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Corporate Business Advisors · Dubai, UAE · Since 2018

How to Get a Trade License in Abu Dhabi

Oznet Corp advisory team

trade license in abu dhabi

Starting a business in the UAE is a dream for many entrepreneurs, and obtaining a trade license in Abu Dhabi is the first critical step to making that dream a reality. Renowned for its business-friendly environment, Abu Dhabi offers opportunities that attract global investors, entrepreneurs, and corporations alike. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.

At Oznet Corp, we specialize in simplifying the complexities of setting up a business in the UAE, ensuring a seamless experience. Our expertise lies in guiding you through every step of obtaining your trade license, while also assisting with related services, such as the UAE property investor visa and PRO services. With a proven track record and a deep understanding of Abu Dhabi’s business regulations, we are your trusted partner in achieving success.

Abu Dhabi offers several types of trade licenses to cater to different business activities:

  • Commercial License – For businesses involved in buying and selling goods.
  • Industrial License – For companies engaged in manufacturing or industrial activities.
  • Professional License – For service-based businesses such as consultancy, education, or healthcare.
  • Tourism License – For businesses in the travel, hospitality, or tourism sectors.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your trade license:

  • Select Your Business Activity Identify the business activities you want to undertake. This determines the type of trade license you need.
  • Choose the Legal Structure Select the legal form for your business, such as an LLC, sole proprietorship, or branch of a foreign company.
  • Register Your Business Name Choose a unique and compliant trade name and register it with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
  • Apply for Initial Approval Obtain initial approval from ADDED to ensure your business activities comply with Abu Dhabi’s regulations.
  • Lease an Office Space Secure a physical address for your business by leasing an office space in Abu Dhabi.
  • Prepare and Submit Documents Gather the required documents, including your passport copy, Emirates ID, tenancy contract, and memorandum of association (if applicable).
  • Pay Fees and Obtain the License Submit the application, pay the relevant fees, and receive your trade license.
  • Strategic Location: A gateway to global markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
  • Tax Advantages: No personal income tax and competitive corporate tax rates.
  • Investment Opportunities: A growing economy with ample opportunities for various industries.
  • Ease of Business: Streamlined government processes and business-friendly policies.

Conclusion

Obtaining a trade license in Abu Dhabi is a strategic move for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the UAE’s flourishing economy. By partnering with Oznet Corp, you can ensure a hassle-free experience, from documentation to approvals. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, we are here to support your journey every step of the way.

Contact us today to kickstart your business setup in Abu Dhabi and explore additional benefits like the UAE property investor visa. Together, we can turn your business aspirations into reality.

  •  How long does it take to get a trade license in Abu Dhabi?
    The process typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the complexity of your application.
  • Can I apply for a UAE property investor visa alongside my trade license?
    Yes, a UAE property investor visa is an excellent option for investors. Our team at Oznet Corp can assist you with both processes.
  • Is a local sponsor mandatory for setting up a business in Abu Dhabi?
    Depending on the legal structure of your business, a local sponsor or partner may be required. However, recent reforms allow 100% foreign ownership in certain sectors.

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Talk to an advisor

Want this applied to your situation? Forty minutes, no cost, no licence quoted.

General guidance only takes you so far. A conversation gives you a written view specific to your business, your customers and your visas — whether or not you go on to engage us.

Next step

A conversation before a quotation.

Forty minutes with an advisor who will tell you what we would do and, where relevant, why you may not need us at all. No licence quoted on the first call.

  1. Forty minutesYou describe the business; we ask the questions that actually decide the structure.
  2. In writingWhat we would do and why, with the case against it — before any quotation.
  3. Your decisionWhether to proceed with us is a separate decision, and we are comfortable with that order.

Prefer to talk now? WhatsApp +971 50 175 2489 · inquiries@oznetcorp.com

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