Business License: Do bloggers need to obtain one?

Business License.

In recent years, the economy of the United Arab Emirates has diversified. Productive and commercial activities can be carried out in different ways, in different types of businesses. Professions such as bloggers, influencers, etc., can find great job growth opportunities in the UAE. However, to do so, it is necessary that you obtain a Business License.

In this article, you will find information about the Online Business License in Dubai, the types of Business Licenses in the UAE, and a few relevant aspects you should consider when blogging in the Emirates. Let us observe:

  1. Aspects of the Business License in Dubai
  2. Different types of Business Licenses
  3. What is a Media License for bloggers or influencers?
  4. What is a blog?
  5. Some activities bloggers perform
  6. How can you become a blogger in the UAE?
  7. How can we help you get a Business License for your blogging business?

1. Aspects of the business license in Dubai

A Business License in Dubai is an official document provided by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective Emirate. All companies in the UAE must have this license to legally operate in the country.

There is a great variety of licenses and economic jurisdictions in this country that encourage entrepreneurs to form companies. The government has taken the time to introduce entrepreneur-friendly policies like reducing business setup fees, long-term residence visas, etc.

Among the economic jurisdictions are Free Zones, Mainland, and Offshore companies. These jurisdictions offer entrepreneurs multiple options when forming a company. Depending on the essence of your company, the type of activity, and the target audience, you must choose a jurisdiction that suits the needs of your business.

1.1 Free Zone Business License

Obtaining a business license in a Free Zone enables you to operate legally. The steps to form a business in this area are the following:

  • Choose the trade name of your company and receive the approval of the corresponding authorities of the Free Zone.
  • Then, you must select the productive activity of your company, along with the business license
  • After, you will need to submit certain documents. For example, passport copy, application form, photograph, etc. After submitting the documents, you must pay the required fee to obtain your business license.
  • Finally, the UAE authorities will review your application and deliver your license. Once you have it in your hands, you must apply for a residence visa and open a bank account.

1.2 Mainland Business License

Mainland companies are the target for those entrepreneurs interested in expanding their business in the local UAE market. Also, the Mainland offers the possibility to add more branches and hire more staff easily.

The most common company established on the Mainland is the Limited Liability Company and the steps to form one are the following:

  • Reserve the company’s trade name and obtain approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the Emirates.
  • Then, you must select the activity and the type of company you want to establish.
  • Submit the necessary documentation. For example, passport copy, application form, and a photograph for the DED.
  • Finally, pay the fees and wait for approval from the Department of Economic Development to receive your license.

One of the most important incentives in the Mainland for entrepreneurs is to be able to maintain 100% ownership of their company. Which means that you will not need to share a part of your business with a local agent.

1.3 Offshore Business License

The offshore jurisdiction consists of non-resident companies. In this area, companies do not need residence visas and cannot rent or own a physical office space in the UAE. Offshore companies are mostly virtual companies registered with the same address as their registered agents. Also, they are international companies that facilitate international trade and operations remotely.

The companies established in this area will not have a business license, they will have what is known as a Certificate of Incorporation. The Offshore Business in the UAE is formed to promote trade among countries.

2. Different types of Business Licenses

As shown above, acquiring this license is the number one priority for all company owners in the UAE. Choosing the correct business license for your company is of utmost importance since this will define whether you can work or not.

Depending on the nature of your company, you will be able to choose from a wide range of license types and business activities from the Free Zone, Offshore, and Mainland jurisdictions. Some of the licenses that you can find in the UAE are the following:

2.1 Commercial License

This license is for those companies involved in the sale and purchase of goods. The Commercial License allows companies to trade within and outside the UAE.

There are several commercial licenses, each dedicated to a different activity. For example, if your main focus is trading in the UAE local market, you can apply for a general trading license. However, you are interested in exporting and importing, there is also a specific license for it.

Some of the activities you can carry out with this license are the following:

  • Oil and gas trading
  • Trading in automobile
  • Used furniture trading
  • Safety equipment trading
  • Gold and precious metal trading

2.2 Professional License

Any company or individual related to the use of intellectual abilities to offer a service must acquire a Professional License. Legal services, consulting, and audits, are some of the services covered by this license. Also, artisans, IT service providers, and craftsmen can apply for this license.

Other activities covered by this license are the following:

2.3 Industry License

Those companies related to industrial and manufacturing activities must acquire this type of license. Also, this type of company must have a physical office in the UAE.

Some types of industrial license are the following:

  • Meat products manufacturing
  • Carpet manufacturing
  • Garments manufacturing license
  • Dairy products manufacturing

These are the three main licenses in the United Arab Emirates. However, with the passing of time and the diversification of the economy, the government has created licenses for specific activities. For example, the Media License for bloggers or influencers.

