Yes, activities can be modified or expanded through a license amendment process. Additional activities that fall under your existing license category usually require minimal paperwork. Adding activities from different license categories may require more substantial amendments or potentially a secondary license. We provide ongoing amendment services, helping businesses evolve their operational scope as they grow and diversify.
While certain procedures traditionally required physical presence, we’ve developed remote processing solutions allowing international entrepreneurs to obtain their Trade License with minimal or no physical presence in Dubai. Through legally valid power of attorney arrangements, most documentation and signing requirements can be handled remotely. However, for bank account opening, at least one visit is typically required due to international banking regulations.
The standard processing time ranges from 5-15 business days depending on jurisdiction and business activity. Free Zone licenses typically process faster (5-10 days) while Mainland licenses may take 10-15 days. Our expedited service can reduce these timeframes by 30-50%. Certain specialized activities requiring additional approvals from regulatory bodies may take longer, which we clearly communicate during the initial planning phase.
Visa allocation depends on your license type, jurisdiction, and office space. Mainland companies typically receive visa quotas based on office size (approximately 1 visa per 100 sq.ft). Free Zones offer package-based allocations ranging from 2-15 visas depending on your selected package. Executive visas for owners and directors have different requirements from employee visas. We provide comprehensive visa quota assessment during the planning stage.
Dubai offers extensive banking options including international banks (HSBC, Barclays, Citibank) and strong local institutions (Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Mashreq). Once your Trade License is issued, we facilitate introductions to banking partners suited to your business profile. The account opening process typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on the bank’s due diligence procedures. We prepare all necessary documentation to enhance approval probability.
The total investment ranges from AED 15,000-50,000 depending on jurisdiction, activities, and setup type. Free Zone packages typically start from AED 15,000-25,000 including license, registration, and flexi-desk. Mainland licenses generally range from AED 25,000-50,000 including initial approval fees, license issuance, and basic establishment costs. Additional expenses include office space, visa processing, and specialized approvals for regulated activities.
Dubai offers three primary license categories: Commercial (for trading activities), Professional (for services and consultancies), and Industrial (for manufacturing). Each category has specific sub-classifications based on your exact activities. Additionally, licenses are issued in different jurisdictions: Mainland (Dubai Economy), Free Zones (specific to each zone), or Offshore (for holding companies). The optimal choice depends on your business activities and target markets.
A Mainland license allows unrestricted business throughout the UAE and direct trade with the local market without intermediaries. Free Zone licenses offer 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified procedures but may require a local service agent for certain mainland activities. Free Zones are typically industry-specific, offering additional benefits to businesses in targeted sectors, while Mainland companies can operate anywhere in the UAE.
