Issuing an instant license in Dubai is a procedure that provides businessmen and investors to start their businesses quickly and easily. This license allows individuals and companies to establish or expand their businesses in the city of Dubai quickly and easily. Issuing an instant license in Dubai also requires the availability of a set of necessary documents and information, and its requirements vary. Depending on the type of economic activity, after completing the necessary procedures, an immediate license is issued in Dubai within a few hours. This type of license contributes to enhancing the business climate in Dubai and encouraging local and international investments.
Dubai instant license
Dubai Instant License is a system that enables you to obtain a license to conduct business quickly and instantly. This system was launched with the aim of facilitating establishment procedures and encouraging entrepreneurs to start businesses in Dubai quickly and easily. Through the instant licence, you can obtain a license to do business on the same day or within just a few hours, after completing the necessary procedures and meeting the specific requirements. .
The instant license is provided within the framework of the Entrepreneur Empowerment and Business Process Acceleration Program in Dubai, which aims to create a favorable and stimulating business environment for startups and small and medium enterprises. The instant license in Dubai is issued by the competent authorities in Dubai and allows companies to begin practicing their commercial activities immediately. .
Before you can obtain an instant licence, you must define your business, choose a suitable location and meet specific legal and administrative requirements. An instant license is usually available for specific business activities and varies from one free zone to another in Dubai.
Therefore, it is recommended to contact the Dubai Free Zone General Authority or the institutions that provide the instant license to obtain more accurate and detailed information about the procedures for obtaining the instant license in Dubai and the specific requirements for that.
Issuing an instant license in Dubai
In Dubai, there is a procedure known as “instant license issuance” that allows companies to obtain a business license on the same day. This procedure allows investors and companies to start business quickly and effectively. Here is a summary of the instant license issuance process in Dubai:
Pre-selection: Before starting the instant license process in Dubai, you must have selected a business that qualifies for this type of license. Eligible activities are pre-specified and a list of them is available when applying for an instant licence.
Administrative procedures: You must visit the customer service center at the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) or in one of the eligible free zones to issue the instant license. You will need to submit the required documents and fill out the forms provided.
Verification and payment: The documents and information provided will be reviewed, and after verifying their accuracy and completeness as required, payment of the fees required to issue the license will be requested.
Receiving the license: Once you pay the fees, your application will be processed and the immediate business license will be issued on the same day. You will receive the license in electronic or printed form, and you can start business immediately.
However, you should note that this process is only available for some specific businesses and in some specific areas in Dubai. Conditions and restrictions may vary depending on the type of activity and region, so it is recommended to contact the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) or the competent authority in the free zone to obtain accurate information and updates about the issuance of the instant license and its specific conditions.

Types of business licenses in Dubai
Topics that may interest you: Commercial license fees in Dubai
Conditions for an instant license in Dubai
There are some general conditions that must be met when issuing an instant license in Dubai, which include the following:
- Location: The appropriate location must be determined to conduct business, whether it is in a specific free zone or in a location outside the free zones.
- Commercial activity: You must specify the commercial activity you wish to practice and ensure that it is compatible with the activities for which the instant license is provided.
- Legal Officer : A person must be appointed as a legal officer for the company who is a resident of the UAE.
- Minimum Capital: Obtaining an instant license usually requires paying a specific minimum capital, which varies depending on the business activity and the free zone in question.
- Required documents: You must submit a set of required documents, such as a passport, residence certificate (if you reside in the UAE), license application form, business plan, and other required financial and legal documents.
Please note that these are general terms and conditions and may vary between different free zones in Dubai and also depend on the business activity and personal details of each company. It is recommended to contact the Dubai Free Zone General Authority or the institutions that offer the instant license to obtain an updated and comprehensive list of the exact conditions required and the procedures necessary to obtain the instant license in Dubai.
Instant license activities
An immediate activities license in Dubai is a type of business license that allows companies to start operating immediately after obtaining it without the need for long and complicated procedures. This type of commercial license was developed to enhance the business climate and facilitate the process of establishing companies in Dubai and issuing an instant license in Dubai.
Activities that can obtain an immediate license in Dubai include a wide range of businesses such as:
- General commercial activities such as retail and wholesale.
- Professional activities such as engineering, medical, legal and technical consulting.
- Arts and crafts activities such as barbering, graphic design and photography.
- Activities Restaurants, cafes and food services.
