How to Get a General Trade License Dubai?

Published on: 23 October 2020 Last Updated on: 06 November 2024

Dubai is one of the most admired cities for various types of businesses. Many entrepreneurs prefer trading in the UAE because of the tax-free environment. and due to the UAE’s numerous Dubai visa types and easy application options, including online visa application systems, as well as many other types for entrepreneurs, investors, and businessmen. General trading is among the most profitable business ventures in Dubai. This is due to the huge local demand for various supplies because of the diverse cultures in the region. This includes essential items and even machinery.

As an entrepreneur or an aspiring business person, you should know that all businesses in the UAE require a trading license. It’s necessary to understand the different types of licenses. A general trade license allows you to conduct all your business activities with a single license.

General Trading License/Business in Dubai

A general trading license is ideal if you’re looking to start a business in the UAE. This license covers multiple trading activities in the same or various industries. These activities include import, export, and other activities like trading in electronics, furniture, clothes, etc. You should also get a general trading license if you wish to venture into the wholesale business.

This license allows you to trade in Dubai and other Emirates. However, you should understand regulations on specific products like pharmaceutical products, alcohol, and frozen goods. Many opportunities allow entrepreneurs to explore multiple businesses. There are 3 options for entrepreneurs to set up companies in Dubai; the Free Zones, Mainland, and Offshore.

Steps to Get a General Trade License in Dubai

The thought of conducting multiple tax-free businesses is very attractive to many individuals. However, you can’t do business in Dubai without a trading license. Below are the steps you need to follow to obtain your general trade license.

Choose a Location

You need to understand the different types of jurisdictions for business activities; these are the Offshore, Mainland, and Free Zones. There are 48 Free Zones in Dubai to choose from; they give you 100% ownership of your corporate and personal income. A Mainland business requires you to have a sponsor who will own 51% of the shares. An Offshore business operates in a different jurisdiction from its parent company which is usually in another country.

Business Activities

A general trading license allows you to conduct multiple businesses; you can choose up to 10 business activities. Apart from the restricted products like pharmaceuticals, guns, alcohol, and tobacco, you can trade in any other business.

Choose a Trade Name

One of the first steps is to choose an appropriate name for your company; this is one of the most important parts of your business. Choose a memorable, catchy name; it should help potential customers understand the type of business you run. You also have to follow name rules and regulations in the UAE. For instance, the name and the type of business should not contradict, you should not choose a name under copyright by another business in the UAE, it should not contain indecent or obscene words and should not offend the public, and you should not include God’s name or His attributes in English or Arabic. You can make your work easier by consulting a legal expert from a law firm in Dubai to guide you on how to choose a name.

Apply for the License

You need to apply for the license and submit various documents these include;

A license application signed by the manager or legal representative
Memorandum of association
A copy of your passport
2 color passport photos with a white background
A No Objection form from your employer (where applicable)
Passports of all the partners
Complete application form.

You can consult your legal advisor from a law firm in Dubai if you’re not sure you’ve got the right documents. The Commercial Revenue Authority reviews and validates your documents; your business name is then included in the Commercial Registry. The Department of Economic Development forwards these documents to the Federal Ministry of Economy responsible for publication. After this, the ministry issues an approval letter. The next step is for the Department of Economic Development (DED) to issue you with a commercial registration certificate and original trade license. Your license expires after 1 year. Once renewed; the license is valid for 5 years.

Choose a Business Premise

You need an office and a warehouse; you need to store your goods. A Free Zone license has limitations on the location of warehouses to choose, while a Mainland license has more freedom. Some Free Zones are more flexible; for instance, IFZA allows entrepreneurs to operate in virtual offices. Consider the location of the warehouse and your office, size, security for your goods, utilities, storage environment, and climate control like having an AC for hot weather.

General trade businesses are some of the most lucrative businesses to start in Dubai. You can trade include 10 activities and enjoy a tax-free lifestyle. However, every company in the UAE requires a license. It’s necessary to follow all the steps for the license application to save time and avoid issues.

Read Also:

