A Trade Licence is the legal foundation of any business in the UAE. It defines your business activity, your operational permissions, and your company’s regulatory category. Whether Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore, every business must hold a valid Trade Licence to operate.
VADA manages the entire licence setup process from start to finish — ensuring accuracy, speed, and full UAE compliance.
A Trade Licence is an official document issued by a UAE authority that authorises a company to conduct specific activities in the region.
Types of licences include:
1. Commercial Licence
For trading, e-commerce, retail, wholesale, import/export.
2. Professional Licence
For service-based businesses such as consultancy, marketing, PRO, IT, design, education, etc.
3. Industrial Licence
For manufacturing, assembly, and production activities.
4. Tourism Licence
For travel agencies, tour operators, and tourism-related services.
We identify the exact approved activity from the UAE’s activity lists: - DED (Mainland) - Free Zone authorities - Offshore registries
We choose the correct licensing authority based on: - Business needs - Cost expectations - Visa requirements - Industry sector - Office requirements
We secure a compliant and professional business name.
Authorisation from the relevant authority based on the chosen activities.
Certain activities require additional approvals: - Dubai Municipality - KHDA - DHA - RTA - Food Safety Department - Tourism Department - Civil Defense
Legal documents defining ownership and responsibilities.
Mainland licences require: - Ejari registration - Office space or Flexi desk
Once all steps are complete, the licence is officially issued.
STEP 1 — Consultation & Activity Selection
STEP 2 — Jurisdiction and licence type identification
STEP 3 — Trade name reservation
STEP 4 — Initial approval
STEP 5 — MOA/AOA drafting (if required)
STEP 6 — Office space / Ejari (if applicable)
STEP 7 — Final licence issuance
STEP 8 — Establishment card and immigration file (if visas needed)
(Mainland only)
(if applicable)
– Fast approval process
– Full documentation accuracy
– End-to-end PRO support
– No government office visits
– Full compliance with UAE regulations
– Correct activity selection to avoid future issues
– Clean, structured company documentation
