Instant Licence
Also known as: Instant License, Same-Day Licence, DET Instant Licence
Quick Answer
An Instant Licence is a DET mainland trade licence issued within five minutes for activities that need no external approvals. It comes with a virtual site for the first year, so a founder can start without an office lease.
An Instant Licence is DET's fast-track route to a Dubai mainland trade licence. Invest in Dubai says it is issued within five minutes for a group of activities that do not require external approvals, and the memorandum of association can be issued in the same step.
The key relaxation is the office requirement: a normal licence needs a site lease contract, while the Instant Licence comes with a virtual site for the first year. It also includes Dubai Chamber membership for commercial activities, a GDRFA establishment card, and a MOHRE establishment card with the option to employ three people — the MOHRE card is available for LLC, single-owner LLC, sole establishment and civil company forms.
Activities that need approvals from other authorities do not qualify. Invest in Dubai says fees vary by licence type and activity, so confirm the fee for your activity before you apply. ZETUP PRO checks whether a client's intended activity qualifies and, if so, uses the instant route to shorten setup.
Official sources: Invest in Dubai — Request to issue a trade licence
Frequently asked questions
What is an instant licence in Dubai?
An Instant Licence is a DET mainland trade licence issued within five minutes for activities that need no external approvals. It comes with a virtual site for the first year, so you can start without an office lease.
Does an instant licence require an office lease?
Not in the first year — Invest in Dubai says it comes with a virtual site for the first year. After that, a mainland company needs a physical address with an Ejari-registered lease.
Which activities qualify for an instant licence?
Activities that do not require external approvals. The MOHRE establishment card that comes with it — with the option to employ three people — is available for LLC, single-owner LLC, sole establishment and civil company forms.
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