimes, including:
The UAE government offers:
Location: Heart of the UAE, Sharjah
Distance from Dubai International Airport: 15 minutes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Activities | More than 1,500 to choose from |
| Visa Allocation | 20 visas under one license |
| License Options | Dual-license option (mainland and free zone on the same license) |
| Share Capital | Zero paid-up share capital |
| Taxation | Low corporate and personal income tax |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
There are three main steps:
The cost of a trade license in the UAE starts at AED 6,875. Additional costs include multi-year licenses, visa quotas, and storage spaces. Prices vary depending on the type of business activity and trade license required.
There are three common types:
You can choose from more than 1,500 business activities in your license application.
You can apply for 20 visas under one license at SPC Free Zone.
The Emirates ID allows you to open bank accounts, rent properties, and take out phone contracts.
Interested in acquiring a trade license and launching a lucrative business in the UAE? Get in touch with SPC Free Zone now.
Related Topics: #UAEtradeLicense #SPCFreeZone #BusinessSetupInTheUAE