Dubai sees surge in demand for instant business licences

Entrepreneurs are taking advantage of Dubai's instant licensing system with as many as 32,564 issued since its launch in 2017.

The speedy initiative, led by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), allows business owners to secure a licence in just five minutes through the 'Invest in Dubai' platform.

The automated service allows investors to start their business activity immediately before completing the remaining requirements, such as approvals from other relevant government entities.

The licensee is also given instant membership of Dubai Chamber, an establishment card of the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) as well as three work permits for employees from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation once the trade licence is issued.

According to the DET's latest report, Bur Dubai accounted for the largest share with 27,200 licences followed by Deira (5,363), and Hatta (1 licence), while the top sub-regions since the launch of the initiative in August 2017 to date were: Al Fahidi, Burj Khalifa, Al Marrar, Port Saeed, Trade Centre 1, Dubai Investments Park 1, Al Karama, Al Mankhool, and Al Garhoud.

An instant licence can be obtained in four different legal forms - Limited Liability Company, One Person L.L.C, Sole Proprietorship and Civil Company.

32,564 instant licences issued by Department of Economy and Tourism since the launch of the initiative in August 2017 https://t.co/b065PV0CFD pic.twitter.com/ibIkx0RuAe

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 18, 2022