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

How to Properly Handle a Motorcycle Accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you need to take sensible actions to protect your health and your personal injury claim. Read the guide below to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario on the road: 1. Ensure Your Safety First and foremost, you need to carefully handle yourself at the accident scene. You have to get yourself to safety. Distance yourself from anything harmful and immediately get out of traffic. If safe, try to take pictures that show the positions of vehicles before moving them. 2. Check Yourself for Injuries Second, you need to check if you are physically injured. You should also check on the other people involved in the accident. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 for emergency help. You should seek medical attention even if you are not severely harmed so your injuries can be documented. 3. Stay Composed Up next, you need to remain calm. Don’t panic as you could end up making the situation worse. Don’t say admit fault or aggressively assign blame to another party. Stick to the basic facts if questioned by the police. 4. Call the Police It is best that you immediately call the police and may be required if the accident caused injury or serious property damage, depending on your state. Police officers can control the traffic, make a report on the accident scene, and make arrests if warranted. 5. Collect Evidence of the Scene If you are physically able to do so, gather evidence of the scene. You can take photos from your phone and record videos to document damage to your motorcycle and your injuries. 6. Gather Information from Witnesses You can also talk to witnesses and obtain the necessary information. Try to collect their names, phone numbers, and addresses. This way, your lawyer can follow up and determine if their deposition might contribute to your case should it proceed to discovery. 7. Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Next, you should call a qualified attorney to help with your motorcycle accident case. If you don’t know any lawyers, you can contact the Oxnard motorcycle accident attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. in California to inquire about legal assistance. A dedicated motorcycle accident attorney can compile evidence, file the necessary paperwork, help you avoid mistakes, and pursue the highest settlement on your behalf. 8. Avoid Mistakes Do not provide a statement to the insurance company without your lawyer’s approval. Do not discuss the accident online or post pictures of your injuries. In fact, you should deactivate your social media accounts. Do not discard evidence or documents pertaining to the accident, your injuries, or the associated costs. Follow your doctor’s orders exactly. Above all, ride carefully next time to prevent motorcycle accidents and injuries. Always wear protective gear. Never ride a motorcycle if you are drunk. Obey traffic laws, follow road signs, adhere to speed limits, and avoid risky behaviors. Read Also: Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Ask When You’re In An Accident What Are the 6 Steps to Take to Become a Proud Motorcyclist?

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Arizona?

With the opioid epidemic at an all-time high, law enforcement agencies are cracking down on drug possession offenses all over the country. Arizona is no different. In Arizona, if you are caught with drugs on your person or in your car, you can expect to face some serious legal repercussions. This also applies to anyone caught with drug paraphernalia in their possession. Depending on the type and amount drug, you could be facing some serious fines and jail time. Arizona takes drug possession very seriously. The bottom line is if you are caught under the influence of drugs or with drugs in your possession, you will probably be charged with a felony. In order to be found guilty of drug possession in Arizona, the state must prove the following: You knowingly possess the drugs or paraphernalia- It's not enough that you are found in a house where drugs are found. There has to be some connection between you and the drugs in order for you to be found guilty. The substance was, in fact, an illegal or illicit drug – Just because you think something is a drug, doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted of the crime of possession. If you have a bag of oregano, you can’t get charged with possession of marijuana – even if you bought it thinking it was marijuana. Arizona also breaks drugs down into different categories. Drugs can be defined as any of the following: Marijuana – This category includes synthetic marijuana, edibles, or regular marijuana. Peyote Prescription drugs – This would include anti-anxiety drugs and other drugs that are legally prescribed. To be charged with drug possession, you would have to be found with drugs that you personally don’t have a prescription for. Dangerous drugs –this would include methamphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, etc. Narcotics – Pain medication and other opiates. Vapors – This would include inhalants. What are the Different Penalties for Drug Possession? If you are busted with drugs in Arizona, you are going to face some serious consequences. The severity of the penalty will depend on how much of the drug you have in your possession. If you have just enough for personal use, it will more than likely qualify as simple possession. If, however, you have more than you could be expect to use yourself, you’ll be charged with possession and intent to distribute. In Arizona, you will not be sent to prison for your first or second offense of drug possession. You will be sent to mandatory treatment and will be handed some pretty stiff fines. Additionally, you may be given a suspended sentence or probation for your first or second offense. Arizona will not impose a prison sentence until your third offense. Defenses to Drug Possession: As with most crimes, there are defenses to drug possession in Arizona. Your criminal defense attorney will raise any and all of the applicable defenses in your trial. He will also use these defenses as a bargaining tool when he tries to negotiate a reduced charge or sentence with the prosecutor. The available defenses to drug possession in Arizona include: Lack of Knowledge – If you truly had no idea the drugs were in your possession, you may be found not guilty. Examples of this are when third parties placed drugs in your car or purse. It is very difficult to prove lack of knowledge. Illegal Search – If the police had no reasonable basis for conducting the search in the first place, the charges will have to be dismissed. Religious Use – This defense is rarely successful. In order to use this defense, you have to prove that you were using the drugs as part of a religious (not merely a cultural) ritual. Medical Marijuana Card – If you are caught with less than 2.5 ounces of marijuana and are a legitimate marijuana patient, you may raise this defense. You will still have to prove that the drugs came from a genuine and legal dispensary. Read Also: Is Outpatient Treatment For Drug And Alcohol Addiction Effective? Polydrug Use: What Happens When You Mix Cocaine With Heroin?

