Business License Types in the UAE Free Zones – All You Need to Know

Company Setup in the UAE Free Zones is one of the most preferred choices among foreign investors mainly due to :

• 100% Foreign Ownership
• Tax-free Business Setup
• No Customs Duty on Imports & Exports
• World-Class Infrastructure,
• Easy Business Setup
• Global Market Access
• And many more…

Expert business consultants will guide you through the complete process of company formation in the UAE Free Zones ensuring a hassle-free company setup at the fastest possible time and lowest cost.

Type of Business License available in the UAE Free Zones

The following are the types of business licenses and allied activities for the investors to choose from based on their nature of business.

Commercial License

For all businesses involved in trading in and outside of UAE, a Commercial License is mandatory.

List of business activities under the Commercial License Category in UAE

• Computer Software Trading
• Plastic Bags & Containers Trading
• Medical Gas Trading
• Agricultural Pesticides Trading
• Acids & Alkaline Trading
• Wooden Products Trading
• Pipes & Fittings Trading
• Food & Beverages Trading
• Audio-Visual, Recording Equipment & Accessories Trading
• Perfumes & Cosmetics Trading
• Paper Products Trading
• And many more

Industrial License

An Industrial License is issued to all companies that are into the manufacturing of equipment, clothes, durable items, etc. For manufacturing or industrial licenses, the company must have a physical office in Dubai.

List of business activities under the Industrial License Category in UAE

• Garments Manufacturing License
• Pastry & Sweets Manufacturing
• Fabrics & Textiles Embroidering
• Carpets Manufacturing
• Mineral Water Bottling
• Fishing Net Making
• Uniforms Manufacturing
• Plastic Bottles & Containers Manufacturing
• And many more

Professional License

Professional Licenses are required by professionals, service providers, artists, etc. Professional License is for those who share their expertise as a service.

List of business activities under the Professional License Category in UAE

• Electronic Engineering Consultancy
• Mechanical Engineering Consultancies
• Science & Technology Consultancy
• Immigration Consultancy
• Corporate Services Provider
• Health Awareness Consultancy
• Marketing Research & Consultancies
• Project Management Consultancy
• Media Consultancy
• Event Management Consultancy
• Travel & tourism
• health & fitness consultancy
• Educational consultancy
• And many more

*Note: the list of business activities is mentioned here is not an exhaustive list, there are more than 3000 business activities listed by the Free Zones and DED in UAE. For more details on business activities, reach out to our business consultants.

For Free Zones, the business license renewal is done through the respective Free Zone Authority.

Business License Renewal in UAE Free Zones

For Free Zone companies, the license renewal is to be processed in the respective free zone through the Freezone portal. The Free Zones of UAE is out of the scope of the DED and is a separate Business Jurisdiction that has specific regulations, licensing procedures, and operations.

Business Consultants who have registered your company or new business consultants can assist you in Trade License Renewal even if you are out of the country or busy with your core business activities. Any delay and non-renewal of a Business License in Dubai attract penalties and could lead to the blacklisting of the company. Also, it will affect the business’s credibility and any future business operations

Hence, appointing a business consultant is the best option to avoid any hassles while renewing and also save on any late fee payments.

How Aurion will help you?

Aurion Business Consultants are the pioneers in the field of Company Formation and allied business services in the UAE. We are registered agents of all major free zones of the UAE.

Our experts are here to answer all your queries about Business Setup, License renewals, residence visa processing, corporate bank account opening, and whatever comes under the scope of company formation in UAE.

We will handhold you throughout the company formation and ensure you set up your business in the most comfortable manner. For any assistance on company setup, feel free to reach out to us right away!

Read more about Mainland Business License Types in UAE.