When you have to set up your business in Dubai mainland, you need licenses, which are issued by the Dubai Economic Department (DED). It’s a general requirement, and DED issues your business name and initials. But your work does not stop there. You have to get approvals from external departments to start operating your business in Dubai.
In this post, you’ll learn about the external approvals required to start a business in Dubai. So, keep reading.
What Do You Need an External Approval for Your Business in Dubai?
Business people are the ones that provide benefits to consumers. Generally, DED issues trade licenses without external approval when the business activity does not impact human lives and the environment. Yet, all business activities that impact humans and environment are required to get approval from the relevant govt department. Examples include medical services, pharmaceuticals, etc.
What are the Special Business Activities that Need External Approvals?
The following are the business activities that require approval from the relevant govt authorities in Dubai.
| Business Activities | Related Authority Liable to Grant External Approval |
| Gym & Fitness | Dubai Sports Council/Emirates Body Building Federation (EBBF) |
| Travel & Tourism (Domestic/International) | Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) |
| Social Club Registration & Licensing | Ministry of Social Affairs |
| Banks & Financial Institutions | Central Bank of the UAE |
| Training Institutes/ Educational Establishments | Knowledge and Human Development Authority approval (KHDA) |
| Printing, Publishing & Advertising | National Media Council |
| Pharmaceutical & Medical Products Trading | The Ministry of Health & Prevention |
| Contracting & Building Maintenance; Architect & Engineering and other related activities | Dubai Municipality |
| Manufacturing Units | Ministry of Finance and Industry |
| Tents, Awnings & Tarpaulin Manufacturing | Environment Protection Section of Dubai Municipality |
| Transportation & Vehicle Rental activities | Road and Transport Authority (RTA) |
| Advocates & Legal Consultants | Ruler’s Office |
| Real Estate / Business Centre activities | Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) |
| Medical-related activities | Dubai Health Authority |
| Chartered Accountants / Insurance Companies / Insurance Brokers | Ministry of Economy |
| Oil & Gas activities | Dubai Courts |
| Man Power Recruitment Agencies | Ministry of Labour (MoL) |
| Cargo Cleaning, Packaging, Fishing Cages Manufacturing | Dubai Maritime City |
The Process of Getting External Approval in Dubai
When you start your trade license application in Dubai, DED issues your business name and initials. If your business activity requires external approval, DED will refer you to the relevant department. That department will examine your documentation and inspect your details for approval. It takes one to two months to get your business approved.
When you get external approval, DED issues you the license.
Does external approval come with an extra cost?
External approval requires a cost that you have to pay. Sometimes, the relevant department approves your request on a one-time charge. In rare cases, you have to pay recurring fees.
Wrap up
If you have to get a trade license in Dubai, you have to go through DED. It will issue you the business name and initials while sending you to the relevant department for approval.
You have to complete the requirements of the relevant department for the approval.
When you have qualified from the relevant department, you’ll get your trade license.
All processes will take one to two months.
Have a great day.
