We know the approval route your sector actually runs on
Twelve industries, the authorities that regulate them, and the external approvals that decide whether a licence is issued in days or months.
The licence is one step. The approvals behind it are the work.
Two companies can hold the same legal form and face completely different files. What changes is the activity code and the external authority attached to it.
Trading & general commerce
General, specialised and re-export trading. The activity code decides whether you need an importer code, a product registration or a municipality permit before the first shipment lands.
Construction & contracting
Contractor and consultant licences are graded. Classification determines the project value you may bid for, and each grade demands registered engineers and proof of past work.
Transport & logistics
Fleet operations bring a second layer of permits on top of the licence: vehicle registration, driver files, freight forwarding approvals and, for passenger transport, RTA permits per vehicle.
Hospitality, food & beverage
Kitchen layout, ventilation and food handler certification are approved before the licence is issued. Alcohol, shisha and outdoor seating each require a separate permit.
Healthcare & medical
Facility and practitioner are licensed separately. Every doctor, nurse and technician needs their own health authority licence, dataflow verification and title matching the visa profession.
Real estate & property
Brokerage requires registered agents and a RERA card per broker. Property management and owners association work carry their own permits and trust account rules.
Education & training
Schools, nurseries and training institutes are regulated by the education authority of the emirate. Premises, curriculum and teacher qualifications are all part of the licence file.
Technology & IT
Software development, IT consultancy and data services sit across mainland and free zone options. Cloud, telecom and content activities can trigger regulator approval.
Manufacturing & industrial
An industrial licence requires an approved facility, environmental clearance and, in most emirates, a Ministry of Industry registration alongside the local authority licence.
Professional services & consultancy
Consultancy licences are tied to the qualification of the manager or partner. Legal, audit, engineering and medical consultancy each carry an additional professional body approval.
Beauty, wellness & fitness
Salons, spas and gyms are inspected before opening. Staff need health cards, and treatment rooms, sterilisation and equipment must meet the municipality standard.
E-commerce & online business
Online selling can run on an e-trader permit, a mainland licence or a free zone package. Payment gateways and marketplaces each require licence documentation before onboarding.
Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore?
A quick comparison of what each route allows. We run this against your actual customer base before recommending one.
| Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade inside the UAE | Direct, unrestricted | Via distributor or branch | Not permitted |
| Foreign ownership | 100% on most activities | 100% | 100% |
| Office requirement | Physical office with Ejari | Flexi-desk upwards | Registered agent address |
| Residence visas | Linked to office size | Package-based quota | Not available |
| Government contracts | Eligible | Generally not eligible | Not eligible |
| Typical setup time | 7 – 12 working days | 3 – 10 working days | 3 – 7 working days |
| Best suited to | Retail, contracting, local services | Export, consultancy, tech, holding | Asset holding, international structuring |
Rules differ by emirate, authority and activity. Treat this as orientation, not advice on a specific case.
Unusual activity? That's usually a sign we should talk.
Newer activities — virtual assets, drone services, esports, agritech, telehealth — often sit between authorities, and the published guidance lags behind. We find out which regulator owns the activity today, in writing, before you commit to a jurisdiction.
Get a free consultation and a fixed quote today
Tell us what you need and when. You'll receive a written document checklist and an itemised quote — usually within the same working day.