License Generator for United Arab Emirates

A License is an official permission granted by UAE government authorities that allows individuals or businesses to conduct specific activities legally. In the Emirates, licenses are fundamental to operating businesses, practicing professions, or engaging in regulated activities like trading, manufacturing, or providing services.

UAE licensing requirements vary by emirate and activity type, with authorities like the Department of Economic Development overseeing commercial licenses, while professional bodies manage specialized permits for doctors, lawyers, and other regulated professions. These licenses protect public interests, ensure compliance with local regulations, and help maintain quality standards across different sectors.

You need a License to start any business activity in the UAE, from opening a small retail shop to running a large manufacturing facility. The specific type depends on your business model—commercial licenses for trading, industrial licenses for manufacturing, or professional licenses for services like consulting or healthcare.

Get your License before signing any contracts, leasing premises, or hiring employees in the UAE. This legal requirement applies to mainland businesses, free zone companies, and professional services. Operating without proper licensing can result in fines, business closure, and legal complications with local authorities.

• Unlimited License: Grants comprehensive rights to conduct business activities without geographical or operational restrictions within the UAE. This type offers maximum flexibility for large-scale operations, multiple branches, and diverse business activities. Commonly used by major corporations and enterprises that need broad operational scope across different emirates.

• Government Authorities: The Department of Economic Development, municipality offices, and specialized regulatory bodies issue and enforce licenses based on their jurisdiction and the business activity type.
• Business Owners: Entrepreneurs, company directors, and shareholders who apply for and maintain licenses to operate legally in the UAE market.
• Professional License Holders: Doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other regulated professionals who must obtain specific licenses to practice their professions.
• Legal Consultants: Assist in license applications, renewals, and compliance matters, ensuring all requirements are met according to UAE regulations.

• Business Details: Gather complete trade name, legal structure, ownership information, and proposed business activities for your UAE operation.
• Location Information: Confirm your exact business location, including emirate, free zone or mainland status, and physical address details.
• Documentation: Prepare passport copies, visa status, educational certificates, and professional qualifications as required for your license type.
• Capital Requirements: Verify minimum capital requirements for your chosen business activity and prepare bank documentation.
• Activity Codes: Select appropriate business activity codes from the official DED classification system.

• License Number: Unique identifier issued by the relevant UAE authority, clearly displayed on the document.
• Business Details: Legal name, trade name, ownership structure, and registered address in the UAE.
• Activity Scope: Specific permitted business activities with corresponding activity codes.
• Validity Period: Clear start and expiry dates, usually one year from issuance.
• Jurisdiction Details: Issuing authority name and relevant emirate or free zone.
• Terms and Conditions: Operating restrictions, compliance requirements, and renewal obligations.

A License differs significantly from a License Agreement in the UAE legal framework. While both documents relate to permissions and rights, they serve distinct purposes and have different legal implications.

• Legal Nature: A License is an official permit from UAE government authorities allowing specific business activities, while a License Agreement is a contract between private parties to use intellectual property or assets.
• Duration and Renewal: Licenses typically require annual renewal with government authorities, whereas License Agreements can have flexible terms negotiated between parties.
• Scope of Rights: Licenses grant permission to operate a business or practice a profession, while License Agreements focus on specific usage rights for intellectual property, technology, or branded content.
• Enforcement: Government authorities enforce License compliance through inspections and penalties, but License Agreements are enforced through civil legal proceedings between contracting parties.