When you are looking to setup a business in the UAE, a Trade License is the single most important document that you need. It is the authorization to start a business issued by the local government.

1. Select a business activity and name - Your business activity must fall within one of the six types of license categories: industrial, commercial, professional, tourism, agricultural, and occupational
2. Decide Legal Form - Businesspersons can select from 12 legal forms such as general partnerships, limited partnership, limited liability company (LLC), public joint-stock company (PJSC), private joint-stock company (PrJSC), sole establishment, and holding companies
3. Select an Economic Zone
   • Mainland - A mainland company is an onshore business within the geographic UAE registered with the government of the concerned Emirate
   • Free zone - Free zone companies are set up under a particular jurisdiction of a specific emirate. They are authorized to do business within their jurisdiction and outside UAE
4. Prepare documentation and apply for initial approvals - initial no objection approvals can be obtained from the UAE Government and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (in the case of foreign investors) upon submitting these documents
5. Draft your MoA/LSA - A signed Memorandum of Association (MoA) or Local Service Agent Agreement (LSA) is required depending on the legal form of the business
6. You can reach out to one of the many UAE-based law firms, courts, and notary public to help you prepare and attest to your MoAs, LSAs, and other relevant agreements
7. Rent office space
   • Mainland - Businesses in the UAE must have a physical office space that will also determine the number of visas the firm can obtain from the Department of Economic Development
   • Free zone - Office space is not necessary as they can avail of virtual license or hot desking
     Once you have chosen an office, sign a tenancy contract with the concerned real-estate agency or owner and submit with other general documents to activate your Ejari account with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)
8. Register and get your Trade Licence - A business registration fee and the following notarized and attested documents will need to be submitted to the Department of Economic Development

When you are looking to apply for a Trade License, knowing the features and services included is important for your business. Compare the various Trade Licenses and their features below.

Initial approvals

• Completed application forms
• Business plan
• All relevant local and home country IDs
• Passport copies of shareholders, partners, and managers
• Financial reports and bank statements
• NOC from sponsor (in the case of mainland business application)
• Letter of intent
• Curriculum vitae (for freelancers)
• Bank reference letter

Final approvals

• Trade license application
• Trade name reservation certificate
• Memorandum of Association (MoA)
• Initial approval certificate
• External approvals
• Tenancy contract
• Ejari registration certificate
• Passport copies of partners and managers
• Other relevant government and DED requirements if necessary