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Get Professional Trade License in the UAE

Years Of Experience
10 +
License Approvals
100 +
Success Rate
45 %
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    Why Choose Abu Dhabi for Your Professional Trade License?

    Abu Dhabi offers unmatched advantages for service-based businesses seeking a Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi. Here’s why:

     

    Cost-Effective Licensing

    Obtaining a Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi is one of the most affordable in the UAE, and streamlined digital processes reduce setup time and overhead so you can launch faster and save on initial investment.

    100 % Foreign Ownership

    The ADDED Professional Licence empowers you with full equity across 600+ service activities. You maintain total control of your company while a local service agent handles administrative liaison no hidden partner shares or extra fees.

    Booming Economy

    When Abu Dhabi’s GDP jumped to AED 291 billion in Q1 2025 (non-oil up 56.2 %) and hit AED 1.2 trillion in 2024, it signaled huge demand for new services and ventures. Entrepreneurs can’t afford to wait weeks for a license when the economy is expanding so fast.

    High Output

    Record output growth means fresh business opportunities open up daily. With instant licensing you skip the queue and start operations while competitors are still waiting for approvals.

    Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi

    Our End-to-End Services for Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi

    Activity Assessment Licensing Advice

    We analyze up to 10 service activities tailored to your expertise engineering, consulting, IT, design and advise on the optimal license classification. Our specialists ensure your chosen activities align with ADDED regulations and market deman

    Trade Name Reservation & Initial Approval

    Secure your brand identity early. We handle the trade name reservation application with ADDED verifying compliance, uniqueness, and naming guidelines. Once approved, we file your initial approval to lock in your license type, activity list.

    Memorandum of Association Drafting

    Our legal team drafts and notarizes your MoA, clearly defining shareholding, management roles and activity scopes. This document satisfies ADDED’s requirements and protects your interests, ensuring your Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi remains compliant and dispute-free.

    Local Service Agent Arrangement

    We identify and contract a vetted service agent, file the agent agreement and manage all interactions, so you retain 100 % ownership of your Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi without the legal headaches.

    Ready to Get Started?

    Contact us today for your free consultation and take the first step toward building your business with confidence.

    Professional Trade License Dubai Vs Abu Dhabi

    • Issuing Authority

      Abu Dhabi: ADDED (Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development)

      Dubai: DED (Dubai Department of Economic Development)

    • License Categories

      Abu Dhabi: Commercial, Industrial, Professional, Tourism, Agri & Crafts, E-commerce (Tajer)

      Dubai: Commercial, Industrial, Professional, Tourism; plus Unified Licence programme

    • Foreign Ownership

      Abu Dhabi: 100% foreign equity (all sectors since 2021)

      Dubai: 100% foreign equity (all sectors since 2021)

    • Local Agent Requirement

      Abu Dhabi: Local service agent for Professional licence (no equity)

      Dubai: Local service agent for Professional licence (no equity)

    • Office Space

      Abu Dhabi: Ejari-registered office required; waived for Tajer & instant licence

      Dubai: Ejari-registered office required for mainland; virtual office via Unified Licence

    • Processing Time

      Abu Dhabi: Standard 4–6 weeks; instant in 1 working day (2,500+ activities)

      Dubai: Standard 2–4 weeks; Unified Licence instant via portal (~15 min)

    • Cost Range

      Abu Dhabi: AED 10,000–25,000 (gov’t + DED fees)

      Dubai: AED 12,500–30,000 (gov’t + DED fees + Ejari)

    • Visa Quota

      Abu Dhabi: Instant licence: 3 visas; standard per office size & activities

      Dubai: Mainland: visas per office size; Unified Licence: 1 investor + unlimited employee visas

    • Renewal & Amendments

      Abu Dhabi: Annual renewal; similar fees; add activity at AED 100 each

      Dubai: Annual renewal online; Ejari renewal; activity add-on fees vary

    Ready to Get Your Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi?

    Don’t wait weeks launch your service business in just one day. Contact Capital International Group now for a free, no-obligation consultation and let our experts handle everything:

    Call us: +971 52 120 7238

    Email: Dm@cigbusinesssetup.ae

    Or click below to get your free quote instantly:

    Client Feedback

    Real success stories. See why entrepreneurs across the world choose us to start their UAE business with confidence.

    Why Work With Us?

    At CIG, we are committed to making your business journey seamless, efficient, and successful. Here’s why businesses across the UAE choose us as their trusted partner:

     

    UAE-Wide Support

    Whether it’s Professional License or mainland services, free zone, or offshore setup, our team provides hands-on support across all Emirates. We know the local regulations and navigate the bureaucracy for you.

    Free Consultation

    Not sure where to start? We offer no-obligation consultations to understand your goals and recommend the best course of action at no cost to you.

     

    Fast Approvals

    Time is money. We specialize in speedy approvals and efficient processing, so you can launch or expand your business without unnecessary delays.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions: Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi

    What is a Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi?

    A Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi is a legal permit issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) that authorizes service-based businesses such as consultants, engineers, accountants, legal advisers, IT firms and designers to operate in the emirate’s mainland market.

     

    Any individual or company offering specialized services (professional activities) may apply. You must hold the necessary qualifications or certificates for your activity, and appoint a local service agent to handle administrative liaison without taking equity.

    Government fees for a Professional Trade License Abu Dhabi start from AED 6,000 for initial approval and licensing. Additional charges include Ejari registration (if applicable), MoA notarization, and PRO service fees—typically totaling AED 10,000–25,000 depending on your chosen activities and office setup.

     

    Yes. Once your license is issued, you can sponsor investor, employment and family visas. Visa quotas depend on your office size and activity count, and our visa-processing team will handle all applications and Emirates ID formalities.