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Business License Services in Dubai

Start Your Business in Dubai with the Right License. Avantex ensures fast, compliant, and stress-free business license setup across Mainland, Free Zones, and Offshore jurisdictions.

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Avantex Business License Services in Dubai

Get Your Business License in Dubai

dubai business license

Obtaining the right business license in Dubai is essential to legally operate and succeed in this dynamic market. At Avantex, we specialize in providing fast, reliable, and fully compliant business license services in Dubai tailored to your industry and business needs. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding an existing enterprise, or entering a new free zone, our expert team guides you through every step — from application to final approval — ensuring a smooth and hassle-free licensing process. Partner with Avantex to get your business licensed efficiently and focus on what matters most: growing your business in Dubai.

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dubai business license
Step-by-Step Guide

Essentials Before Securing Your Business License

business license Business Activity

Clarify Your Business Activity

Ensure your proposed services or products align with Dubai’s list of permitted business activities. This will determine your license category and may impact approvals.

business license choose Jurisdiction

Choose the Right Jurisdiction

Select from Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore setups. Each has its own rules regarding ownership, taxes, and trade limitations. We helps you identify the most strategic option.

business license Documents

Prepare the Necessary Documents

Common documents include passport copies, visa status, a No Objection Certificate, business plan, and initial approval forms. Having these ready speeds up the application process.

business license office space

Determine Office Requirements

Understand whether your license requires a physical office, shared workspace, or if a virtual/flexi-desk option is allowed. Certain licenses require Ejari-registered tenancy contracts.

business license additional approval

Understand Additional Approvals

Some sectors (like legal, education, food, or healthcare) may need clearance from regulatory authorities. Avantex identifies these early to prevent delays or rejections.

business license Budget and Timeline

Set a Clear Budget and Timeline

Licensing costs can vary depending on the jurisdiction, number of visas, and approvals required. We helps you plan a budget and timeline to avoid unexpected expenses or delays.

Why You Need a Business License in Dubai?

Business license in uae

Starting a business in Dubai offers immense opportunities, but a valid business license is the foundation of legal operations in the UAE. Whether you're planning to launch a retail shop, consulting firm, trading company, or tech startup, a license is mandatory.

  • Legal Compliance: Dubai business license ensures you meet the legal requirements of the UAE government to operate.
  • Business Bank Account: Most banks require a valid license to open a corporate account.
  • Government and Visa Approvals: Essential for applying for investor visas, staff visas, and other permits.
  • Credibility & Protection: Demonstrates your company is legitimate, instills customer confidence, and protects you from fines or shutdowns.
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Business license in uae
What Type of License Do You Need?

Types of Business Licenses in Dubai

Commercial License

Ideal for businesses involved in trading—buying, selling, importing, or exporting goods. Suitable for retail shops, or general trading companies, operating in local and global markets.

Professional License

For individuals or firms offering specialized services like consultancy, IT, legal, design, or education. Issued based on qualifications, this license often allows 100% foreign ownership.

Industrial License

Needed for businesses engaged in manufacturing, processing, or assembling products. It typically requires industrial space and allows transformation of raw materials into finished goods.

Tourism License

Tourism licence is required for travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, and event companies. This license ensures compliance with Dubai’s tourism authority regulations.

Freelance Permit

Great for solo professionals in media, tech, education, and design. It lets individuals work legally without a full business setup, commonly issued in Free Zones.

E-Commerce License

Designed for businesses selling goods or services online, this license allows you to legally operate digital platforms, e-commerce stores, and online marketplaces within Dubai.

Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore Business License

Choosing where to register your business is critical. Here’s a simplified comparison:

Criteria Mainland Free Zone Offshore
Ownership
100% foreign ownership (as of 2021
100% foreign ownership
100% foreign ownership
Market Access
Can trade locally and internationally
Limited to Free Zone & international trade
Cannot trade within UAE
Office Requirement
Physical office required
Flexi-desk options available
No office required
Regulatory Body
Dubai DED
Respective Free Zone Authority
Offshore authority (RAK, JAFZA, etc.
Ideal For
Local trade, flexible growth
Startups, tech companies, import/export
International holdings, tax planning
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Transparent pricing

Dubai Business License Cost

Prices vary based on jurisdiction, business activity, and optional services (e.g., visas, office space). Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your business.

