Commercial license is very popular in the Emirates, especially in Dubai. This is because of many reasons that we will be discussing in this post. For those of you who don’t have much information about a commercial license, it is best that you read this guide post.
In this guide, we are going to tell you all about what this license is, how you can acquire it, the benefits of having it, and, of course, its cost!
Commercial License in Dubai
In simple terms, a commercial license is the type of license that allows a person to do business, trade goods, and sell certain types of services in Dubai. With this license, you can easily import any kind of goods from outside Dubai and easily do business in the UAE.
The reason the commercial license is so much popular is that it permits you to do independent trading in almost every part of the UAE. You can do business with all types of goods you can think of. From toys to electronic appliances, you can import goods without any restrictions. You can also sell all kinds of services, including real estate services, grooming, brokerage, and many more.
Some activities permitted under commercial license Dubai include:
- Unrestricted imports and exports
- General Services
- Plumbing
- Sanitary contracts
- Automobile trading
- Shoe trading
- Rental services
- Cold storage
- Silos trading
- Restaurant management
- Ware Housing
There are many more permissions, and you can get the complete list from the Department of Economic Development (Dubai) once you get the license.
Simple Steps To Get Your Commercial License in Dubai!
Ironically, getting a commercial license in Dubai is not at all difficult. You can apply for the license in four simple steps. Below we have discussed all four steps in detail. Read these steps before filling application for the commercial license.
Step 1: Select Business Activity
Before you plan a business or apply for a license, you have to first decide what kind of business or trade you want to do in Dubai. There are more than two thousand different kinds of trade and business options from which you can decide. You can include options from the professional, commercial, tourism, and industrial sector. You can get a detailed list on the website of DED, and you can also take help from consultants residing in Dubai.
Selecting the type of business is important as the nature of your business would determine what kind of permits you have to apply for from the department of economics and development.
Step 2: Select the Location
At the time of starting a new business, it is important that you select a location. You have to choose whether you want to operate your business in the mainland or the free zone. This is a crucial decision that you have to make after proper research.
Doing business in the free zone has many benefits. It is incorporated quite easily and quickly. Moreover, it also provides many financial incentives and tax exemptions. There are no currency limitations if you get the free zone commercial license.
However, if you get the license for mainland Dubai, then you would have to restrict your business and trades to Dubai and have to directly get into a contract with the local government. The location you select basically depends on the nature of your trade.
Step 3: Choose the Name of Business
Before you apply for a commercial license, you have to choose a name for your company/business. When you are setting up a new business in Dubai, it is important that you choose a unique name for your brand which represents the nature of your business. There are many restrictions and rules that you have to abide by when naming your business. You must avoid all kinds of names that might offend the locals. You must also refrain from copying the names of well-known brands. The name you choose must also be available for registration to get the commercial license.
Step 4: Complete Your License Application Form
After selecting the name of your business, location, and business activity, you have to file for the license application. All papers must be submitted to the department of development for review. The formation and registration of your company must happen at the same time as when you apply for the commercial license. An important point that you need to understand is that the acceptance/approval of the license application would depend on the nature of your business.
Once you get the approval for a commercial license in Dubai, you can easily apply for the following:
- Memorandum of Association
- Incorporation Certificate
- Legal Papers/ Deeds
- Tenancy Agreements
- Labor Cards
- Visas
These are all important requirements that you need to complete to do hassle-free business in Dubai.
What Documents Are Required for Commercial License in Dubai?
You don’t just have to complete the commercial license application form; rather, you also have to attach important documents with the application. Some of the necessary papers that you need to produce include the following:
- Original leasing contract for your office in Dubai
- Permission from the municipality building in Dubai to use your office as the official business address
- Department of development’s order of approval for the name of the company
- Proof of funds to cover your trade license fee
- Passport size pictures
- No objection certificate from the local police
- Letter of the intention of business
- A detailed business plan
- Details of capital investment for the business
- Reference certificates
- Financial statements
- Notarized copy of your identification card/form
These are some important documents you need to attach to the commercial license application.
How Much Does the Commercial License in Dubai Cost?
The cost of a commercial license in Dubai might vary depending on different factors. The criteria on which the license cost depends include:
- Multiple visa fees
- Residence fees
- Transport fees
- Nature of your business
- Trademark registration fee
- Documentation charges
The commercial license in Dubai, depending on these factors, would cost you somewhere around AED 1000 to AED 50,000. Make sure you have this amount before you apply for the license.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Commercial License in Dubai?
Here are some of the advantages you can enjoy if you have this license:
- Flexibility: You can enjoy free trade and business activities with this license.
- Cost-Effective: Commercial license is quite cheap and has plenty of financial benefits.
- Secure: Your business and all trade transactions would be secure and guaranteed if you have a commercial license in Dubai.
The top three commercial licenses offered by the DED include professional, industrial, and tourism licenses.
Conclusion
Here is this guide; we have discussed in detail the steps to get your business started and get a commercial license in Dubai. If you are planning on starting a new business or want to trade in Dubai, then it is important to have this license. You can get more in-depth information from the official website of DED, or you can also get in touch with professional consultants!