Dubai is one of the world’s leading investment destinations, with the UAE government adopting policies that contribute to enhancing the business environment and facilitating the procedures for establishing companies. Among these pioneering initiatives, the “Instant License” comes as an innovative solution that aims to accelerate the process of issuing commercial licenses for individuals and companies. The Instant License allows investors to start their businesses quickly and efficiently, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to providing distinguished services that are in line with the aspirations of businessmen and investors.

This license is designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized business owners who seek to realize their business ideas as quickly as possible. The most prominent feature of the Instant License is that it can be obtained within minutes, without having to wait for long periods to obtain the necessary permits. The simple steps required to issue the Instant License include submitting the application online, providing some basic documents such as the Emirates ID and information about the desired business activity.

This initiative works to strengthen the local economy by supporting the spirit of initiative and creativity, which contributes to creating new job opportunities and stimulating economic growth. Moreover, the instant license contributes to enhancing competitiveness among companies by accelerating their entry into the market, making it an ideal option for aspiring investors.

In this article, we will review in detail the steps to issue an instant license in Dubai, its benefits, and the most important commercial activities in Dubai that can be covered, reflecting the vital role that this license plays in enhancing the business environment in the emirate.

How to Issue an Instant License in Dubai

In Dubai, there is a system for issuing instant licenses known as “Instant License” that enables you to obtain a commercial license in a short time. Here is how to issue an instant license in Dubai:

Choose the business activity: Identify your main and subsidiary business activity that you wish to practice.
Choose the location: Identify your business location in a free zone or commercial zone in Dubai.
Determine the organizational structure: Decide on the type of company and the organizational responsibilities of shareholders and managers.
Submit the application: Go to the Department of Economic Development in Dubai or their website and submit the instant license application.
Complete the documents: Provide all the required documents, such as passport, personal photos, lease contract, and any other required documents.
Quick verification: The instant license may be issued after quick verification of the submitted documents.
Pay the fees: Pay the required fees to issue the instant license.
Receive the license: After fulfilling all the conditions and required payments, you will get the instant license.
Implementing the business: Once you obtain the license, you can start implementing your business in Dubai.

Types of commercial licenses in Dubai

In Dubai, there are several types of commercial licenses, each type serves different purposes and depends on the nature of the business activity. Here are the most prominent types of commercial licenses in Dubai:

Commercial license: Granted to businesses that include the sale or purchase of goods and services. This license requires specifying a trade name and the required business activity.
Industrial license: Issued to companies that engage in industrial activities such as manufacturing and production. Obtaining it requires providing certain requirements related to the location and equipment.
Professional license: Granted to businesses that provide professional services such as law, consulting and design. You need to provide certificates and data proving the qualifications of workers in the field.
Free zone license: Granted to companies operating in Dubai’s free zones, where they enjoy privileges such as tax exemptions and 100% freedom of ownership.
E-commerce license: It is designated for commercial activities conducted online, and requires meeting certain requirements to ensure the safety and security of transactions.
Branch license: Granted to foreign companies wishing to open branches in Dubai. Must comply with the requirements of the parent company.

Tourism License: Granted to businesses related to tourism, such as hotels and travel agencies. Additional conditions are required for tourism licenses and privileges.

Required documents to obtain commercial licenses in Dubai

To obtain a commercial license in Dubai, a set of necessary documents and papers must be submitted. The requirements vary slightly depending on the type of business activity, but in general, the required documents include the following:

Application for a license: The designated form must be filled out.

A copy of the passport: A valid copy of the passport of the owner or partners in the company is required.
A personal photo: A personal photo of the owner or manager is required.
A company’s articles of association: If the company is owned by two or more persons, the articles of association must be submitted.
Approvals of the relevant authorities: Some commercial activities may require obtaining approvals from certain authorities, such as the Ministry of Health or the Roads and Transport Authority, depending on the nature of the business.

Business address: Proof of the commercial address, such as a lease or ownership contract, must be provided.

Business plan: A business plan containing details of the business activity may be required.
No Objection Certificate: If the owner or one of the partners is an employee of a government entity, he or she may need a No Objection Certificate from their employer.

Proof of Identity: The Emirates ID of the owner or partners must be provided.

How to Start a Successful Business in Dubai

Starting a successful business in Dubai or anywhere else requires good planning and excellent execution. Here are some key steps that can be followed to start a successful business in Dubai:

Market Study: Conduct a comprehensive market study to understand the market needs, competitors and available opportunities.

Create a solid business plan: Define your goals, strategies and operational plans including finance, marketing and human resources.

Choose a business activity: Determine the type of business you want to operate and ensure that it is in line with the local market.

Licenses and Permits: Obtain all the necessary licenses and permits to operate your business in Dubai.

Infrastructure and Location: Carefully select the location of your business and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support your business.

Marketing and Promotion: Develop an effective marketing plan to promote your business and attract potential customers.

Human Resources Management: Select the right team, develop employee development plans and manage human resources effectively.
Performance Evaluation and Continuous Improvement: Regularly evaluate your project’s performance and make necessary improvements to ensure its continued success.

In conclusion, the issuance of the instant license in Dubai is an important step towards enhancing the business environment and facilitating procedures for startups and investors. This license reflects the Dubai government’s commitment to promoting economic growth and supporting entrepreneurship, making it an ideal destination for investment.

The instant license offers many advantages, including the speed of obtaining a license, allowing investors to start their business in a short time, without having to go through complex traditional procedures. This license also contributes to reducing the costs associated with issuing licenses, which enhances the viability of small and medium enterprises.

Moreover, the instant license is flexible as it can be customized to suit different business activities, allowing investors the freedom to choose their fields of work according to their desires and market needs. It also enhances opportunities for innovation and expansion, as investors can experiment with new ideas without significant risks.

However, investors must ensure that they comply with legal and regulatory requirements to ensure the success and continuity of their businesses. Therefore, obtaining advice from specialists in the field of company formation may be a smart move to ensure compliance and avoid potential obstacles.

Top FAQs about Instant License Issuance in Dubai

What are the requirements for obtaining an instant license?

An instant license requires simple documents such as a passport, a personal photo, and a business address. Requirements may vary depending on the type of business activity.

How long does it take to issue an instant license?

An instant license can be issued within a few hours, usually between 30 minutes to two hours.

Can foreigners obtain an instant license?

Yes, foreigners can obtain an instant license, but they must comply with certain terms and requirements related to ownership.

What are the business activities that can be obtained an instant license?
The activities that can be issued an instant license usually include commercial and service activities, but the list of permitted activities must be checked by the Department of Economy and Tourism.

Does a business premises require a business premises?
In most cases, obtaining an instant license requires a business premises or an approved business address.