Dubai Free Zone Business License Dubai is one of the most prominent economic destinations in the world, offering unique investment opportunities and numerous facilities for investors of different nationalities. One of the most prominent features that attract entrepreneurs to Dubai is the free zones, which provide a flexible and encouraging business environment that enables investors to establish their companies easily and effectively. Dubai’s free zones are designed to meet the needs of companies that wish to benefit from the advanced infrastructure and tax and legislative benefits provided by the government. A free zone business license is one of the main steps to establish a company and start practicing commercial activities. This license gives investors many advantages such as tax exemptions and full ownership of the company without the need for a local partner, making Dubai an ideal destination for establishing companies in various sectors such as trade, services, technology, and manufacturing.

Free zone companies enjoy great flexibility in terms of management and operation, as investors can choose the type of business activity that suits them and get full support from the competent authorities in the free zone. To simplify procedures and reduce complications, companies such as “Itqan” provide specialized and comprehensive services to investors wishing to obtain a commercial license and establish their companies in Dubai. “Itqan” works to provide specialized consultations and guidance on how to submit the required documents, choose the most appropriate type of company, and facilitate obtaining the necessary approvals from government agencies.

A free zone business license is more than just a work permit, it is the key to success and growth in a global economic environment that offers limitless opportunities. With the guidance and support of companies like Etqan, a Dubai Free Zone Business License, obtaining a business license and setting up a company in Dubai becomes a smooth and quick process that enables investors to enter the growing Dubai market with confidence and peace of mind.

Types of commercial licenses available in Dubai free zones

Dubai’s free zones are an ideal environment for investors looking to establish their companies, thanks to the facilities and exemptions they offer. These zones offer a variety of commercial licenses that suit different commercial and service activities, allowing investors to choose the license that matches the nature of their work and investment goals. The types of commercial licenses available in the free zones vary according to the commercial activity and type of company, and these licenses help simplify legal procedures and facilitate starting a business in an environment characterized by flexibility and innovation. Types of commercial licenses available in Dubai’s free zones:

• Commercial License: A commercial license is issued to companies that operate in the field of general trade or the sale of goods. This license is required for any activity that involves buying and selling products inside or outside the UAE. Free zones provide the possibility of obtaining this license for commercial activities that include distribution, import, and export.
• Industrial License: The industrial license is granted to companies operating in the field of manufacturing and production. Industrial activities include the production of various goods and products, processing of raw materials, and packaging of products. This license allows companies to benefit from the facilities of the advanced industrial infrastructure available in the free zones.
• Professional License: A professional license is issued for businesses that provide professional services such as consulting, legal services, accounting, or design. This license is intended for individuals and companies that provide specialized services that require specific technical or professional skills.
• Services License: A services license is granted to companies that provide various services such as logistics, maintenance, or educational services. This license covers a wide range of service activities that are not related to physical products but rather focus on providing specific services.
• Mixed License: The mixed license is offered to investors who wish to combine multiple commercial, industrial or service activities into one. This license allows companies to combine commercial, industrial and service activities, providing greater flexibility in managing the business.
• Small and Medium Enterprises License: This license targets start-ups and small and medium enterprises that seek to benefit from the business environment in the free zones while enjoying advantages related to costs and tax exemptions.

Dubai offers investors in free zones the benefit of a wide range of business licenses that meet their needs and help them achieve their investment goals with flexibility and efficiency.

Documents required to obtain a commercial license in the free zone

Establishing a company in the free zones in Dubai requires submitting a set of basic documents to obtain a commercial license. These documents ensure compliance with the legal and administrative requirements set by the competent authorities in the free zones. By submitting the required documents accurately, the process of obtaining a license can be accelerated and ensure a smooth and efficient start-up. The required documents vary depending on the type of company and business activity, but there are basic common documents that all applicants must submit. Cooperating with specialized companies such as “Itqan” can contribute to facilitating the collection of these documents and ensuring their compliance with local laws. Documents required to obtain a commercial license in the free zone :

• Copy of Passport: Each founder or partner must submit a color copy of his/her passport. The passport must be valid and include clear information about his/her national identity.
• Headshots: Most free zones require recent headshots of founders and executives. The photos are usually of a specific dimension and with a white background.
• Lease Contract: A lease contract for the company’s premises in the free zone must be submitted. This premises can be an office or a co-working space depending on the business requirements.
• Business Plan: Obtaining a license requires submitting a detailed business plan that explains the nature of the business activity, objectives, target market, and operational strategy.
• Approval of the competent authorities: For some commercial activities, additional approvals may be required from the competent authorities or government agencies concerned with the type of activity.
• License Application Form: The commercial license application form provided by the free zone must be completed. The information must be provided accurately and the form must be signed by all parties involved.
• Copy of previous visas (if any): If the founders or partners have previously obtained work or residence visas in the UAE, a copy of these visas must be submitted.
• Bank Certificate: Some free zones may require a certificate from a local bank confirming the existence of a bank account for the company, and opening an account usually requires submitting a copy of the passport and contract.
• Business Activity Permit: If the business activity requires special permits or additional licenses, copies of these must be submitted with the license application.
• Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association: The company’s articles of association and memorandum of association must be submitted, which explain its organizational structure, the roles of the partners, and their responsibilities.

Accurately compiling and submitting these documents speeds up the processing of the commercial license application and helps ensure that the company complies with legal and administrative standards. With the support of specialized companies such as “Itqan”, this process can be simplified and any delay in obtaining the license can be avoided.

Learn about a commercial license in the free zone

A Dubai Free Zone business license is a crucial step to starting any business in one of the world’s most dynamic economic environments. With the unique benefits free zones offer such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and customs facilitations, this license is a golden gateway to both the UAE and international markets. With Dubai’s developing infrastructure and continued government support to attract investments, free zones remain an ideal choice for investors looking for a flexible and supportive business environment.

Free zones facilitate the complex procedures related to company formation, however, it remains essential to cooperate with specialized experts such as “Itqan” to ensure that the process runs smoothly and avoids any delays. “Itqan” provides a comprehensive range of services that include legal consultations, document preparation, and communication with the relevant government agencies, which makes obtaining a commercial license easier and more convenient. Moreover, “Itqan” helps investors choose the type of business activity that best suits them based on their investment goals, and provides them with full support at every stage of company formation.

By obtaining a commercial license in the free zone, investors can focus on developing their business without worrying about administrative or legal challenges, as “Itqan” is ready to provide effective and practical solutions. “Itqan”’s role is not limited to facilitating procedures, but extends to providing valuable advice on how to enhance the chances of success and achieve the desired goals in the local and international market.

Ultimately, obtaining a free zone business license is the beginning of a long journey of unique investment opportunities in Dubai. With the specialized support of Etqan, investors can embark on a prosperous future in the business world, benefiting from the advanced infrastructure and supportive economic policies that Dubai provides to all those who seek success and innovation.

Frequently asked questions about a free zone business license