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Setting up a business license in Dubai requires the following steps, whether it's on the mainland or in the free zones: 

1. Determine Your Business Activity and Type of License

There are mainly three types of licenses issued within Dubai: Commercial for trading, Professional for service provision, and Industrial for manufacturing or production activities. You would need to precisely define your business activity in order to choose which license is necessary. 

2. Determine Business Structure

Your legal structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, or partnership) will, therefore, impact your licensing process. Mainland companies usually need a local sponsor or partner, while free zones allow 100% foreign ownership. Your decision will impact many aspects of the business, from cost to scope of operation to market reach.

3. Reserve a Trade Name and Get Initial Approval

First, reserve the trade name at the DED for mainland establishments or with the concerned Free Zone Authority for the free zone; the name is to be selected in a way that does not conflict with any of the established naming conventions under Dubai law or with public morals and religious sensitivities. Second, apply for an initial approval proving that one's business activity does not contradict the local rules.

4. Prepare Documents and Find Premises

Prepare the required documents, which generally include:

  • Copies of the passports, as well as personal information of the shareholders or partners.
  • A detailed business plan.
  • Memorandum of Association for mainland companies.
  • No Objection Certificates, when applicable.

You are also expected to obtain a physical office. Provide a valid tenancy contract or lease agreement indicating your business address.

5. Final Application and Fee Payment

With your documents in place and office space, submit a complete application to the DED in the case of mainland businesses or to the concerned Free Zone Authority. After reviewing it, you need to pay the license fees. When this is processed and all conditions satisfied, your business license is issued.

6. Get Extra Approvals

Depending on your industry, additional approvals from bodies like the Municipality, Dubai Health Authority, or Civil Defense may be necessary.

Consulting a local business setup advisor can streamline the process and ensure compliance with all regulations, setting the stage for your success in Dubai’s dynamic market.

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