Trade License Renewal, Cancelation & Liquidation Services

We provide assistance with all major types of UAE trade licenses:

Commercial License Professional License Industrial License Tourism License

Freelance Permit E-commerce License Consultancy License Educational License

We also specialize in specialized licenses for healthcare, food services, real estate, and import/export businesses.

The exact requirements vary by license type, but generally include:

• Passport copies of all shareholders/partners
• Visa copies (for UAE residents)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (if applicable)
• Business plan or activity description
• Approved trade name certificate
• Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED)
• Tenancy contract or Ejari for business premises
• Memorandum of Association (for LLC companies)

Mainland License (DED):

• Allows trading anywhere in the UAE and internationally
• Requires a local sponsor (51% ownership for certain activities)
• Office space required (commercial premises)
• Can bid for government tenders

Free Zone License:

• 100% foreign ownership allowed
• Restricted to operating within the free zone (with exceptions)
• Tax exemptions and customs benefits
• Simplified setup process and administrative support

We help you choose the best option based on your business activities and goals.

Standard Processing: 10-15 working days for most licenses

Express Service: 5-7 working days (additional fees apply)

Free Zone Licenses: Typically 7-10 working days

Timelines may vary based on license complexity, activity type, and government processing times.

Yes, under recent UAE regulations and depending on your business structure:

Free Zones: 100% foreign ownership is allowed in all free zones.

Mainland Companies: 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for:

• Most professional and service-based activities
• Technology and innovation companies
• Select commercial activities in specific sectors
• Companies operating in designated economic zones

Strategic Sectors: Some activities still require Emirati partnership. We advise on the latest regulations for your specific business activity.

Costs vary significantly based on:

• License Type: Commercial, professional, industrial, etc.
• Jurisdiction: Mainland vs. free zone
• Business Activity: Some activities have higher fees
• Company Structure: LLC, sole establishment, civil company, etc.

Typical costs include:

• Trade name reservation fee
• Initial approval fee
• License issuance fee
• Chamber of Commerce registration
• Establishment card fee (for partners)
• Office rental (or virtual office fee for free zones)

We provide transparent quotes with no hidden fees.

Mainland License: Yes, physical office space with valid tenancy contract (Ejari) is mandatory for most activities.

Free Zone License: Options include:

• Physical office (flexi-desks available)
• Virtual office packages
• Shared workspace arrangements
• Warehouse facilities (for trading/industrial licenses)

Freelance Permits: No physical office required in most free zones offering freelance packages.

We can assist with office setup or virtual office arrangements as part of our service package.

Annual renewal involves:

1. Submit renewal application before expiry (recommended 30 days prior)
2. Update tenancy contract/Ejari if changed
3. Settle any outstanding fines or fees
4. Submit updated company documents if applicable
5. Pay renewal fees to DED or free zone authority
6. Receive renewed license (valid for one more year)

Yes, business activity amendments are possible through:

Adding New Activities: Submit application with required documents for each new activity.

Changing Primary Activity: May require re-application depending on the jurisdiction.

Process Involves:

• Check if new activity is permissible under your license type
• Submit amendment application to relevant authority
• Pay amendment fees
• Update Memorandum of Association if needed
• Receive updated license with new activities

Some activities require special approvals or additional licenses. We guide you through the complete amendment process.

Operating without a valid trade license in the UAE is illegal and can result in:

• Substantial Fines: From AED 10,000 to AED 100,000 depending on the violation
• Business Closure: Authorities can shut down unlicensed operations
• Legal Action: Potential court cases and criminal charges
• Deportation: For expatriates found operating illegally
• Asset Seizure: Equipment and inventory may be confiscated
• Blacklisting: Difficulty obtaining future visas or licenses

Yes, we have expertise in obtaining specialized licenses including:

Food Trade License Healthcare License Educational License

Real Estate License Travel & Tourism License Construction License

Pharmaceutical License Beauty & Salon License Import/Export License

These specialized licenses require:

• Additional approvals from relevant authorities (MOHAP, MOE, etc.)
• Specific facility requirements and inspections
• Qualified personnel with relevant certifications
• Compliance with industry-specific regulations

We handle the complete process including liaising with specialized departments.

Yes, we provide complete business closure services:

License Cancellation Process:

1. Settle all financial obligations (banks, suppliers, employees)
2. Cancel all visas associated with the company
3. Obtain clearance certificates from relevant authorities
4. Submit cancellation application to DED/free zone
5. Settle any outstanding government fees or fines
6. Receive official cancellation certificate

Liquidation Services: For LLC companies, we assist with:

• Appointment of liquidator
• Asset valuation and distribution
• Creditor settlement
• Final audit and reports
• Court procedures (if required)

Proper closure avoids future legal and financial complications.

After license issuance, businesses must maintain:

Annual Requirements:

• Trade license renewal
• Chamber of Commerce membership renewal
• Tenancy contract renewal (Ejari)
• Audited financial statements (for some company types)

Employee-related Compliance:

• Valid employee visas and Emirates IDs
• MOHRE compliance for labor contracts
• WPS (Wage Protection System) compliance
• Emiratisation requirements (for applicable companies)

Tax Compliance:

• VAT registration and returns (if applicable)
• Corporate tax compliance (if applicable)
• Excise tax compliance (if applicable)

We offer ongoing compliance monitoring and support services.

Yes, we assist foreign investors with remote business setup:

Options for Non-Residents:

• Free zone companies with 100% foreign ownership
• Appoint a local service agent (for professional licenses)
• Designate an authorized signatory in the UAE
• Use our address for official correspondence

Our Remote Setup Service Includes:

• Document attestation from your home country
• Power of Attorney preparation for representation
• Virtual office setup for business address
• Local bank account opening assistance
• Visa processing for your eventual relocation

We handle everything remotely until you're ready to relocate.

We provide comprehensive business setup services:

Core Services:

• Trade name reservation and approval
• Document preparation and attestation
• Government liaison and application processing
• Office space arrangement (physical/virtual)

Additional Support Services:

• Corporate bank account opening assistance
• Visa processing for owners and employees
• Accounting and bookkeeping setup
• VAT registration and tax advisory
• PRO services for ongoing document processing
• Website development and digital marketing
• Legal consultation and contract drafting

Our end-to-end solutions ensure your business is fully operational from day one.