If you want to start a business in Abu Dhabi, one of the most important steps is to obtain a DED license. Which means a permit or license from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED). This license allows you to conduct various economic activities in the emirate and enjoy many benefits.

In this article, we will explain what a DED license is, what activities you can perform with it, what is an economic license, and what are the benefits of a DED license.

What is DED license in Abu Dhabi?

A DED license is a business license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Abu Dhabi. The DED is the authority that regulates the business sector in the emirate and leads economic initiatives to achieve a knowledge-based, diversified, and sustainable economy.

You can apply for a DED license online through the website or in person at a customer service center. You will need to submit various documents in the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. Such as:

• Certificate of trade name
• Copies of the passports of all shareholders
• A letter from the Ministry of Economy and Planning that authorizes the company formation
• Copy of your residence permit
• A letter approving proposed business activities signed by the authorities
• Clearance and no objections from your local sponsor in the form of a letter
• A copy of your Memorandum of Association with said local sponsor
• Copy of the letter from your bank that authenticates the claimed finances of the company
• A copy of your tenancy contract

You may also need to get approval from other relevant authorities, depending on the nature of your economic activity. It depends on Abu Dhabi department of economic development activity list. For example:

If your business operates in the insurance industry, you may need to get approval from the Insurance Authority.

When your business operates in the healthcare industry, you will need to get approval from the Ministry of Health.

If your business operates in the hotel sector, you may need to get permission from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

Furthermore, for online or remote workers they can also apply for an Abu Dhabi department of economic development freelance license.

Trade License Activities you can perform in Abu Dhabi

With the Abu Dhabi department of economic development (DED) license, you can perform various trade license activities in Abu Dhabi. For example:

• Import and export your goods with other nations
• Take part in a number of commercial related activities
• Let the masses know of your services and products through advertisements

However, the Abu Dhabi department of economic development offers different types of licenses for different activities. For example:

• Commercial license: for trading activities, such as buying and selling goods or services. In this case you will need an Abu Dhabi economic department trade license
• Professional license: for professional activities, such as consulting, accounting, or engineering
• Industrial license: for manufacturing or industrial activities, such as producing or processing goods
• Tourism license: for tourism-related activities, such as operating hotels or travel agencies

You can also apply for multiple licenses through the Abu Dhabi department of economic development (DED). This is done in case you want to conduct more than one activity.

What is economic license in Abu Dhabi?

An economic license is a type of DED license that allows you to conduct economic activities without having a physical presence or office space in Abu Dhabi. This means that you can operate your business from anywhere in the world. However, only as long as you have a local agent or sponsor who represents you in the emirate.

An economic license is ideal for businesses that do not require frequent interaction with customers or suppliers, such as e-commerce, consultancy, or media. With an economic license, you can enjoy benefits such as:

• Low cost and fast registration process
• No requirement for office space or employees
• Access to various markets and customers
• Flexibility and convenience

To apply you will need to submit similar documents as for a regular Abu Dhabi DED license. However, you will not need a tenancy contract or a letter from a bank.

Benefits of a DED License

DED license offers many benefits for owners and entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their business in Abu Dhabi. Some of these benefits are:

• Access to a large and diverse market with high purchasing power and demand
• Availability of various incentives and support programs from the government and other entities
• Opportunity to participate in various projects and initiatives that contribute to the economic development and diversification of Abu Dhabi
• Ability to benefit from the strategic location and connectivity of Abu Dhabi with other regions and countries
• Enjoyment of a stable and secure environment with a high quality of life

DED Abu Dhabi – the legal requirements

A DED license is issued by the Abu Dhabi department of economic development. As mentioned above, this is the government entity responsible for regulating the economic activity and promoting the business environment in the emirate. A DED license is required for any type of business activity, whether it is commercial, industrial, professional, or tourism-related. There are different types of DED licenses depending on the nature and scope of your business. Such as:

• General trade license

This allows you to engage in various trading activities, such as importing, exporting, distributing, or selling goods and services. Furthermore, In this case you would need to know how to start an import and export business particularly.

