UAE business license
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A UAE business (trade) license is mandatory for any activity and is issued by the emirate’s Department of Economic Development on the mainland or by a free zone authority, with many setups now obtainable online in minutes in 2024–2025. You can search and verify your trade name through official portals, register a trademark with the Ministry of Economy, and choose among six license types (commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, agricultural, crafts) that cover categories from e‑commerce and import/export to a new fitness trainer service. Costs and fees vary by emirate, activity, and package—Dubai, Abu Dhabi, RAKEZ, and Ajman offer low‑overhead routes such as Tajer (operate without a lease for up to three years) and coworking bundles, while broad “general trading” may require higher share capital. We’ll compare mainland access, free zone benefits, and offshore structures (e.g., RAK ICC/JAFZA for holding, which do not grant a UAE operating license), and explain dual licensing options where available. Expect clear requirements: initial approval, MOA where needed, a real address (Ejari in Dubai), plus extra approvals for regulated activities; foreigners will also see the steps to link their license with visa options, including pathways tied to investment and, where eligible, Golden Visa criteria. This guide covers how to get and renew a license, verification, amendments and changes, and how to cancel or liquidate a company—complete with practical timelines, documents, and price ranges you can verify before you commit.
| Arena | Market access | Typical use case | Cost/fees and footprint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland (DED) | Sell anywhere in the UAE directly | Retail, services to the public, regulated professions | License + municipality + lease (Ejari in Dubai). Flexi-desk allowed in some cases. |
| Free zone | Sell inside the free zone or abroad; mainland via distributor/service agent or a dual license (where available) | E-commerce, B2B services, import/export, startups needing visas fast | Bundled packages “with” or “without” visa; coworking common; customs benefits |
| Offshore | No UAE onshore trading; no visas | Holding IP, assets, shares, international investment | Low annual fees, no physical office, compliance is lighter, but not for local trade |
Types and categories of trade licenses in 2024–2025
You’ll see different labels across authorities, but the core types repeat: commercial, professional, industrial, media, educational, service, e-commerce, general trading, and freelancer permits. Ajman Free Zone, RAKEZ, DMCC, IFZA, SPC Free Zone, and many others bundle these into packages with different visa quotas. Mainland DED licenses mirror the same activities but anchor you to the emirate and municipality rules.
Interesting additions to watch:
- Virtual/remote options: Abu Dhabi’s Virtual Licence allows non-residents to start certain activities without a physical presence. Tajer Abu Dhabi lets you operate without a lease for up to three years, easing early costs.
- Dual license: In Abu Dhabi, certain free zone entities can obtain a dual license to operate on the mainland for specified activities, bridging the market gap.
- Freelancer permits: Popular in media, IT, consulting, and analysis. RAKEZ and others issue these with 0–1 visa options and access to coworking.
- Specialized sector licenses: Media, educational, and healthcare come with extra approvals and standards.
E-commerce and general trading are not the same. E-commerce is digital-first and often lighter on warehousing, though you still need a contract for fulfillment or storage. General trading is broader and may require higher share capital in some free zones (for example, DMCC requires AED 1,000,000 for a General Trading Licence). If you plan import/export, customs codes, and logistics footprints become part of the setup.
E-commerce and home-based options
E-commerce licenses exist both on the mainland and in free zones. If you’re selling online to UAE customers, a license is mandatory. Delivering items yourself doesn’t remove the requirement. Home-based licenses and “e-trader” style permits exist in multiple emirates, but eligibility and activity scopes vary. Some emirates historically limited certain home-based permits to citizens; others opened the door to foreigners or created alternative low-footprint routes via coworking. Always check the current rulebook of your emirate.
For a “home-based” or small, low-cost start, look at:
- Tajer Abu Dhabi (no lease for the first three years for approved activities)
- Freelancer permits (for services, content, IT)
- Free zone e-commerce packages “without visa” if you don’t need residency
- Micro-licensing initiatives in select emirates for craft and cottage activities
How to get a UAE business license, step by step (online or offline)
Identify your business activity
Your activity dictates the license type and legal form. It also drives whether external approvals are needed (legal services, financial services, media, healthcare, fitness instruction, and security-adjacent work are examples that often need extra gates).
Pick the legal form
LLC, sole establishment, free zone company (FZE/FZ-LLC), branch of a foreign or local company, or partnership. Branches inherit activities from the parent. In free zones, FZE is a single shareholder company; FZ-LLC is multi-shareholder.