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MAINLAND LICENSE

AED12,500*(ONWARDS)
  • Trade Name Approval
  • Activity Pre-Approval
  • Initial License Issuance
  • No Hidden Charges
  • Government Fees Included
  • Add-ons (Visa, Office, etc.)
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FREE ZONE LICENSE

AED5,750*(ONWARDS)
  • License Only
  • 100% Ownership
  • Quick Online Registration
  • No Physical Office Required
  • Range of Business Activities
  • For Freelancers & Startups
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OFFSHORE LICENSE

AED7,500*(ONWARDS)
  • Company Name Registration
  • Offshore Incorporation
  • No Office Required
  • For Holding & Investment
  • International Banking
  • Asset Protection
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Step-by-Step Guide

Steps to Get a Business License in Dubai

business license Business name selection

Select a Business Name

Choose a unique name that meets UAE naming guidelines – no offensive terms, no religious references, and no abbreviations.

business license Legal Structure

Define the Legal Structure

Determine your business entity: LLC, Sole Proprietorship, Branch Office, or Free Zone Company.

business license Business Activities

Define Business Activities

Choose up to 10 activities that your license will cover from the official DED list.

business license Business documents

Prepare Documents

Gather essential documents such as passport copies, visa copies, NOC (if applicable), and business plan (for some activities)

business license Trade Name

Reserve Trade Name

Reserve your selected business name and submit the initial approval request to DED or the Free Zone authority.

business license Application

Application Submission

Submit the full application form to the relevant authority along with the required documents.

business license Approvals

Obtain Necessary Approvals

If your activity requires third-party or external approvals (e.g., from Dubai Municipality, KHDA, DHA), secure these early.

business license business location

Choose a Business Location

Select a suitable space based on your business needs, and finalize the lease agreement. For mainland businesses, ensure the tenancy contract is registered through Ejari.

business license payment

Pay Your Licensing Fees

Make the payments for license issuance. Once the payment is processed, your official business license will be issued and you’re ready to start operations!

How Avantex Handles Business License Services in Dubai

Let our team simplify the complex licensing process for you. Here’s how we work:

Free Consultation

Understand your business needs and recommend the best setup.

Activity & License Selection

We help you choose the right license and activities.

Paperwork & Approvals

Our team handles all documentation and coordinates with authorities

License Issuance

We deliver your approved business license, ready for operations

Get Business license in Dubai uae
Dubai’s Trusted Business Setup Partner

Why Choose Avantex?

Get Business license in Dubai uae
  • Deep knowledge of UAE legal and regulatory frameworks
  • Direct coordination with DED, Free Zones, and offshore authorities
  • Fast-track license approvals
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
  • End-to-end solutions: visas, PRO services, office space & more
  • Dedicated relationship manager to guide you at every step
Faqs on Dubai Business License

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the type of license and approvals required, it can take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days. Free Zone licenses may be processed faster, while mainland licenses may require additional approvals.

Yes. As of recent UAE reforms, foreign investors can own 100% of businesses in most sectors in both Free Zones and Mainland (subject to activity type).

Costs vary depending on your business activity, location (mainland or Free Zone), and required services. Avantex Business License Services in Dubai provides clear, upfront pricing with absolutely no hidden fees.

Yes, certain Free Zones allow virtual or flexi-desk packages. However, mainland companies typically require a physical office and Ejari tenancy contract.

Usually Passport copy, Visa copy or entry stamp, Passport-size photo, Initial approval form, and Tenancy contract (if applicable).

Not necessarily. With a Power of Attorney, Avantex can handle the entire process on your behalf remotely.

Absolutely. As part of our comprehensive business license services in Dubai, we provide end-to-end support including investor visas, employee visas, medical tests, Emirates ID processing, and more.

Still Have Questions? Ask Our Experts

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Dubai business license services
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Contact us for Business License in Dubai

Dubai business license services

Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or established investor, getting the right business license in Dubai is the first step toward success — and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

At Avantex, we specialize in providing expert business license services in Dubai, offering end-to-end support from consultation to license issuance and beyond. If you're unsure about the right license, legal structure, or setup location, our experienced consultants are just a message away. We’re committed to making the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.

Got a question or need personalized advice? Call us directly to speak with one of our setup consultants.

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Request a Call Back

We are always available to talk with you and address your concerns. Please contact us either phone or e-mail.

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