How to get an Instant Trade License in Dubai?

Posted by Dubai Approval Team on November 12th, 2020

Dubai is one of the most expanded regions in the UAE. Multiple business opportunities in Dubai attract foreign businessmen and investors each year. Dubai offers a huge business market for foreign investors to invest and business set up possibilities. Understanding and identifying the need of the market, the Instant Trade License in Dubai was introduced by the Department of Economic Development in Dubai. 

What is the Instant License in Dubai? 

The instant license makes it easier and quicker for business persons to acquire a trade license and start their business in the UAE mainland. It is a one-step process that does not need either the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or the rent contract for the first year. You submit these only upon renewal of the business license. 

Benefits 

To obtain a commercial or professional license could take about two days or more because it depends on the nature of your company and the documentation and approval requirements specific to your business. 

Here’s a quick look at the benefits of instant license in Dubai: 

• Issued in 5-10 minutes 

• Same day issuance 

• Start conducting business immediately 

• Trade name registration not required for the first year 

• MOA not required for the first year 

• No rent contract required for the first year 

• Online or in-person application 

Who can apply for an Instant Trade License in Dubai? 

Companies have the following business structures can apply for an instant license in Dubai: 

• Limited Liability Company 

• One Person L.L.C. 

• Sole Proprietorship 

• Civil Company 

Some external approvals are additional approvals required from other government authorities or government-approved agencies. 

Required Documents for an Instant License in Dubai 

Document requirements can differ. depends on the channel through which you apply for the instant license. 

If applying through DED’s e-Services platform: 

• No additional documents required 

• Original ID required to create an account and get a UAE Pass ID  

If you are applying through Service Centers, Happiness Lounges, or Smart Lounge: 

• Passport copies of all partners and managers  

• UAE residence visa copy and Emirates ID of foreign partners 

• UAE visit visa copy of foreign partner [if not holding a residence visa] 

• NOC from the current sponsor of residence visa-holding partners 

• Passport copy and Emirates ID of local sponsor 

Cost of Instant License 

Payment Voucher 

You will get a single payment voucher which includes the fees for initial approval, trade name reservation, and issuance of the license. The cost of the instant license varies, depending on the activity of your company. However, a fixed Market Fee of AED 3,000* applies to all types of business activities. 

To support and encourage business persons during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubai Economy has reduced the Market Fee to AED 250. This amount is applicable for the first year. From the second year onwards, the renewal fee will be 2.5% of the rent of your commercial space. 

Sponsorship Fees 

It is necessary for any UAE mainland business to have a local sponsor. The sponsorship fee is based on the mutual agreement between you and your local sponsor. 

Application Process 

These are the basic steps to apply for an instant license in Dubai on the DED e-Services platform: 

• Select the Legal Type – LLC, LLC-SO, Civil Company, or Sole Establishment 

• Select your business activity  

• Select the shareholding structure of your company 

• Decide three trade name options 

• Decide the share capital of your company 

• Complete the necessary application forms 

• Submit the required documents 

• A payment voucher will be issued 

• Make the payment 

• Receive the Instant License 

Once the trade license in Dubai is issued, you 

• Instantly become a member of the Dubai Chamber, if your business engages in commercial activity 

• Get an establishment card of the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), for an additional fee 

• Get three work permits for employees from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation  

If you would like to get an instant trade license in Dubai, contact Dubai Approvals Now.