Open a Small Business

About this service

Opening a small business usually means bouncing between economic development, municipality, labour and tax offices. I've combined them into a single checklist with everything you need up front.

What happens, step by step

• 1

  Trade Name Reservation

  Department of Economic Development (DED)

  Reserve your business name so nobody else can register it while you complete the process.

  ~1 days AED 120
• 2

  Trade License Issuance

  Department of Economic Development (DED)

  Register the business entity and activity type to receive your trade license.

  ~3 days AED 600
• 3

  Shop Permit & Signage Approval

  Dubai Municipality, Licensing Section

  Approval of the shop premises, layout and external signage.

  ~7 days AED 400
• 4

  Work Permits (if hiring)

  Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE)

  Register as an employer and request work permits for any staff you plan to hire.

  ~5 days AED 200
• 5

  VAT Registration

  Federal Tax Authority (FTA)

  Register the business for VAT and receive your tax registration number.

  ~2 days Free

Documents you'll need

• Emirates ID
  Valid Emirates ID of the owner
• Tenancy Contract (Ejari)
  Registered lease of the premises
• Premises Photos
  Interior and storefront photos
• Trade License Copy
  Issued automatically after Step 2 completes