Difference Of Opinions About Paralegals And Legal Assistants

Working in law is not an easy endeavor. Multiple roles and designations keep this sector afloat. While lawyers and judges are primarily associated with law, you can't ignore the importance of paralegals and legal assistants who ensure that the court system can do its job. Even though you are working for a lawyer as an assistant and paralegal, these are not the same job professions. Here's how both career paths differentiate from each other: What Do They Do? Understanding what their jobs entail is an excellent place to start to build your knowledge on what a paralegal does compare to a legal assistant, and here's how: Paralegal: As a paralegal, you are helping a lawyer with their cases. That means you conduct all relevant research work on laws and draft legal documents with the best supporting evidence for a lawyer to be used in court. They also assist a lawyer prepare trail reports and file appeals with the opposing counsel. Since paralegals also specialize in criminal law, real estate law, and immigration policies, they have the legal rights to bill clients for their work. However, legal assistants cannot do the same. Legal Assistants: As a legal assistant, your job is more on the administrative side than regular work. You will help a lawyer prepare legal documents such as subpoenas and take their phone calls for them. You're also critical in reminding the lawyer about their court appearances and helping them schedule their appointments and workload. You will also be vital in greeting clients and ensuring all emails get a response. Your work will include organizing all the relevant paperwork a lawyer may need, such as statements and evidence, and file them appropriately. Finally, you prepare bills for a lawyer's clients, but you cannot bill them for your services. However, suppose you wish to try your hand as in law and work your way from a paralegal to an independent lawyer. In that case, there are many exciting and well-structured online programs for you, such as an online criminal justice degree. This degree is not only the first stepping stone into your promising career. Still, it provides you with the necessary resources to do well as a legal practitioner. Where Do These Fields Differ? When you are aware of what a legal assistant's and a paralegal's job entails, it is easy to dive deeper and study their differences more comprehensively: 1. Skills: As a paralegal, you may find yourself sharing certain skill sets with a legal assistant. However, since your job requires you to work within the legal framework, you should know how to take legal actions known as litigation charges organization breach of contract. You will need to know how to use Microsoft Office or any equivalent word processor to prepare your documents. Also, learn how to compile a proper document that follows standard documentation format. You will need to know how to carry out research and make use of the evidence you have. You will need to schedule meetings and remind the lawyer to attend all-important court appearances and meetings. You should know the basic law framework and know-how to enter all relevant data. 2. Experience: Most law firms ask for paralegals who have some experience of working in law. Most ask for at least a minimum of three to five years of work experience. Suppose you go with only entry-level expertise with no experience to only two years of experience. Chances are you may not get a job as a paralegal and given the competition in this sector alone. You trim down your options further if you don't take advantage of every opportunity before applying for a job. As a legal assistant, your job experience is not under heavy scrutiny. Whether you're new to the job or have been working for a while, you can quickly secure a job yourself. It is not unheard of for paralegals to start as legal assistants and interns before applying for higher employment opportunities till they're eligible to work as a paralegal. 3. Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most paralegals can earn $49,500, while a legal assistant can earn $44,180. However, these wages can go higher, and in 2019, they had crossed the $50,000th mark. Your salaries mainly depend on your employer. If you choose to work in a private setting than a non-profit, you have higher chances of earning more. 4. Education: As a paralegal, you will need to have solid formal education to find employment. You will need to attend a bachelor's program in legal studies or paralegal studies. Then appear for your examinations. You will also need to intern while you study. And getting work right after your bachelor's may become problematic if you choose to skip out on all opportunities and directly apply to a law firm. As a legal assistant, you may need to look into a bachelor's degree and get a certificate in paralegal studies. However, you may start your job right away after you graduate as a legal assistant. You don't need to do many internships, but it helps to walk in with some experience. Wrap Up: If you are looking for a law career, becoming a paralegal or a legal assistant is a good start. These two professions are just as important as the lawyer itself. Without the proper help, a lawyer may struggle in staying on top of their cases and not know how to make compelling cases. As a paralegal, your job will be working with the lawyer and their clients, especially for the legal system. As a legal assistant, you will make sure all appointments happen on time. All relevant documents are in the system. Clear Career Path Advice One area missing in this debate is clear advice on which path might be best for you. While the differences between a paralegal and a legal assistant are outlined, it’s important to help you figure out which role fits your skills and interests. If you prefer administrative work, becoming a legal assistant may be more appealing. However, if you love doing legal research and working directly with clients, the paralegal route might be a better fit. So, reflect on what you enjoy most! Day-to-Day Tasks It would also help to include more real-life examples of what a typical day looks like for both roles. For instance, a legal assistant might start the day answering calls and organizing files, while a paralegal could be deep in legal research for an upcoming trial. This way, you can get a clearer idea of what your day-to-day might look like in either role. Future Career Growth Another missing point is career growth opportunities for both positions. Where could these roles take you in the future? As a legal assistant, you might eventually become a paralegal, and as a paralegal, you could decide to go to law school and become a lawyer. These roles could be stepping stones to bigger career opportunities if you want to advance further in the legal field. You do not have to be stuck in either of the positions! Read Also: Keys to Become a Successful Lawyer 5 Top Tips to Help You Hire The Perfect Attorney

How to Get a General Trade License Dubai?

General Trading License/Business in Dubai