Commercial License Services We Provide
Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, we handle the complete process of obtaining commercial licenses and trade permits in Al Dhafra, from consultation to license issuance.
Trade License Application
New trade license processing including business activity selection, trade name reservation, and initial approval from DED.
- Activity code selection
- Trade name reservation
- DED initial approval
Trade License Renewal
Annual trade license renewal processing, including activity amendments, partner changes, and address updates as needed.
- Annual license renewal
- Activity amendments
- Partner/shareholder changes
Free Zone Licensing
Business setup and licensing in UAE free zones, offering 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified regulations.
- Free zone company formation
- 100% foreign ownership setup
- Visa & establishment card
Food & Beverage Permits
Specialized permits for restaurants, cafes, food production, and catering businesses including ADAFSA food safety approvals.
- ADAFSA food safety permit
- Restaurant & cafe licensing
- Food production permits
Health & Safety Compliance
Compliance certificates for businesses requiring health and safety approvals including medical facilities, salons, and fitness centers.
- Health facility licensing
- Salon & spa permits
- Safety compliance certificates
Business Setup Consultation
Complete advisory service on business structure, legal requirements, visa processing, and ongoing compliance for new businesses.
- Business structure advice
- Legal requirement guidance
- Visa & PRO services
Business Types We Support
We assist with all types of business formations in Al Dhafra and Abu Dhabi, whether you're an individual entrepreneur or a multinational corporation.
- Sole Proprietorship: Individual-owned businesses
- LLC: Limited Liability Companies
- Branch Office: For existing UAE or foreign companies
- Free Zone: Businesses in designated free zones
- Professional License: For service-based businesses
- Industrial License: For manufacturing and production
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Licenses
Get answers to common questions about commercial licensing, business setup, and trade permits in Al Dhafra.
The type of license depends on your business activity. Common categories include commercial (trading and general commerce), professional (services and consulting), industrial (manufacturing), tourism, and food and beverage. The Department of Economic Development (DED) classifies activities and assigns the appropriate license type. We help you identify the correct license for your specific business.
A mainland license allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE and trade directly with the local market without restrictions. A free zone license offers benefits like 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions but restricts your ability to trade directly with the mainland market. We advise on the best option based on your business model and goals.
Depending on your business activity, you may need additional approvals from Civil Defense (fire safety), Municipality (premises approval), Food Safety Department (for F&B), Health Authority (for medical/health), Tourism Department (for tourism activities), and other specialized authorities. We coordinate all necessary approvals in parallel.
With all documents ready, a standard trade license can be issued within 1-3 weeks. However, businesses requiring additional authority approvals (such as restaurants, clinics, or industrial operations) may take 4-8 weeks. Our established relationships with all relevant departments help expedite the process significantly.
Yes, we handle all aspects of commercial license management including annual renewals, activity amendments, partner changes, trade name modifications, and branch registrations. We also provide reminders before renewal deadlines to ensure your license never lapses.
Need a Commercial License?
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our business setup experts will guide you through the entire licensing process.