Choose and reserve your trade name
The name must fit public decency rules, match the activity, include the legal form suffix (LLC, FZE, etc.), and not use restricted words. The trademark is different and sits with the Ministry of Economy.
Secure initial approval
This is the “we don’t object” stage. It’s not the license yet. Some activities require prior external approvals before initial approval (think securities, legal, or security-sensitive services). Foreigners may need a GDRFA check before initial approval in some cases.
Draft corporate documents.
For LLCs, you’ll sign a Memorandum of Association. Free zones provide templates. Branches use board resolutions and parent company documents.
Confirm your office footprint.
A lease is mandatory for most conventional licenses. In Dubai, register it on Ejari. Many free zones accept flexi-desk or coworking. Abu Dhabi’s Tajer waives leases for certain activities for the first three years.
Collect external approvals if required.
Examples: health authority, education regulator, media council, sports council (for fitness trainers), Securities and Commodities Authority, and others.
Pay fees and collect your license.
ou’ll receive an electronic license with a QR code. Then you proceed to establishment card, Emirates ID/visa (if applicable), corporate bank account, VAT/corporate tax registrations as needed, and customs code for import/export.
Costs, fees, and what “cheap” really means in the UAE
There is no universal price. “How much is a UAE license?” usually has a range, not a number. You are paying for three buckets: government fees (license, name reservation, initial approvals), premises (office, flexi-desk, or virtual allowances), and immigration (establishment card, visas, medical, Emirates ID, and insurance). Add bank account time, accounting, and compliance subscriptions.
As a 2024–2025 ballpark, free zone “without visa” e-commerce or service packages can start around AED 6,000–12,000 for year one, depending on promotions. “With visa” packages commonly land between AED 10,000–18,000, rising with more activities, more visas, or dedicated offices. Mainland setups swing widely. The DED license fee itself may look modest, but the lease and municipality components lift the all-in. Each residency visa typically adds AED 3,500–8,000 in first-year cash outlay, depending on emirate and insurance tier.
With visa vs without visa packages
“Without visa” packages are ideal if you don’t need residency and will operate from abroad or via local partners. You still get a real license, and often access to a coworking address. “With visa” packages include an establishment card and a quota for investor or employee visas. Keep an eye on the number of activities allowed, external approvals, and whether the package includes a lease substitute.
If you plan to sponsor family or hire, make sure the package supports enough visas. Changing later is possible but costs time and amendment fees.
2024–2025 price trends and promotions
Authorities frequently run “low” or “sale” campaigns. Great for cash flow. Read the small print. Watch for:
- Market fees and knowledge/innovation fees on mainland
- Establishment card and immigration typing fees
- Lease registration (Ejari or equivalent)
- Bank letter charges where required
- Auditor appointment or annual accounts requirements
- Corporate tax and ESR filings for 2025 onward
Corporate Tax at 9% applies over AED 375,000 profit for mainland and most businesses. Free zones can enjoy 0% on qualifying income if they meet substance, activity, and related-party conditions. That 0% is not automatic; review the qualifying activity list and the “de minimis” rules before you rely on it.
Verification, search, and compliance after you obtain the license
You can verify a license online. Each emirate’s DED and each free zone maintain a public verification/search page where you can enter a trade name or license number. The National Economic Register (Ministry of Economy) also lists many entities. Ask vendors to share a PDF of their license with the QR code, then cross-check it on the issuing authority’s portal. This is your standard due-diligence hygiene in 2024–2025.
Once licensed, keep compliance tidy:
- Renew annually before expiry. Late renewals add fines and can block visas.
- Maintain UBO registers and update within the deadlines.
- File VAT returns if registered; assess if voluntary registration makes sense below the threshold.
- Register for Corporate Tax and file on time. Free zone entities with qualifying income still file.
- Economic Substance Regulations apply to certain activities (distribution, headquarters, holding, IP, etc.).
- AML/CTF rules apply if you’re a DNFBP (real estate brokers, dealers in precious metals, trust/company service providers, auditors).
Import and export basics
To import or export, get your customs code with the federal customs system or the relevant emirate’s customs (e.g., Dubai Customs). Free zones offer customs efficiencies, but you still need the code and the right activity on your license. Work with a freight forwarder for HS codes, duties, and certificates of origin. If you plan to trade “general trading,” ensure your license explicitly allows it, and meet any share capital thresholds in your chosen free zone.