3. What is a Media License for bloggers or influencers?

During the last years, social media influence has grown remarkably. Those individuals whose work is based on social networks or blogging must acquire one of these licenses to operate legally in the UAE.

This license is issued by the National Media Council (NMC). Bloggers can opt for an “individual license”, which means they want to work independently.

To apply for this license, you must do it through the NMC and you must submit the following documents:

  • Emirates ID copy
  • Trade License copy
  • Tenancy contract or registered title deed

Also, to be eligible for a Media License for bloggers, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be older than 25 years
  • Must be a UAE resident or a GCC
  • You must not be a member of the NMC
  • Have a good reputation

3.1 Penalties for not having a Media License

If you decide not to process this license and work as a blogger or as a social media influencer, the authorities can impose hefty fines on you. Note that the local authorities can penalize you with a fine of up to AED 5,000 for not having this license.

3.2 UAE Social Media Law

Some content may be illegal in the United Arab Emirates due to cultural sensitivities. While the content may be perfectly fine in other countries, it may not be acceptable in this country. If there is something that can affect the good behavior and moral values ​​of the society, these actions can be considered crimes.

Some of these actions can be making and sharing controversial posts about religion, world leaders, politics, etc. For this reason, all bloggers must be extra careful with the posts they make during their time in the country.

4. What is a blog?

A blog is a type of website where one or several writers share their views on a particular topic. These websites can be for personal or corporate use. Also, blogs are regularly updated with content and posts are generally displayed in chronological order. With the newest posts at the top of the page.

5. Some activities bloggers perform

By acquiring an online business license in Dubai, a blogger can perform different tasks related to their profession. For example:

5.1 Content writing

Blog posts aim to offer valuable information to people in a way that is easy to read. This is the first step to gain the trust of readers and being able to convert them into customers in the future.

What you decide to write on the blog is up to you. On the internet, there are blogs for almost any topic imaginable like health, religion, finance, travel, etc. However, to attract a loyal audience, it is advisable to stick to one specific subject. This is known as a niche blog.

5.2 Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the ways bloggers make money. This is based on the recommendation of products within your content. Every time a reader uses one of your affiliated links to purchase a product you recommended; you will earn a commission from the sale.

5.3 Email marketing

Blogging and email marketing are closely related. With email marketing, you can develop a more personal relationship with your readers, through direct communication.

Also, every time you make a new post or promote a new product, you can send this information directly to your subscriber’s inboxes.

 5.4 Self-promotion

Self-promotion is one of the most important things you should do as a blogger. After all, if you want new people to know about your business, you have to promote it. This does not mean you should buy ad space or create a big marketing campaign. You can simply promote your content on social networks.

Some social platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn are perfect for promoting your blog as they are free and easy.

6. How can you become a blogger in the UAE?

To start a blogging business in the United Arab Emirates, you need to complete the following steps:

6.1 Select a niche for your blog

To start and manage a successful blog you need to choose the right niche for you. Make sure you choose a niche that you are interested in and one that attracts people’s interest.

6.2 Choose a blogging platform

At this point, you should determine the type of management software you want to use and choose the best blogging platform.

6.3 Pick a domain name

Your domain name will be the name by which you will be known on the internet, no matter what niche you choose. This will be the unique address of your blog on the internet. Your domain will be yours as long as you pay the annual fee.

6.4 Get a web hosting

After choosing your domain name, selecting a reliable hosting service will be one of the most important decisions you can make. To a great extent, the performance and the functionality of your site will depend on your blog hosting.

6.5 Select a theme and design

One of the most important things your blog needs is a good appearance (design and layout).

6.6. Make money blogging

Monetization is the process based on transforming your blog activities into profit. It must be remembered that besides the money, being a blogger means creating useful content that will attract people and grow your business.

7. How can we help you get a Business License for your blogging business?

Forming a company in the UAE requires multiple processes and the submission of different documentation. This process can take a long time if the entrepreneur does not have much knowledge about the local laws. This is where Connect Zone can be your best ally.

At Connect Zone, we can help you with the process of obtaining your media license for bloggers, as we guide during the process of opening a bank account and processing your visa. Similarily, we complete each legal and business-related procedure for your business to start running smoothly.

Would you like to contact us for more information about licenses in Dubai and the UAE? Feel free to contact us at +971 43 316 688. You can also send us all your questions through contact@connectzone.ae where one of our representatives will gladly take care of your inquiries.

Are you looking for a job in your field of expertise? thetalentpoint.com has many different employment opportunties available today. You can apply through their website, or simply send your resume to contact@thetalentpoint.com.

Learn how to check a Trade License online

how to check a trade license online

Doing business in the UAE can be a very life-changing process. This region offers hundreds of economic opportunities to national and foreign entrepreneurs, both on the Mainland and in the Free Zones. However, when doing business, it is always advisable to be wary of scams. For this reason, in the following lines, we will talk about how to check a trade license online.

