What is an Instant License?
The Instant License service provides a convenient model for businessmen to obtain a commercial license within 5 minutes, enabling them to establish and conduct business in Dubai easily. The initiative is a path-breaking service whereby businesses can secure their commercial license in one-step for the first year without having a company’s lease or location. Through the Instant License, Dubai Economy, as the government body entrusted to set and drive the economic agenda of the emirate, seeks to highlight the sustainable economic development and competitiveness of Dubai.
Who can apply for an Instant License?
All business activities can benefit from the service, except public and private shareholding companies.
An Instant License can be obtained for four legal forms of businesses:
- Limited Liability Company, LLC
- Single Member LLC
- Sole Proprietorship
- Civil Company
How to to apply for an Instant Licence?
Apply online using E-Services.
Invest in Dubai’ (IID), an integrated digital business set-up platform. IID offers a unique business set-up experience backed by Dubai’s advanced smart solutions. The largest one-stop-shop platform of its kind, it enables investors to obtain trade licences and launch their business in a matter of minutes.
- Use your smart ID or Dubai ID account to access the services, a new account can be created if you don’t have one already using your Emirates ID.
- Choose the Instant Licence option
- Follow the steps and the Instant Licence will be issued in just 5 minutes
OR, apply in-person through the various outsourced Service Centres, Happiness and Smart Lounges.
Holders of general trade licenses can only use electronic services.
What documents are required to apply for an Instant Licence?
When applying online via E-Services / 'Invest in Dubai', you are simply required to produce your Emirates ID in order to create an account before completing the process. You will also be required to provide details of Trade Name, Activities, Commercial Registry, Partners & Managers details.
When applying at a service centre, the following is required:
- All business partners or one of them must be present
- Valid passport copy of all parties (partners and managers)
- Residence visa copy & Emirates ID
- No-objection letter from the sponsor to the foreign parties
- Passport copy & Emirates ID of local sponsor
- Details of Trade Name, Activities, Commercial Registry, Partners & Managers details
The market fee for the issuance of the instant licence has been adjusted from AED3,000 to AED250 only.
Benefits of an Instant Licence
- Entrepreneurs can start their business activity immediately after the licence is secured, and then complete the remaining requirements of the licence, such as approvals from other relevant government entities
- The licensee is given membership in the Dubai Chamber instantly, an establishment card of the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs as well as three work permits for employees from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation once the trade license is issued.
- The Instant License offers the option of an electronic Memorandum of Association, eMOA, in addition to obtaining the license and entry in the Dubai Economy commercial registry.
For more information or to start a business today, visit invest.dubai.ae or call on 600 500 006.