Renewals, changes, and amendments
Renewals are mostly straightforward: clear any fines, keep your lease current, and submit the renewal online. Some free zones ask for basic financials or an auditor’s letter. Mainland renewals may require municipality inspections or attestations. Renewal fees are usually similar to year-one license fees, minus some one-time incorporation costs.
Amendments cover trade name change, activity addition, manager change, office relocation, shareholder changes, and capital amendment. Authorities call these “amendment services” and each has a fee. If your model changes from “home-based” to “retail with footfall,” upgrade your activity set and lease accordingly. For free zone entities that want mainland reach, explore distributor agreements or a dual license where allowed.
Cancelling, liquidating, or selling the business
If you’re done, close cleanly. Steps typically include:
- Cancel visas and work permits
- Cancel the establishment card and immigration file
- Obtain clearance from utilities, landlord, telecom, and (if applicable) customs
- Deregister VAT and Corporate Tax as required
- For LLCs on mainland: appoint a liquidator, publish notices, settle debts, submit final accounts, and obtain a liquidation certificate
- Free zone liquidations are simpler but still require clearances and formal deregistration
You can “sell” the company by transferring shares rather than “selling the license.” The license follows the company. Always update the authority registry and bank.
Fast checklists you can use today
- E-commerce, quick start (free zone): define activity, pick “without visa” or “with visa,” reserve name, apply online, pay, receive license, open bank account, register VAT if needed, get customs code if importing.
- Home-based, budget-first: check emirate eligibility (e-trader/home-based or Tajer), confirm if foreigners qualify, list allowed activities, apply online, read renewal fine print.
- Import/export: ensure activity allows trade, get customs code, sign with a freight forwarder, set up logistics and Incoterms, confirm product approvals if needed.
- Closing down: cancel visas, settle landlord/utilities, deregister tax, liquidate or deregister with the authority, close the bank account, keep records for audits.
If you’re wondering whether you “need a license” to sell on TikTok or Instagram, the answer is simple: in the UAE, yes. Choose a home-based, e-commerce, or free zone service license that matches your model, keep the receipts tidy, and you’re ready to trade—on the right side of the rules in 2025.
| Topic | Key details | Mainland (DED) | Free zone | Offshore | Typical costs and fees (AED) | How to get online | Verification and compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core license types (UAE) | Six classic types in the UAE list: commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, agricultural, crafts. Plus modern categories like e-commerce, media, education, general trading, service, freelancer. A license can include more than one activity. | Issued by Departments of Economic Development in each emirate. Over 2,000 activities. External approvals apply to some activities. | Issued by each Free Zone Authority. Licenses align to zone focus (e.g., media, tech, trade). | Offshore entities are registration-only for holding/structuring. Not a trading license in the UAE. | Issue/renewal fee varies by emirate/zone and activity. Plan for name reservation, initial approval, MoA notarization (if any), and office lease registration where required. | Most emirates and zones offer full online issuance. Prepare passport, visa/Emirates ID if any, and chosen activities. | Verify activity scope on the license. Check if your activity needs extra permits (e.g., finance, healthcare, security). |
| Mainland vs free zone vs offshore | Mainland is best for trading across the UAE market and tendering. Free zones are efficient, allow 100% foreign ownership, and offer packages with or without visas. Offshore is for holding assets, SPVs, and international business; no local trading or visas. | Access to the whole UAE market, UAE tenders, and government contracts. Requires office address (Ejari in Dubai). | 100% foreign ownership, simplified setup, focused ecosystems, and visa quotas tied to facilities. Some zones allow a dual licence to sell onshore. | No physical office or visas. Not suitable for import/export in the UAE. Banking and compliance are stricter. | Mainland total first-year budget commonly 12k–35k+ for simple activities; free zone packages for small businesses often 5k–18k; offshore 7k–15k. Prices vary in 2024–2025 promos. | Platforms for DED and each FZA support e-payment and e-signing. Timelines range from instant to a few days after approvals. | Use official licence search tools of DEDs, free zones, and the national Economic Register at the Ministry of Economy. |