In this article, you will find information about what a trade license is, what documents you must submit to acquire one, how to ensure that a company in the UAE is legitimate, how to check a trade license online, and how can we help you in this process.

  1. What is a Trade License?
  2. What types of Trade Licenses can you find in the UAE?
  3. How can you get a Trade License?
  4. Trade license renewal process
  5. Requirements you must submit to obtain the license
  6. How to check a Trade License online?
  7. How can Connect Zone help you check a Trade License online?

1. What is a Trade License?

This license is a document issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the Emirate where you decide to establish your company. This document allows companies to legally operate in the UAE. The Trade License in Dubai is valid for different activities, for example, import and export of services and products, and any other activity related to trade.

Companies that are established in a free zone can acquire one of these licenses. At the same time, professionals related to the industrial sector can also acquire one.

Knowing how to check a trade license online can help you and your company to avoid making unwanted alliances.

2. What types of Trade Licenses can you find in the UAE?

Not all licenses in the United Arab Emirates are the same, there are five main licenses and each one dedicates to a different productive sector.

The five main licenses are the following:

2.1 Professional license

This license is for those individuals who offer a professional service based on some mental or physical ability that allows them to generate profits. An important point of the professional license is that it allows entrepreneurs to maintain 100% ownership of their company.

2.2 Industrial license

The industrial license is an official document addressed to those companies whose activities are related to the collection, production, and transformation of natural resources into materials suitable for industrial use or into finished products.

An industrial company has global access to its customers and requires a large amount of manpower and resources to operate in the country.

2.3 Commercial license

This document is issued by the official authorities of the United Arab Emirates and is aimed at those organizations or companies that carry out activities based on the trade of services and goods. Some companies, for example, retail firms, business enterprises, real estate companies, transport companies, among others, must apply for this license.

Another key point of the commercial license is that, by having it, your company will be able to export and import products inside or outside the country (this will depend on the area where your company is established).

2.4 General license

The general license is perfect for startups that want to do multiple business activities with a single license. Individuals who hold this license can take advantage of business opportunities in the following sectors: Beverages, medical supplies, frozen foods, among others.

2.5 Tourism license

The Tourism trade license is an official document required by those companies whose commercial activity is based on the travel, hospitality, and tourism sector.

Every serious and respectable company must acquire one of these licenses in order to work legally and avoid any conflict with the authorities. Learning how to check a trade license online will prevent scams and you will be able to differentiate which companies you can trust and which you cannot.

3. How can you get a Trade License?

To obtain a trade license you need to follow these steps:

3.1 Business name

The first step in getting this license is to select an appropriate name for your company. The business name must adhere to the moral values ​​of the UAE, it cannot refer to any religion or political entity, and it cannot be registered by another organization or company.

3.2 Legal structure

To continue with the application for the trade license, you must choose the legal structure of your company. This structure will define how you must run your business and who is responsible for the company.

3.3 Business activities

When the name of your company and the legal structure is ready, you must determine the business activity you plan to carry out. You must make sure to mark all activities on the license and it must be remembered that each license allows a maximum of ten activities.

3.4 Complete the form

The next step is to fill out the application form, once ready, you must submit it to the Department of Economic Development of the respective Emirate to receive initial approval.

3.5 Additional approvals

Some productive activities require initial approval from other government entities. It is advisable that you do your research before completing the process of applying for your license. Otherwise, the authorities may reject your license.

3.6 Gather required documents

In addition to your application form, you need to gather certain documents to deliver them to the authorities. You must ensure that all necessary signatures are present to avoid any delay or misunderstanding in the process.

3.7 Business location

There are different options of places where you can establish your company if you choose to opt for this license. For example, if you decide to settle in Dubai Mainland, you will necessarily need office space.

Once you have the office space, you will need to create a tenancy contract. The entity in charge of attesting this contract is Ejari and you must submit it to the DED with the rest of the documents.

3.8 Submit your application

With all the documents in hand, the chosen location, and the necessary approvals, you are more than ready to submit your trade license application and receive your license.

3.9 Pay the fee

It must be remembered that applying for a license is not free. You must pay the issuance fee and the license fee itself in order to receive it.

4. Trade License renewal process

Generally, trade licenses have a validity period. Once completed, you must renew your license every year to continue working legally in the United Arab Emirates. Some aspects that you should know to renew your license are the following:

4.1 Approvals

To renew your license, you need to obtain the correct approvals. These approvals will depend on the commercial activity carried out by your company. For example, transport companies need approval from Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to renew their licenses.

To speed up the process, it is advisable that you obtain these approvals before beginning the rest of the renewal process.

