An options summary
Relevant routes and considerations for the proposed business.
License · Dubai
Business License Services in Dubai
A licensing route shaped around your business plans.
Discuss your business activities and setup requirements with Arabian Advisor. Compare relevant licensing options, organise application information and understand the steps ahead.
Tell us what your business will do and where you intend to operate.
Start with the right questions
What do you need your license for?
- Starting a new business
- Renewing an existing license
- Changing activities or company details
Not sure? Describe your situation and start there.
The right support for your next step
Start with the business you intend to operate.
Your proposed activities and operating needs should guide the licensing discussion. Establish the requirements before choosing a setup route or package.
You are starting a company.
Clarify the activities and practical requirements behind your new business.
Your renewal needs attention.
Review the current license and information needed for the next steps.
Your plans have changed.
Consider the licensing questions raised by new activities or company changes.
Scope of support
Support for the tax work your business needs.
Define the work around the selected jurisdiction and the licensing task.
01
Activity review
Clarify your proposed activities and the requirements that need checking.
A clear starting point
02
Mainland setup support
Discuss a mainland route and the relevant application arrangements.
Agreed responsibilities
03
Free-zone setup support
Compare relevant free-zone options against your activities and operating needs.
Prepared information
04
Application coordination
Organise the information and agreed steps required for the license application.
An organised approach
05
License renewal support
Review the existing license and coordinate the agreed renewal preparation.
Visibility over progress
06
License amendment support
Discuss proposed changes and prepare the relevant information for review.
Support for business changes
Licenses are issued by the relevant authorities. Confirm eligibility, required approvals and package inclusions before proceeding.
Scope of support
What should you consider before choosing a route?
Dubai offers mainland and free-zone setup options. Compare them against your specific business plans rather than price alone.
| Your situation | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Business activities | Confirm the activities to be carried out and requirements associated with them. |
| Operating location | Review how the selected jurisdiction and facilities suit your intended operation. |
| People and ownership | Clarify shareholder information and any staffing or residency requirements to assess separately. |
| Ongoing costs | Consider renewal charges and other recurring requirements alongside initial setup costs. |
The selected authority determines the relevant application requirements. Confirm current details for your activity.
Your next step starts here
Not sure where to start?
Share your circumstances so we can discuss the relevant next steps.
Prepare with confidence
What information should you prepare?
Begin with your business plans. A detailed checklist follows once the route is selected.
- Proposed activities Products or services, intended customers and operating location.
- Owner and company information Shareholder details, proposed names and relevant existing company records.
- Supporting documents Identification and other application records requested for the selected route.
Do not send confidential records through the initial enquiry form. Agree a secure sharing method first.
A useful starting point
Your license preparation checklist
Use this short list to organise your first discussion.
- Describe your business activities.
- Identify the proposed owners.
- List preferred business names.
- Clarify premises and operating needs.
- Note any staffing or visa plans.
- Set a realistic setup budget.
Know what you are commissioning
Know the route, the costs and the next steps.
Agree which planning and application outputs are included.
An application checklist
Information, documents and responsibilities for the selected process.
Records of completed steps
Application records and issued documents where the process is completed.
Fees & timescales
Understand the full setup picture.
A clear brief helps establish a realistic fee and timetable. Discuss the following factors before agreeing the work.
Jurisdiction and activity
The route and activity influence application requirements and authority charges.
Facilities and inclusions
Premises, package options and separately scoped services affect the total.
Approvals and amendments
Additional approvals or changes may affect costs and processing time.
Why start with Arabian Advisor?
Choose with a clearer view of what is included.
Connect your licensing decision with your practical business needs. Establish the proposed route, responsibilities and cost breakdown before proceeding.
Put the important questions first.
Does the route fit my activities?
Check the planned operation against the selected option.
What does the quotation include?
Distinguish service fees, authority charges and separate costs.
What remains after issuance?
Clarify the follow-up actions relevant to your setup.
Your business context matters
Different activities bring different setup questions.
Tell us about your circumstances so the discussion reflects the information and support relevant to you.
Professional services
The intended services and operating arrangements guide the discussion.
Trading and e-commerce
Products, sales channels and logistics plans inform the requirements review.
New branches or expansion
Existing company structures and proposed changes shape the documentation needed.
Your questions, answered
License FAQs.
Practical answers to help you prepare for the first conversation.
For guidance specific to your circumstances, share a short outline of what you need.
Should I choose mainland or a free zone?
Review your activities, customers and operating requirements before comparing the relevant options.
Can you help choose the business activity?
You can describe the planned work so the relevant activity classifications and requirements can be checked.
Can you assist with a renewal?
Share the current license and relevant dates to establish the renewal support required.
Can I change an existing license?
Proposed amendments must be assessed against the issuing authority’s process and requirements.
Does the package include a visa?
Only if expressly stated. Licensing and residency support should be separately identified in the proposal.
Does a license guarantee a bank account?
No. Banks assess account applications independently and may request additional information.
How much will the setup cost?
The activity, jurisdiction, facilities and selected services determine the cost. Request an itemised proposal.
How long does issuance take?
Timing depends on document readiness, required approvals and authority processing. Confirm the likely sequence for your case.
What documents are required?
The selected route determines the final checklist. Start with activity, ownership and existing company information.
Can I begin the discussion from outside the UAE?
Yes. An initial review can clarify the proposed route and identify any later attendance or documentation requirements.
Let’s start with your requirements
Start with a license that supports your plans.
Share the tax matter, reporting period and deadline you need help with.
Prefer to email?
Prefer to call?
- Business Address Shams Business Center, Sharjah Media City Free Zone, Al Messaned, UAE.
What happens next?
We review the activities and intended operation before proposing relevant options, scope and costs.
Discuss your business license
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