| Legal forms | Match legal form to activity and risk. Options include sole establishment, civil company, LLC, private/public JSC, partnerships, and branches. | LLC and sole establishment are common. Branch of foreign company allowed. | FZE/FZ-LLC (single or multiple shareholders), or branch of local/foreign company. Share capital rules vary by zone. | Commonly RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore. Used for holding and international structuring. | Notary and MoA fees apply to LLCs and JSCs. Share capital deposits only where required by law/zone. | Many emirates support e-MoA and digital notarization for standard templates. | Keep UBO data updated. File Economic Substance Reports where applicable. |
| Trade name | Must be available, clean, and reflect the activity. Add legal form suffix (e.g., LLC). No government names, religious terms, or others’ logos. | Reserve via DED portal/app. Trade name certificate is renewable. Trademark is separate. | Reserve via the zone portal. Some zones restrict words tied to emirate names. | Offshore registrars follow their own naming rules. | Name reservation fee is modest; expedited options exist in some emirates. | Instant online reservation in most portals. | Trademark registration is with the Ministry of Economy. |
| Steps to get a mainland licence | 1) Choose activity 2) Pick legal form 3) Reserve trade name 4) Initial approval 5) External approvals if needed 6) Draft and notarize MoA (if needed) 7) Secure office and tenancy registration (e.g., Ejari) 8) Final licence issue. | DED issues the licence after requirements are met. Many activities need external approvals (tourism, legal, education, health, finance, security). | Not applicable. | Not applicable. | Budget for approvals, tenancy, MoA, and licence issue. | DED portals enable end‑to‑end online filing. Simple online businesses can be set up within minutes when no extra approvals are needed. | Keep copies of approvals on file. Update licence upon any amendment. |
| Steps to get a free zone licence | Zones use a short path: application + KYC, activity and facility selection, initial OK, lease, licence issue. Share capital rules vary per zone. | Not applicable. | After licence, lease flexi-desk or office/warehouse as per activity. RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone, DMCC, DAFZA, and others offer packages. | Not applicable. | Package price depends on activities, visa quota, and space. | Apply on the zone website. Many zones issue basic packages instantly once paid. | Company appears in the zone’s public register. Verify UBO, ESR, VAT, and corporate tax registrations as required. |
| Abu Dhabi special licence types | Standard Licence, Tajer (no lease for first 3 years), Dual Licence (for free zone companies to operate onshore), Freelancer Licence, Virtual Licence (for non-residents), Mobdea (home-based for Emirati women), Small Producers Licence. | DED Abu Dhabi (ADDED) manages onshore licences and the Tajer programme. | Dual Licence extends activity outside the free zone in Abu Dhabi. | Not applicable. | Tajer and Freelancer options reduce early office costs. Fees vary by activity. | Apply via Abu Dhabi DED portals; Virtual Licence works fully online. | Check eligibility and activity list before choosing Tajer, Dual, Freelancer, or Virtual. |
| Popular free zone examples | RAKEZ: basic and all‑inclusive packages; co‑working; up to five activities; options with or without a visa. Ajman Free Zone: Business, Industrial, Service, Sole Professional (freelancer in 40 categories); flexible co‑working and low renewal. | Not applicable. | Licence types include commercial, e‑commerce, general trading, industrial, media, education, service, professional, freelancer. | Not applicable. | RAKEZ and AFZ run frequent low‑cost deals. Watch for 2024–2025 promotions. | End‑to‑end online onboarding; e‑signing supported. | Verify on the zone’s licence search. Use the Ministry of Economy Economic Register for national view. |
| Home‑based and e‑commerce | For home‑based or online sales (including TikTok/Instagram), you still need a licence. Options: e‑commerce licence, freelancer permit for services, Abu Dhabi Tajer, Abu Dhabi Virtual Licence. Dubai offers home‑based permits for certain categories via the economic department. | Dubai and other DEDs offer e‑commerce and some home‑based permits; office rules may be relaxed for small online traders. | Many zones issue e‑commerce and freelancer permits with co‑working. | Offshore is not suitable for home‑based or e‑commerce in the UAE. | Small e‑commerce/freezone packages can start in the low thousands. Add payment gateway KYC costs. | Apply online; link your website or social profiles when asked. | Comply with platform terms, consumer law, data protection, VAT on online sales, and product safety rules. |
| Import and export | To import/export in the mainland, obtain a customs client code with the local customs authority and register the importer code to your licence. Free zones handle customs via their own codes and gate controls. | Mainland companies register with the relevant emirate customs (e.g., Dubai Customs) and may need external approvals for regulated goods. | Free zone companies trade within the zone and internationally; onshore sales require a distributor, customs duty, or a dual/onshore licence where available. | Offshore cannot import/export into the UAE. | Customs code fee plus clearing agent costs. Warehouse/port fees apply. | Customs code applications are online. E‑Mirsal and similar systems are used for declarations. | Verify HS codes, product conformity (ESMA), and restricted goods permits before shipping. |
