Can You Obtain a UAE Trade License Without Being in the Country?

Absolutely! Kickstart your business in the UAE with the exciting news that you can secure a trade license without being physically present in the country.

Here's the way:

1. Choose a Business Structure:

Define what kind of business you want to start. You have the option to operate with either a Free Zone or Mainland license. Free Zones are ideal for businesses that don’t require a physical office or plan to operate internationally, while Mainland licenses allow you to trade directly within the UAE market.

2. Required documents for submission.

- Passport Copy
- White background photo
- Company name option

3. (a) Stage 1

Pre approval - The process involves screening the business activity and the background profiles of all shareholders internally with the immigration authorities of the Free Zone.

(b) Stage 2

All required documentation from every shareholder must be submitted for the license and visa processing. The license will be issued within 3 working days after submission to the Free Zone authority.

(c) Stage 3

The license will be issued first(Physical appearance is not required for the process. You can complete everything remotely, including the issuance of your trade license), and the visa will be processed while you are in the UAE. We recommend that shareholders remain in the UAE for a maximum of 10 working days during the standard visa process (for medicals and biometrics completion).

(d) Stage 4

Bank account opening can be processed once the physical Emirates ID card is received. The process will start after receive the full payment of the trade license.

Once the paperwork and fees are settled, your license will be issued, often entirely remotely. After the trade license process is completed, you can move forward with setting up your business operations. All the best for the successful start of your business.