ਯੂਏਈ dual licensing

Identify exactly what the company intends to do outside the free zone.

"Operating on the mainland" is too broad for licensing purposes. The application should clarify whether the company will provide consultancy, trade goods, open premises, perform project work, participate in tenders or establish a permanent branch.

Determine where the activities will physically and commercially take place.

A ਦੁਬਈ permit concerns activities within ਦੁਬਈ. Operations in another emirate may require authorisation from that emirate's competent authority.

Check whether the proposed mainland activity is already included in the free zone ਲਾਇਸੰਸ and constitutional documents.

If the activities do not align, an amendment may be necessary before applying for mainland authorisation.

Do not assume that a general category such as "consultancy" or "trading" includes every activity within that category.

Apply for the required approval or no-objection certificate from the free zone licensing authority.

The free zone may review the company's ਲਾਇਸੰਸ status, ਅਨੁਪਾਲਨ record, facilities, proposed activity and constitutional documents.

If the activity is regulated, obtain the necessary approvals from the competent regulator.

The mainland authority may not issue the final ਲਾਇਸੰਸ or permit until these approvals are available.

Choose between a temporary permit and a branch ਲਾਇਸੰਸ based on the operational model.

A temporary permit may suit limited or trial operations. A branch ਲਾਇਸੰਸ may be better for permanent activity, ongoing contracts or premises-based operations.

Compile the company, manager, shareholder and approval documents. Ensure names, ਲਾਇਸੰਸ numbers, activities and ownership information are consistent across all records.

Eligible ਦੁਬਈ applicants may use the Invest ਦੁਬਈ ਵਿੱਚ platform. Other applications may be submitted through the competent economic department or its service channels.

Pay the authority fees and any additional charges imposed by the free zone, regulator or service provider.

Create separate records for mainland activities where required. Update invoicing, contracts, tax coding and internal approval processes before beginning operations.

AED 10,000 per year for issuing or renewing a branch ਲਾਇਸੰਸ operating from the free zone

These figures relate to the specified DET authorisations. They may not represent the complete cost of becoming operational.

The fee for a conventional branch with physical mainland premises depends on the applicable licensing and premises requirements.

CTA: Request a tailored cost assessment based on your free zone, activities and intended mainland operations.

A straightforward application for an eligible non-regulated activity may be processed more efficiently than a branch requiring premises, regulatory approval or technical inspection. Companies should avoid committing to a project start date until the relevant authorisation has been issued.

Dual licensing can affect the ਕਾਰਪੋਰੇਟ ਟੈਕਸ treatment of a free zone company.

A free zone entity is not automatically exempt from ਕਾਰਪੋਰੇਟ ਟੈਕਸ. A company seeking the zero-percent rate available to a Qualifying Free Zone Person must satisfy all applicable conditions, including requirements relating to qualifying income, adequate substance, transfer pricing, audited financial statements and the de minimis limit for non-qualifying revenue.

Identify exactly what the company will do outside the free zone.

A vague description such as "consulting" or "trading" is not sufficient for a licensing decision.

Compare the existing free zone activities with the mainland activity classifications.

If the intended mainland activity is not covered by the parent company's objects or ਲਾਇਸੰਸ, the free zone ਲਾਇਸੰਸ or constitutional documents may need to be amended before the application proceeds.

The least expensive option is not always the legally appropriate one.

The existing free zone authority must approve the proposed mainland arrangement where required.

The approval may take the form of an NOC, consent letter or electronic confirmation.

Regulated activities require approval from the body responsible for that sector.

Depending on the business, this could involve a health, education, municipality, transport, financial, professional or industry regulator.

Obtaining a DET permit does not remove these requirements.

The company should assemble its ਲਾਇਸੰਸ, constitutional documents, manager identification, free zone approval, activity information and regulatory approvals.

ਦਸਤਾਵੇਜ਼ should be current and consistent. Differences in the company name, manager details or activity description may delay the application.