| External approval categories | Some activities need prior approvals: legal services, security and surveillance (e.g., SIRA in Dubai), healthcare (DHA/DOH), education (KHDA/ADEK), media (NMC), tourism (DTCM/DCT), financial services (Central Bank/SCA), food (municipality), sport/fitness (sports councils/registries). | DED routes you to the right authority after initial approval. | Zones coordinate approvals for activities under their scope; some require NOCs before licence issue. | Not applicable. | Fees vary by authority and activity. | Many approvals are now digital and tied to your application. | Keep approval letters valid at renewal. |
| Visa options (with or without) | Many licences offer “without visa” packages for low cost. You can upgrade to add visas later. Visa quotas depend on facility size and zone policy. | Mainland visas require an establishment card, labour file, and compliant office. | Zones issue establishment cards and link visas to your facility (flexi desk to office/warehouse). | Offshore has no visas. | Visa budget per person 3k–7k+ including medical and ID, depending on emirate. | Apply after licence issue via immigration portals. | Keep health insurance, WPS (for employees), and contracts updated. |
| Fitness trainer licence | Requires a professional/service licence plus approvals from the competent sports body. In Dubai, approvals typically involve the Dubai Sports Council and joining a recognised register. Health club activities need municipal and possibly health approvals. | DED: professional licence for “fitness trainer/coach.” External approvals apply. | Some zones issue a freelancer permit for sports/fitness professionals. Check category lists. | Offshore not suitable. | Licence fee + external approval fee + visa (if needed). | Apply online, upload certificates, first aid, and qualifications as required. | Maintain valid certifications and professional insurance where required. |
| Changes and amendments | You can change trade name, activity, address, manager, shareholders, or share capital. This is called an amendment. | File an amendment with DED; update MoA at notary if shareholding/capital changes. | File amendment with the zone; board resolutions and updated articles may be needed. | Offshore changes go through the registrar. | Fees apply per amendment; budget for notary and translation if needed. | Most amendments can be filed online; e‑signatures accepted. | Update bank, tax (VAT/corporate), customs code, and MOE registers after any amendment. |
| Renewal | Licences must renew yearly. Late renewals incur fines and may block visas. Some activities require audit reports. | Mainland renewals may require valid Ejari and approvals to be current. | Zone renewals are streamlined; ensure lease is renewed. | Offshore renews with annual registrar fee. | Renewal equals most of the initial licence fee; some zones offer multi‑year discounts. | Renew online. Keep approvals valid before renewing. | Update UBO annually. File ESR notifications where applicable. |
| Cancelling and liquidating | Close visas, clear fines, close tax/VAT, cancel customs code, liquidate the entity, and publish notices where required. Banks require closure letters. | DED liquidation requires a liquidator’s report for LLCs, clearance letters, and final licence cancellation. | Zones have a deregistration path; surrender facility, clear utilities, and obtain clearances. | Offshore strike‑off via registrar after clearances. | Liquidator and publication fees for LLCs. | Start via the same portal you used for setup; steps are guided. | Keep all clearance certificates. Failure to cancel accrues penalties. |
| Corporate tax and VAT (2024–2025) | Corporate tax at 9% applies to taxable profits above the threshold. VAT at 5% applies if you cross the registration threshold or choose to register. E‑commerce reporting rules may apply. | Mainland entities must assess corporate tax, VAT, and ESR based on activity. | Free zones may qualify for special corporate tax treatment on qualifying income if conditions are met. Substance and compliance are key. | Offshore typically out of scope for UAE CT, but banks and partners may request tax opinions. | Budget for tax registration, bookkeeping, and audit fees. | Register for VAT and corporate tax online at the federal portals. | Maintain books, invoices, and file returns on time. |
| Ministry of Economy touchpoints | MOE manages the national Economic Register, trademarks, commercial agencies, auditors’ registration, and some sector filings. | Mainland branches of foreign companies often register with MOE in addition to DED. | Zones sync data to the Economic Register for national visibility. | Offshore disclosures depend on registrar rules; UBO data is required. | Government fees per service vary. | Most MOE services are online. | Use the Economic Register to verify company details across the UAE. |