- Tourism and recreational activities such as tourism agencies and tourist transportation.
However, you should check the list of current spot activities available in Dubai and the specific legal requirements for each activity. You can obtain this information from the Dubai Economic Development Department (DED) or inquire at your local business services office in Dubai.
The difference between an immediate and a regular license
The difference between an instant license and a regular license depends on the speed and simplicity of the process of obtaining a commercial license. Here are some of the main differences between them:
- Speed and simplicity:
- Instant license: It is issued quickly, usually within a few hours after submitting the application and the necessary procedures.
- Regular license: Requires longer processing and review time, and may take weeks or even months before obtaining the license.
- the cost:
- Instant License: May be more expensive than a regular license due to the speed and additional facilities provided.
- Regular licence: Usually relatively less expensive, but may be associated with more administrative fees and expenses.
- Sponsor requirements:
- Instant license: In some cases, this type of license can be obtained without the need for a local sponsor.
- Regular License: Regular licenses usually require a local sponsor for the company.
- Activity type:
- Instant license: It is usually specific to specific and limited commercial activities.
- Regular license: allows the company to carry out a variety of commercial activities and investments.
- Legal obligations:
- Instant licence: Legal obligations are often less complex due to the limited scope of activities.
- Ordinary licence: requires compliance with local laws, regulations and more detailed administrative procedures.
The requirements and benefits of instant licenses and regular licenses vary from one country to another and even within the same country. Entrepreneurs should study the options available and evaluate whether an instant or regular license suits their particular business needs and requirements.
Cost of a business license in Dubai
The cost of a business license in Dubai varies based on the type of company and business activity being established. There are several factors that affect the cost of the license and the issuance of an instant license in Dubai, including the type of license, location, rented space, number of employees, and additional services that are requested.
Some general examples of the cost of a business license in Dubai:
- General Trading License: It is a type of business license that can be obtained in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. This license gives the company the ability to conduct general commercial activities without specifying a specific type of product or service. This means that the company can buy and sell a wide range of products without restriction.
- Limited Liability Company License: It is one of the forms of business licenses in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. The LLC is a common and popular legal structure for establishing companies. This type of license allows founders to specifically designate capital and liabilities, allowing company members to be further protected from financial liabilities.
- Sole Proprietorship License: This represents one of the business forms in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, where an individual runs the business individually without partners. This model is suitable for individuals who want to start their business simply and without complications.
- Free Zone Company License:
It represents one of the distinct options that investors can choose when establishing their business in free zones in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. This license provides a favorable business environment for companies based in free zones.

Instant licenses
Instant license fees in Dubai
The fees for issuing an instant license in Dubai vary depending on the business activity and the free zone in question. However, some general information can be provided about the approximate fees associated with obtaining an instant license in Dubai.
Dubai instant license fees usually include the following items:
- Basic License Fees: Includes fees for issuing the basic license to do business in Dubai. These fees may vary depending on the business activity and free zone.
- Visa and residence fees: If you require a visa to work and reside in the UAE, additional work and residence visa fees may apply.
- Additional Services Fees: Additional services such as corporate support services, virtual offices, and logistics services may be available and may require additional fees.
Please note that this information is subject to change and depends on current policies and regulations in Dubai. It is recommended to contact the Dubai Free Zone General Authority or the institutions that offer the instant license to obtain more accurate information about the current fees related to obtaining the instant license in Dubai, the available services and their costs.
Read also: What are the types of commercial licenses in the UAE?
What categories are allowed for the instant commercial license?
We will review some general guidelines about the categories allowed in order to obtain an immediate commercial license. It should also be noted that laws and regulations differ from one country to another, and the practical application may also differ, so it is best to check the local laws in the country in which you intend to obtain a commercial license.
The permitted categories for an instant business license usually include simple, non-risk trading activities. Some common categories may include the following:
Retail trade: such as selling clothes, shoes, accessories, gifts, household items, raw food products, etc.
Personal services: such as beauty salons, barber shops, nail salons, spa salons, and fitness centers.
Professional services: such as legal, accounting, marketing consultations, design, technological development, etc.
Small restaurants and cafes: such as fast restaurants, coffee shops, small family restaurants, and snack shops.
Home services: such as cleaning, maintenance, simple installations, and gardening services.