• Industrial license

This allows you to establish and operate an industrial facility, such as a factory, workshop, or warehouse.

• Professional license

It allows you to offer professional services, such as consulting, engineering, accounting, or legal services.

• Tourism license

This allows you to operate a tourism-related business, such as a hotel, travel agency, or tour operator.

To obtain an Abu Dhabi economic department trade license, you need to follow certain steps and meet certain requirements. For example:

• Choose a legal form for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a limited liability company (LLC).
• Pick a trade name for your business and register it with the DED.
• Decide for a suitable location for your business and obtain the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.
• Prepare and submit the required documents, such as your passport copy, visa copy, Emirates ID copy, NOC from your sponsor (if applicable), and business plan.
• Pay the fees for issuing and registering your DED license.

How can I check my trade license online in Abu Dhabi?

One of the advantages of having this license is that you can easily check the Abu Dhabi economic department online. You can check your status and validity through the website or mobile app. You can also access other online services related to your Abu Dhabi department of economic development license. For example

• Renewing your DED license
• Updating your contact details
• Adding or removing partners
• Changing your trade name
• Adding or removing activities
• Transferring your DED license
• Cancelling your DED license

To check your trade license online in Abu Dhabi, you need to follow these steps:

• Visit the DED Abu Dhabi website or download the mobile app.
• Click on “e-Services” and then on “License Services”.
• Enter your license number or trade name and click on “Search”.
• You will see the details of your DED license, such as its status, expiry date, activities, partners, and fees.

Request for Renewal of Economic Licence

One of the responsibilities of having a DED license is to renew it every year before it expires. Failing to do so may result in fines, penalties, or suspension of your business activities. To renew your Abu Dhabi DED license online, you need to follow these steps:

• Visit the DED Abu Dhabi website or mobile app.
• Click on “e-Services” and then on “License Services”.
• Enter your license number or trade name and click on “Search”.
• Click on “Renew License” and follow the instructions.
• You may need to upload some documents. Such as your tenancy contract copy, bank account statement copy, audit report copy (if applicable), and insurance certificate copy (if applicable).
• Also, you will have to obtain some approvals from other authorities depending on your business activity.
• Pay the fees for renewing your DED license online or at any authorized payment channel.

You will receive an SMS or email confirmation once your renewal request is processed. You can then print your renewed DED license from the website or mobile app.

Businesses Thriving with DED Licenses

Having a DED license in Abu Dhabi can offer many benefits for your business growth and success. Some of these benefits are:

• You can access to a large and diverse market with high purchasing power and demand for various goods and services.
• You will have access to a supportive and competitive business environment with world-class infrastructure, facilities, and services.
• Entering to various incentives and initiatives from the government and other stakeholders to support entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Access to various resources and opportunities for networking, learning, and development.

Some examples of businesses that are thriving with DED licenses in Abu Dhabi are:

• Al Ain Farms: This is one of the leading dairy producers in the UAE that operates with an industrial DED license. It produces fresh milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products using advanced technology and quality standards.
• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): This is an international financial center that operates with a professional DED license. It offers a range of financial and non-financial services, such as banking, asset management, insurance, legal, and consulting services.
• Yas Island: This is a premier leisure and entertainment destination that operates with a tourism DED license. It features various attractions, such as Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall, and Yas Links.

These are some of the things you need to know about DED license in Abu Dhabi. If you are interested in obtaining a DED license for your business, you can contact them through their different options. For example, their website, mobile app, call center, or customer service centers.

Conclusion

A DED license is a key requirement for starting a business in Abu Dhabi. It allows you to conduct various economic activities in the emirate and enjoy many benefits. You can apply for a DED license online or offline, depending on your preference and convenience. Furthermore, you can also choose between different types of licenses. Such as, commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism, depending on your activity.

Alternatively, you can opt for an economic license if you do not need a physical presence or office space in Abu Dhabi. Nonetheless, If you want to know more about DED license in Abu Dhabi, you can visit the DED website or contact us for more information and assistance.