DED Dubai: Easy Guide to Business Licenses and Rules You Need

DED Dubai: Easy Guide to Business Licenses and Rules You Need

DED Dubai: Easy Guide to Business Licenses and Rules You Need

Type of License

Initial License Cost (AED)

Annual Renewal Cost (AED)

Additional Fees

Commercial License

10,000 - 15,000

8,000 - 12,000

- Trade Name Reservation: 600 - 1,000 AED 

- Market Fee: 2.5% of annual rent 

- Local Sponsor Fee: 5,000 - 10,000 AED

Professional License

7,000 - 12,000

6,000 - 10,000

- Service Agent Fee: 5,000 - 10,000 AED 

- Trade Name Reservation: 600 - 1,000 AED

Industrial License

15,000 - 25,000

12,000 - 20,000

- Industrial Area Fee: 5,000 - 10,000 AED 

- Additional Approvals: 2,000 - 5,000 AED

Tourism License

15,000 - 20,000

12,000 - 18,000

- Additional Approvals: 2,000 - 5,000 AED

Freelance License

7,000 - 10,000

6,000 - 8,000

- Service Agent Fee: 5,000 - 10,000 AED 

- Trade Name Reservation: 600 - 1,000 AED

As we know Dubai offers a friendly environment for business and is known for its luxurious lifestyle. Moreover, this global hub for business attracts millions of visitors every year due to its innovation and commerce. Whether you are a resident or a business investor in Dubai, it is good to know about the Dubai Department of Economic Development. Furthermore, it is also known as DED Dubai and plays an important role in this city of UAE. In this detailed blog, we will discuss the functions and other aspects of DED Dubai.

What is DED Dubai?

It is a government body that was established in 1992 and promotes economic activity in Dubai. Moreover, DED Dubai is responsible for setting policies and issuing licenses in this vibrant city. The mission of this organization is to attract businesses from around the world and create a friendly economic environment.

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Key Functions of DED Dubai

DED Dubai offers an extensive range of functions to create a friendly business environment. Here are some of the key functions of DED Dubai:

Business Licensing

DED Dubai's most important function is to give business licenses to those people who want to do business in Dubai. Whether you are willing to start a small business or a large corporation, it is compulsory to avail a license from DED. Moreover, this allows you to start a business legally in this bustling city.

Support for SMEs

DED Dubai offers an extensive range of programs and services to support all Small and Medium Enterprises in this city. Moreover, it allows them to grow and compete in the market of Dubai.

Economic Planning and Research

In Dubai, DED plays an important role in planning Dubai’s economic future. Furthermore, they conduct research and analysis to understand market trends. DED develops strategies to promote sustainable growth in this vibrant city.

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Types of Business Licenses Issued by DED Dubai

Commercial License

It is important for every business owner to get his commercial license who is involved in trading activity. Moreover, this License is normally required if you are aiming to open a retail store or a trading company in Dubai.

Professional License

In Dubai, if you are willing to provide professional services like educational institutions then this license is very important. Moreover, a professional license allows you to start freelancing and marketing agencies comfortably in this city.

Industrial License

If your business involves industrial activities in Dubai then it is important to obtain an industrial license. Furthermore, it is helpful for purposes like producing goods and assembling products. 

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How to Apply for a DED License

Step

Cost (AED)

Processing Time

Additional Info

1. Trade Name Reservation

600 - 1,000

1 - 2 working days

Choose a unique trade name that complies with DED's guidelines.

2. Initial Approval

1,000 - 3,000

2 - 3 working days

Required before proceeding with license application; involves basic business plan review.

3. Submission of Documents

3,000 - 5,000

2 - 4 working days

Submit all required documents to DED for review; fees vary based on license type.

4. Payment of License Fees

10,000 - 25,000

Same day

Final payment to obtain the license; fees depend on the business activity and legal structure.

5. Additional Approvals

2,000 - 5,000

3 - 7 working days

Some activities require approvals from other authorities (e.g., Dubai Municipality, DTCM).

6. License Issuance

Included in Step 4

1 - 2 working days

After all approvals and payments, the business license is officially issued by DED.

In Dubai, the process of applying for a DED license is smooth and normally involves some simple steps. The below guide is helpful for you to apply for a business license with DED Dubai:

Choose Your Business Activity

Before starting a business in Dubai it is vital to decide on the nature of your business. Moreover, DED provides a list for this purpose and you have to choose one which caters to your budget and choice.

Select a Business Name

After choosing a business, now you have to choose a name for it. Always keep in mind your business name must comply with DED’s naming guidelines and do not violate any trademark.

Prepare the Required Documents

It is vital to ready all required documents like a copy of your residence visa, Passport, and NOC. Moreover, keep in mind NOC is from your current sponsor. 

Submit the Application

Now you have to submit the application to DED after providing the required documents. Moreover, you can do this easily through the DED website or by visiting service centers. 

Pay the Fees

After submitting your application, Now you have to pay the fees that depend on the type of license.

Receive Your License

At last, when your application is approved then your business license will be issued to you. It allows you to set up your business in Dubai.