Business licensing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undergone significant transformation in the last few years, moving away from a traditional, paper-based process to a streamlined, tech-driven model. This transformation reflects the UAE's broader efforts to modernise its administrative services and make doing business in the country more accessible for both local and international entrepreneurs. Previously, obtaining a business licence involved numerous steps, including visiting different government offices, submitting a stack of documents and waiting for approvals, often for days or even weeks. With the rise of new technologies, business licensing in the UAE is now transforming into a more streamlined process. Much of this process has shifted online, reducing both the time and effort required.
Gone are the days when setting up a business in the UAE required multiple trips to government offices. Thanks to new technologies transforming business licensing in the UAE, you can now avoid long queues, stacks of paperwork, and repetitive administrative tasks. Many free zones and government entities have adopted digital platforms to streamline the process. A good example of this shift is the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), which offers a simplified online system for business licensing. This hub for entrepreneurs simplifies the entire process digitally, marking a clear departure from traditional licensing. The benefits are clear—starting a business is now faster and more efficient, reflecting the future of licensing in the UAE.
One of the key advancements in this area is the ability to obtain a business licence in a matter of minutes. Here’s how it works when applying through RAKEZ: ● No paperwork ● No physical visits ● No waiting You can get your business licence in three basic steps:
The first step in applying for a business licence is ensuring you have the right documents on hand. Thankfully, the list is short: ● A valid passport ● A visa or Emirates ID (for residents) If you are a non-resident, only a valid passport is required. This simplifies the process and removes the need to gather multiple documents.
RAKEZ offers two package options: Basic package: This option is for those who only require the essentials to get started. It’s a minimalistic approach that suits smaller businesses or those with simpler needs. All-inclusive package: For businesses that may need additional support, the all-inclusive package offers more comprehensive options. The all-inclusive business set-up package includes the following key components: a) UAE residence visa: This allows individuals to legally reside in the UAE while conducting business activities with valid business registration. b) Third-party visa processing: RAKEZ handles the visa processing and business registration procedure on behalf of clients, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective process without the need for direct involvement from the client. c) Immigration file/e-channel: This includes the creation and management of an immigration file for the client, as well as access to the e-channel system, which facilitates various immigration-related processes electronically. d) Emirates ID/medical: RAKEZ assists clients in obtaining the Emirates ID, an essential identification document in the UAE. e) Pre-approval: RAKEZ helps clients obtain pre-approval for their business activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating the overall business set-up process. f) Business licence: It is a document that allows you to legally operate your business in the UAE. The type of business licence obtained will depend on the nature of the client's business activities. g) Shared workstation: Clients can access a shared workstation, offering a dedicated space to work and conduct business activities within RAKEZ facilities with the guidance of business set-up consultants.
After selecting a package, the final step is to complete your application online. Once your details are entered and submitted, your licence will be issued instantly, without any additional delays or steps. This digital licence process eliminates the traditional waiting time, allowing businesses to be officially established in a matter of minutes rather than days.
Business licensing in the UAE is not only embracing digitisation but also advancing with new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, the world’s first AI-generated trade licence was rolled out in the UAE, cutting the processing time down to three minutes. By using AI, the system can automatically approve applications, removing the need for human intervention and reducing the risk of errors. Such advancements are reshaping the business licensing hub of the UAE, offering significant benefits. The future of licensing will provide more accessible, efficient and error-free options for business owners.
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