Business License in UAE

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Get the right UAE business license for your activity — commercial, professional or industrial — on mainland or in a free zone. We pick the correct activity codes, authority and structure, and handle issuance and renewal. Last reviewed: June 2026. Related: commercial license, trade license, mainland setup, company formation, corporate services.

company formation in UAE

We work directly with leading free zones in the UAE

Khalifa Industrial Zone logo
HAM logo
dubai
JAFZA - Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority logo
airport
SAIF Zone - Sharjah Airport International Free Zone logo

Why Choose Legarithm

At Legarithm, we blend legal expertise with a sharp eye to help your business grow. We handle corporate law, governance, contract risks, and all the techfocused legal stuff startups and tech companies run into.

Opening a company in OAE presents an opportunity to elevate your business in one of the world’s most dynamic jurisdictions. No matter if you are a resident or planning to expand to the Middle East, we’ll help you set up your company in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, whether it’s a free zone or a mainland company, quickly and in full compliance. We have local consultants, legal basis, and licenses to help you as effectively as possible. Advanced infrastructure, tax benefits, and simplified procedures—start building your successful business in the UAE with our professional support.

Your UAE business licensing partner

A UAE business license is the permit that authorises your activity. The right type and jurisdiction depend on what you do and where you trade. We match activity to license and authority and manage the whole process.

Right activity & license type

We map your business to the correct activity codes and license category.

Mainland or free zone

We advise which jurisdiction fits your market, ownership and cost goals.

Issuance & renewal

We handle application, approvals and annual renewal end to end.

One partner, full setup

License, visas, bank account and compliance handled together.

UAE business license types

The main categories we help you obtain.

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    Commercial license

    For trading and buying/selling goods. See our commercial license page.

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    Professional license

    For services and consultancy activities.

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    Industrial license

    For manufacturing and production.

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    Trade license

    The general permit to trade — see trade license.

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    Free-zone vs mainland

    Choose by market access and ownership — see mainland setup.

Who needs a UAE business license

Anyone operating a business in the UAE.

New entrants

Founders starting a UAE business and choosing the right license.

Traders

Import/export and general trading needing a commercial license.

Consultants & service firms

Needing a professional license.

Manufacturers

Needing an industrial license.

Companies renewing

Annual renewal and activity amendments.

We will help you establish your UAE company efficiently and in full legal compliance.

Our experts guide you through the full formation process. You get compliance, efficient solutions, and strategic benefits for your international operations.

Eligibility Criteria & Papers

Operating under this license requires applicants to meet technological standards that ensure fair play, robust data security, and full legal compliance.

  • Valid passport copy (all shareholders and directors)
  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, typically not older than 3 months)
  • UAE residence visa copy (if already a UAE resident)
  • No-objection certificate (NOC) from current UAE employer, where applicable
Need help confirming eligibility?
Our compliance team can review your application and guide you through the process.

How to Choose The Right Jurisdiction

We have analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of each jurisdiction so that you can make a confident decision and save time.

  • Cyprus 15% tax · IP Box
  • Estonia 0% until dividends
  • UAE 9% · 0% personal
  • USA VC-friendly
  • Poland EU · relocation
  • Bulgaria 10% · low cost
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How to get your UAE business license

From activity selection to issued license.

  • Step 01/05

    Jurisdiction and business activity

    The choice between mainland (DET-regulated, full UAE market access), free zone (100% foreign ownership, sector-specific), or offshore (holding and asset protection only) determines your licence type, office requirements, tax treatment, and visa eligibility.

  • Step 02/05

    Trade name and initial approval

    Submit your proposed company name and business activity for approval — regulated activities such as financial services require additional sector regulator sign-off before proceeding.

  • Step 03/05

    Papers and office arrangement

    Compile and attest all shareholder and director documents; arrange a physical office (mainland), flexi-desk (free zone), or confirm no office is needed (offshore) — attestation is the most common source of delays if not prepared in advance.

  • Step 04/05

    Licence issuance, UBO, and corporate tax

    Once the MOA is signed and government fees are paid, the trade licence is issued — mainland in 2–4 weeks, free zone in 5–10 business days — followed by mandatory UBO registration and FTA corporate tax registration via EmaraTax.

  • Step 05/05

    Bank account and visas

    Open a corporate account (UAE banks require trade licence, MOA, business plan, and full KYC) and process investor visas if needed — both add 2–6 weeks and should be planned in parallel with licence issuance.

Cost of a UAE business license

Cost depends on activity, jurisdiction and visas. We give a transparent quote for your case.

Offshore
From 3 000 USD
  • An ideal option for international operations
  • Without office costs
  • Minimal reporting
  • Asset Protection
  • Confidentiality & Privacy
Free Zone
From 7 000 USD
  • Residency visa issuance
  • VAT compliance support
  • Banking setup support
  • Secretary for one year 1-hour
  • Full administrative support
Mainland
From 8 000 USD
  • Ideal for those planning to operate within the UAE
  • Participate in local government tenders
  • Access to the entire domestic market

Additional services

Dubai (Ejari) address registration / validity per 1 month
$2000
Each UB after registration in Dubai
$150
Abu Dhabi (registration address manual) + 1 UB
$1300
Each additional UB after registration in Abu Dhabi
$150
Sharjah only address registration
$600
Sharjah address registration (tenant agreement) + 1 UB
$700
Each additional UB after registration in Sharjah
$150

Licensed and trading

We get your UAE business license issued correctly so you can start trading.
*Depending on the chosen structure, zone, and readiness of the founders’ documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer to your question? Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
What types of UAE business license are there?

Mainly commercial (trading), professional (services), and industrial (manufacturing), issued on mainland or in free zones.

Mainland or free zone — which license?

Mainland lets you trade across the UAE and with government; free zones offer 0% incentives and full ownership for international trade. We advise per your goals.

How long does a business license take?

Often a few days once activity, name and documents are ready.

Does the license include visas?

Visa quota depends on the license and office; we arrange visas alongside the license.

How often is renewal?

Annually. We manage renewals and any activity changes.

We Are Always Available

Our team ensures your business setup is smooth, efficient, and compliant with local laws. Contact us today to discuss your project.

Offices map
Estonia
Ukraine
Cyprus
UAE
United States
cyprus

Cyprus, Limassol

Arch. Makarios Av. III, No. 1-7, Mitsis Building 3, 3rd floor, Office 302, 1065 Nicosia

estonia

Estonia, Tallinn

Tallinn,  Harju maakond, Lasnamäe linnaosa, Ruunaoja tn 3, 11415

uae

UAE, Dubai

Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, UAE

ukraine

Ukraine, Kyiv

Kyiv, Mykhailo Boychuk Street, Office 3011, 01103, Ukraine

usa

United States, New York

228 Park Ave S, New York City, New York, 10003, USA

Get in Touch

Leave your inquiry, and our legal team will get back to you as soon as possible. Initial consultation is free of charge and confidential.