Features of obtaining an immediate license in Dubai
In Dubai, the instant business license has several features that make it an attractive option for contractors and entrepreneurs. Here are some of the main features of obtaining an instant license in Dubai:
Simple procedures: The procedures for obtaining an instant business license in Dubai are simple and quick. They can be done within a few simple steps without the need for complex requirements or long procedures.
Low cost: The instant business license is low in cost compared to some other commercial licenses. This allows contractors and entrepreneurs to start their businesses at reasonable and low costs.
Full ownership: By obtaining an immediate license in Dubai, you can benefit from full ownership of your business. This means that you will be the sole owner of the company without the need for local partners.
Access to Global Markets: Dubai is a global trading center and business and trade hub. Thanks to its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, you will have access to global markets and expand your business with ease.
Freedom in business activity: You can choose a large-scale or multi-activity business for an instant business license in Dubai. This means that you are not restricted to a specific business field, but rather you can diversify your business and meet the needs of the market.
Advanced Infrastructure: Dubai provides advanced infrastructure and excellent facilities for business. From cutting-edge logistics networks to robust banking and financial services and advanced technology, you’ll find everything you need to run your business efficiently.
The most important feature of the commercial license in the Emirates
It is considered the cheapest commercial license in the Emirates and is mostly in the free zones, as it provides easy and also low-cost options for small and medium companies and entrepreneurs. However, it must also be taken into account that the total cost of issuing an instant license in Dubai is not limited only to the license fees. But it also includes office rental costs, ancillary services, insurances and other administrative costs.
Some examples of the cheapest commercial license in the UAE are in the following free zones:
- Fujairah Free Zone
- Ajman Free Zone
- Sharjah Media City Free Zone

Instant license fees in Dubai
Dubai commercial license without sponsor
Issuing an instant license in Dubai There are some options that allow obtaining a commercial license without the need for a local sponsor. Among these options:
1. Companies in free zones: Foreign individuals and companies can establish their businesses in free zones in Dubai such as the media and production free zone (Dubai Media City) and the information technology free zone (Dubai Internet City) without the need for a local sponsor.
2. Dubai International Trade Center (DIFC): International companies can establish their business in the Dubai International Trade Center (DIFC) without the need for a local sponsor. This center focuses on financial and legal services and offers a distinctive business environment.
3. Smart Dubai: Dubai Municipality offers a program called “Smart Projects” through which individuals and companies can obtain a commercial license without the need for a local sponsor with regard to small businesses and emerging projects.
Please note that there are specific requirements and procedures for each of these options, and they may vary over time, so it is always preferable to check the current information and requirements with the relevant authority before embarking on the procedures for establishing a company in Dubai.

Renewal of commercial licenses
Related topics: Instant license
Single person license Abu Dhabi
A single person license in Abu Dhabi is considered a type of business license that allows individuals to establish a company in Dubai and operate a business on their own without the need for other partners. It is also known as the “sole trader licence” or “self-employment licence”.
A single person license provides an opportunity for individuals to start and manage their own business and generate income from a business activity that matches their skills and interests. Single person license holders can carry out a variety of business activities such as consulting, professional services, retail, e-commerce, handicrafts and others.
A single-person license in Abu Dhabi requires certain registration and licensing procedures, and requirements and procedures may vary in terms of activity and location. These procedures include submitting a registration application, submitting the required documents, paying the prescribed fees, and reviewing the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development to obtain final approval.
Issuing the instant license in Dubai is one of the pioneering initiatives taken by the Dubai government to enhance the business environment and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in the city. This new license reflects Dubai’s aspirations towards simplifying government procedures and stimulating emerging, small and medium-sized companies, which contributes to strengthening Dubai’s position as a major business center on the global level. Issuing an immediate license allows those wishing to establish their companies in Dubai to obtain a commercial license very quickly and with simple and easy procedures. Companies benefit from this license with many advantages that we will discuss in this article.
Most important frequently asked questions:-
What is an instant license in Dubai?
An instant license is a type of license that can be obtained relatively quickly compared to traditional company registration procedures, and allows companies to start business immediately.
What are the necessary steps to obtain an instant license in Dubai?
The steps vary depending on the type of activity and company, but usually include submitting the required documents, paying the applicable fees, and passing the required health examination if necessary.
How long does it take to issue an instant license in Dubai?
The period for issuing an instant license varies depending on the type of activity and company, but generally it can take a few days to two weeks