To invest and engage in trade activities in the UAE, companies and individuals need to obtain a series of permits and licenses. The application process and specific requirements for these licenses may vary depending on the industry and emirate the company is in. Usually, these licenses are issued by the UAE Department of Economic Development (DED), and companies should carefully study the relevant laws and regulations before applying to ensure that they meet all regulatory requirements.

Table of Contents

1. Application for investment license 2. Application for Import and Export License 3. License Application Process

1. Application for investment license

1. Commercial license (trade license):

Purpose: Applicable to enterprises engaged in trade activities or commodity trading.

Coverage: Import and export business, sales, logistics, travel services, department store retail, real estate and other fields.

Issuing agency: Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) and other government departments.

Application conditions: Enterprises need to clarify the scope of business and submit relevant supporting documents.

2. Industrial License:

Purpose: Applicable to enterprises engaged in manufacturing.

Coverage: Manufacturing activities that transform natural materials and resources into final products by manual or mechanical means.

Issuing agency: DED and other government departments.

Application conditions: Enterprises need to have corresponding production equipment and process flow, and comply with the UAE's environmental protection and safety regulations.

3. Professional License:

Purpose: Applicable to service providers, artisans and craftsmen, etc.

Coverage: Multiple service industries such as medical services, beauty salons, and repair services.

Issuing agency: Government departments such as DED.

Application conditions: Applicants must demonstrate their professional skills and service experience to prove their qualifications and ability to engage in relevant service industries in the UAE.

2. Application for Import and Export License

The UAE Import and Export License is a license issued by the UAE Department of Economic Development (DED) and is mainly used to regulate and supervise import and export activities in the UAE.

1. The role and importance of the license

Legal operation: Any form of business in the UAE, including import and export, must hold a valid trade license.

Legal compliance: Violation of the license regulations may result in fines or even business prohibition.

2. Application and renewal of the license

Application process: The company needs to submit a detailed application to the UAE Department of Economic Development, including the company's business plan, business scope, etc.

Update frequency: The license needs to be renewed regularly to maintain its validity.

3. Required documents and certificates

Commercial invoice: Details the quantity, description and total value of each imported goods.

Certificate of origin: Approved by the Chamber of Commerce of the origin, indicating the origin of the goods.

Packing list: Includes the weight, packaging method and HS code of each item of goods.

Bill of lading or airway bill: Applicable to sea and air transportation.

Health certificate (if involving food products): Issued by the government agency of the exporting country, certifying that the product is suitable for human consumption.

Halal slaughter certificate (if it involves meat and poultry products): proves that the product meets Halal standards.

4. Import restrictions on specific goods

Prohibited import goods: including controlled/recreational drugs and narcotics, pirated content, counterfeit currency, etc.

Restricted import goods: Certain goods such as nylon fishing nets, radioactive pollutants, betel leaves, etc., require approval from government regulatory authorities before import.

3. License Application Process

1. Determine the company type and business scope: Select a suitable company form (such as a limited liability company, free zone company, etc.) and clarify the business scope.

2. Choose a company name: Select a company name that complies with UAE regulations and conduct a name verification.

3. Submit registration documents: Prepare and submit registration documents such as company articles, shareholder information, director information, etc.

4. Obtain preliminary approval: Submit an application to the relevant government department and wait for preliminary approval.

5. Pay fees: Pay the relevant registration fees and license fees.

6. Obtain a license: After obtaining approval and paying the fees, collect the corresponding license.