- Our Process
Step-by-Step Trade License Application Process
It may seem like a technical process to obtain your trade license in the UAE, but it is relatively easy if you have the appropriate experts on your side who are well familiar with the system from within. We guide you through each here at Aurum so you don’t need to worry about dealing with authorities.
To begin with, you need to ask for the business activity you intend to undertake. RAKEZ boasts over 4,000 approved activities across various sectors, commercial, professional, industrial, etc. Whatever business category you choose, you will be issued the license as per your activity. If you're opening a retail outlet, commencing a consultancy firm, or establishing a logistics company, RAKEZ has all options available to you.
If you're uncertain which activity is most suited to your business goals, our Aurum advisers are on hand to help you make the right choice.
Next, you'll need to reserve a trade name for your business. The name must comply with UAE naming rules, no objectionable names, no reference to religious or political groups, and not identical to any businesses currently in operation.
Once you've picked a suitable name, we’ll reserve it on your behalf with the relevant authority. This step is essential to secure your company identity before proceeding further.
Now comes the paperwork. Depending on your chosen free zone or mainland authority, the required documents may vary slightly. Typically, you’ll need:
- Passport copy of the owner and shareholders
- Passport-sized photo
- Business plan (in some cases)
- Application form
- Initial approval proof (if applicable)
Aurum will handle this area, and you don't need to worry about missing or incorrect documents. We ensure all documents are filed correctly and in a timely manner.
Once your documents are cleared, you will receive a payment voucher from the licensing authority. The trade license fee depends on many factors, your activity, number of visa quotas, business location, and office type (e.g., flexi-desk, executive office).
We will give you a clear break-up of the charges in advance so that you know what to expect. Upon payment, the process moves to the final step.
Once the payment is made and all the documents have been submitted, your trade license will be issued. This will take between 24 hours to 5 working days, depending on the authority. With the license, you can now legally operate your business in the UAE. You can also apply for your Investor Visa, business bank account, and begin recruiting employees if needed.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Your Common Questions Answered
What is the cost of a trade license in UAE?
The cost of the trade license in the UAE depends on several factors, your business activity, jurisdiction, visa requirements, and office space.
In RAKEZ Economic Zone, you can begin with a basic starter package from AED 5,500, which includes standard features like a flexi-desk and a single activity. For more complex business requirements, for example, industrial activity or several shareholders or industrial operations, the cost can increase.
How long does it take to get a trade license?
If you are opening business in a free zone like RAKEZ, you can get your UAE trade license within 24 hours to 5 working days. It is our work to make this easy for you by making all the formalities in advance.
What do I need to apply for a trade license?
For the majority of cases, the documents include, shareholders’ passport copies, passport-sized photos, completed application form, initial business plan (for certain types of licenses) and trade name reservation approval. If your plans involve Investor Visas or foreign approvals, you might have additional paperwork. Don’t worry, we’ll inform you exactly what to submit and when.
Can I combine multiple business activities in one license?
Yes, you can. As long as the activities fall within the same license category for a license (e.g., all commercial or all service), you can group them together on one a single trade license.
If your activities fall under more than a single category, you may be needed to secure approval or a second license. We will help you ascertain the most cost-effective way of licensing your license.
Am I allowed to have 100% foreign ownership of my business as a foreign national?
Yes. In free zones such as RAKEZ Economic Zone, you can hold 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local sponsor. This grants full control to global entrepreneurs in their enterprise.
Am I able to use my trade license to apply for an Investor Visa?
Yes. Your trade license makes you eligible to apply for a UAE Investor Visa. Under this visa, you can live and work in the UAE legally, sponsor your family, and even open a local bank account. Aurum handles the entire visa process from submission to medical tests and Emirates ID.
What if I wish to change my business activity in the future?
That is not an issue. Business activities can be altered or added later through a formal amendment procedure. This involves renewing your license with the respective free zone possibly submitting supporting documents.
Can I conduct business from home?
That is not an issue. Business activities can be altered or added later through a formal amendment procedure. This involves renewing your license with the respective free zone possibly submitting supporting documents.
Can I expand or upgrade my business later in the free zone?
Yes, indeed. One of the key benefits of setting up in RAKEZ Economic Zone is that you are free to expand your business as it grows. You can upgrade your license, add more activities, grow your quota of visas, or even move to a larger office or warehouse space—all in the same free zone.
Which is the best free zone in the UAE to set up my business?
The majority of investors prefer RAKEZ Economic Zone because of its competitive packages, range of license options, speedy processing, and strategic location near seaports, highways, and RAK International Airport. Whether you have media zone, academic license, or industrial land requirement, RAKEZ has the solution for everything.