Strategic Free Zone Hubs
We cater to all industries and facilitate company formation across every Free Zone in the UAE, specializing in the region's premier economic ecosystems.
Ideal for e-commerce, digital innovators, and premium Dubai branding.
The world's leading hub for global commodities, international trade, and major enterprise.
The definitive financial gateway for fintech pioneers, private equity, and regulated firms.
Engineered for rapid, budget-conscious licensing with flexible visa frameworks.
A strategic, cost-effective hub optimized for logistics, trading, and light industry.
Browse the full range of UAE Free Zones across Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman — and find the ideal jurisdiction for your business.
See all Free Zones →Strategic Mainland Hubs
We facilitate mainland company formation across Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, so your business can trade freely across the UAE.
Company Licensing
A company licence is the most important document for starting a business in the United Arab Emirates — it is the permit that lets you trade, and it lists all the major activities your company is allowed to carry out. Obtaining, renewing or cancelling a Dubai trade licence can be a complex process that requires expert knowledge.
The issuance, renewal and cancellation of company licences are handled by the licensing authority where the company is based. Broadly, there are two company jurisdictions in the UAE:
Mainland companies are governed by the government licensing department of each emirate. In Dubai, for example, the issuance, renewal and cancellation of mainland licences are handled by the Dubai Economy (DED).
There are more than forty-eight free zones across the emirates of the UAE. Each has its own process, requirements and eligibility criteria for issuing, renewing and cancelling licences (including liquidation), and each must be followed precisely to achieve the desired result.
Some businesses also need external approvals to be set up. Licensing can require sign-off from authorities and ministries — for example financial institutions and banks, insurance companies, the Central Bank, and the Ministry of Economy. Manufacturing needs consent from the Ministry of Industry, medical and pharmaceutical products need Ministry of Health approval, and oil or gas production involves several further authorities. Certain activities such as insurance and jewellery also require a financial guarantee issued by a bank already operating in the UAE.
The PROs at SKY Corporate Services know the eligibility criteria, documents and paperwork required by every licensing authority and external department in the UAE. Our network at each authority ensures your company-licence work is completed sooner than promised. Leave an enquiry on our website or call us to use our company-licence service — we are always quick to respond.