| Low‑cost and small business tips | Choose a zone with co‑working and “without visa” to start low. Use Abu Dhabi Tajer to defer office rent. Freelancer permits cut costs for solo professionals. Start with one activity, then upgrade. | Consider home‑based or e‑commerce categories if eligible. | RAKEZ basic, Ajman Free Zone sole professional, and similar packages are popular for low budgets. | Not applicable. | Aim for 5k–10k+ for bare‑bones free zone packages; mainland online/home‑based options can also be low. Prices are promo‑driven in 2024–2025. | Apply during promotions. Bundle renewals for discounts if offered. | Confirm that “cheap” packages still cover your activity and visa needs. |
| Importer/exporter extras | You may need facility approvals, municipality registrations, port access cards, and product conformity (ESMA). | DED requires importer code for trade activities. | Zone‑to‑zone transfers are duty‑free; onshore deliveries attract duty and paperwork. | Not applicable. | Agent fees and inspection costs add up. | Apply for codes and access cards online. | Track expiring permits; fines apply for late renewals. |
| Foreign investors | Foreigners can obtain mainland, free zone, and freelancer licences. Many activities allow 100% ownership. | 100% foreign ownership is widely allowed; some sensitive activities still have special rules. | Full ownership from day one. Easy repatriation of profits. | Offshore is foreign‑friendly but not for local trade. | Extra cost for translations, attestations, and bank KYC. | Entire process can be remote in many cases. | Keep passport/visa valid; maintain UBO and KYC files for banks and authorities. |
| Golden visa notes | A business licence alone does not guarantee a golden visa. Eligibility depends on investment size, revenues, or other criteria set by immigration authorities. | Some emirates offer investor visas based on paid‑up capital or audited results. | Zones can support investor visa nominations, separate from golden visa. | Not applicable. | Government visa fees vary. | Apply after meeting thresholds; submit audited financials if required. | Verify criteria on official immigration portals before applying. |
| How much is a licence? | Price depends on emirate/zone, activity risk, number of activities, office size, and visa count. Ask “what is included”: immigration card, establishment card, P.O. box, lease, approvals, and bank intro. | Expect separate government and service provider fees. | Packages often bundle multiple items; read inclusions carefully. | Offshore fees are mostly registrar + agent. | Use a total cost view: setup, first‑year operating, and renewal. | Get quotes online; many portals calculate fees live. | Verify fee schedules; promotions change between 2024 and 2025. |
| Social selling (TikTok/Instagram) | If you sell goods or services online in the UAE, you need a licence even if delivery is by you and orders come via DMs. Choose e‑commerce or a suitable professional/service activity. | Mainland e‑commerce or home‑based permits apply by emirate. | Many zones provide e‑commerce licences with payment gateway support. | Not suitable. | Add payment gateway, marketplace, and courier onboarding costs. | Apply online; be ready to show product list and returns policy. | Display your trade licence on your website and invoices. |
| Dual licence (Abu Dhabi) | Lets a free zone company legally operate outside the free zone in Abu Dhabi for approved activities. | DED Abu Dhabi issues the dual licence linked to the free zone entity. | Available to certain Abu Dhabi zones subject to eligibility. | Not applicable. | Additional government fee for the dual licence. | Apply through the zone + DED coordination. | Verify activity mapping and scope on both licences. |
| Sale vs transfer | You do not “sell” a licence. You sell or transfer company shares and then amend the licence to reflect new ownership or name/activity changes. | Share transfer triggers MoA update and DED amendment. | Zone requires board resolutions and registry updates. | Registrar updates ownership records. | Amendment and notary costs apply. | Initiate online; schedule e‑notary where available. | Update banks, tax, customs, and MOE after transfer. |
| Banking and KYC | Banks check real activity, office, UBO, and source of funds. Free zones with real space and clear invoices help. | Ejari and utility bills improve KYC. | Zones with regulated clusters have stronger bank acceptance. | Offshore banking is tighter; expect enhanced due diligence. | No fixed fee; minimum balance requirements apply. | Start bank account after licence issue. Many banks onboard digitally. | Keep invoices, contracts, and tax filings to support KYC reviews. |
| 2024–2025 compliance watchlist | UBO filings, Economic Substance, AML/CFT for high‑risk service providers, corporate tax registration, VAT for e‑commerce, and product conformity. | Mainland audits may be required for certain activities. | Free zone “qualifying income” rules affect corporate tax status. | Offshore disclosure rules vary; keep registers updated. | Budget for bookkeeping and audit from year one. | Most filings are via federal and emirate e‑portals. | Use the Ministry of Economy Economic Register and DED/free zone portals to verify your company status anytime. |
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