4.2 Documentation

In addition to the written approval of certain government entities, every company must gather documents such as the following:

  • Attested Ejari
  • A tenancy contract
  • Approval and authorization process
  • The complete renewal form
  • Photograph of all business partners
  • The payment number of renewal fees

Every company is required to submit these documents to the DED in order to acquire the renewal.

4.3 Tenancy contract

Before starting the renewal process, you should review your tenancy contract. This cannot have a validity period less than three months from the issuance date, to apply for the renewal of your license.

Learning how to renew and how to check a trade license online will save you time and effort in the long run.

5. Requirements you must submit to obtain the license

Part of the process of acquiring a trade license requires the delivery of certain documents. Each part of this process must be done in an orderly manner to avoid delays and misunderstandings.

Firstly, you will need to fill out the trade license application and all managers will need to sign the document. Secondly, you will need to create a Memorandum of Association (this must be done with the help of a legal representative). Thirdly, be sure to attach the approval of your business name. The DED will send you this approval before accepting the chosen business name.

Then, all shareholders of the company must submit a copy of their passports. Remember that learning how to check an Abu Dhabi trade license online will save you from the submission of documents to illegitimate companies.

6. How to check a Trade License online?

Previously, we have talked about trade licenses and how to get them. However, it is also important to know how to differentiate a legitimate company from possible fraud. Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur or a new one, it is only logical that one of your concerns is to hire reliable and legal companies. For this reason, it is very important to learn how to check a trade license online.

First of all, every business owner can perform their own company verification. By having basic information such as phone number and address, the entrepreneur can:

  • Give a call to the company.
  • Visit the office by himself.

If you ever wondered how to check a trade license online, this is definitely the simplest method. Other ways to verify if a business is properly registered in the UAE are the following:

Every company in the country is required to have a trade license to operate legally in the country. You can ask them to show you a copy of the license or you can check it online with the Department of Economic Development.

Remember that licenses are not confidential documents, they are documents that must be publicly displayed in a store or office. It is one of your rights to ask for this document or to have access to it.

Please know that most illegitimate companies will give you an invalid registration number as proof. This can be easily verified. And in this way, knowing how to check a Dubai Trade License will keep you from entering into an unprofitable and complicated business relationship.

There are certain methods that you can use separately or together to decipher if a company exists or not. Some methods you can use are the following:

6.1 Business License Verification

As shown above, you can request a copy of their business license and check directly on the government platforms if the license is registered or not. If you intend to create a company in the UAE based on partners, then they should provide the necessary documents.

If you feel any reticence, chances are something is wrong. On the other hand, the information exposed in a Trade license is not confidential, there you will find the following:

  • Office address
  • Name of the company
  • Registration number
  • License number
  • Name of manager

Someone who refuses to show you this documentation may mean that their business is illegitimate. Remember that knowing how to check an Abu Dhabi trade license online will prevent you from unnecessary trouble.

6.2 Contact the email

If the company is registered in any Free Zone, you might not be able to verify the license. In this situation, your only other option is to contact the registry by email stating the name of the business and ask if the company is registered in the country and if the license is active (and not canceled).

Another option is to verify the registration directly by visiting the offices in person.

6.3 Certificate of Good Standing

You can ask for a Certificate of Good Standing from the local registration authority. Generally, this certificate indicates that the company has filled reports and fees with the authorities.

This certificate serves as proof that the company exists and is authorized to operate legally in the UAE.

6.4 Social media

Social networks can be very helpful when verifying a business. Seeing that a company has a presence on social media is often a good sign. For example, you can check if they have professional profiles on networks like Facebook or Instagram.

Also, you can find out if their staff or managers have profiles on platforms like LinkedIn.

6.5 Google the company

A good idea is to search for information on Google, such as online forums, testimonials, etc. If the company in question has been involved in any illegal activity or any scams, there is a good chance that you will find this information on the internet.

Lastly, you can check on the free zone portals and the governmental portals to ensure that you are working with serious and responsible people.

7. How can Connect Zone help you check a Trade License online?

With more than 20 years of experience and hundreds of happy clients, our agency is the ideal service agency to accompany you in the process of setting up your company or acquiring your license.

At Connect Zone, we will provide you with all the documentation you need to prove that you are a legitimate and trustworthy company, and we will take care of guiding you in each procedure you carry out.

For example, applying for a visa, opening a bank account, and even obtaining your Emirates ID.

Are you interested in learning more about our services? You can reach us at +97143316688 or you can send us an email to contact@connectzone.ae where one of our representatives will assist you gladly.

Additionally, if you would like to apply for a job in the UAE, you can visit thetalentpoint.com or send your resume to contact@thetalentpoint.com. Remember that your security is a priority for us, your information will not be shared or stored.