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Initial Approval of Business Setup in Abu Dhabi
Initial Approval of Business Setup in Abu Dhabi
Trust Bseven to get your business started in Abu Dhabi— we make your first approval process painless.
What is Initial Approval?
Taking initial approval is the very first official process to establish a business in Abu Dhabi. It is a certificate of no objection from the government for your proposed business to be set up in the UAE. This authorisation is necessary to apply for a trade licence or to further a number of other registration processes.
At Bseven, we begin from the start to the end processing to guarantee your application is compliant and approved without delays.
What is the Significance of Initial Approval?
UAE Department of Economic Development (DED) requires all entrepreneurs – including expats, everyone must get an initial approval from the DED in order to proceed with your company registration. This certifies that your business activity or the structure of your business is not an issue for the government of the UAE and you may now move forward to reserve the trade name, rent an office, develop final documents and signatures for your license.
For expatriates, pre-approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFA) might also be needed before the initial application can be submitted.
Other Activities Which Require Further Approval
Although the general initial approval usually applies to most business activities, certain businesses—legal, medical, educational, and financial businesses for example—must also be approved by respective supervising authorities. Bseven will even work with these officials to simplify your setup.
How Bseven Can Help?
At Bseven, our company registration experts make sure:
- Full preparation and filing of documents
- Coordinate with DED and GDRFA on Approvals
- Fast track processing wherever possible.
- Transparent updates throughout the process
Key Benefits of Choosing Bseven for Initial Approval Services
-No red tape via government connections
-Swift processing and with accurate documentation
-Advice for foreign investors and expats
-All business types and jurisdictions in Abu Dhabi supported
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FAQs
Do I need preliminary approval to start a business in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. You can’t ring up the trade name and start renting office space and issuing licenses without it.
May I obtain initial approval prior to reserving a trade name?
Yes. You can do either before or after you reserve a trade name but both must be done before licensing.
How long does it take for initial approval?
Approvals are normally handled in 1 to 3 business day, depending upon business activity.
Can I launch my business after it’s been given ‘initial approval’?
No Initial approval gives you the go ahead to seek the license, not to get to work with it.
What papers do we need for initial approval?
- Passport copies of all Shareholders.
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Proposed Business Activities Information on proposed business activities
- Application package (processed by Bseven)
Will Bseven assist with further activity permissions, if approved?
Yes, we do work with industry-specific bodies to obtain the clearances you need for sensitive sectors.
How long does the initial approval certificate remain valid?
This first approval will last 6 months, within which time you need to finalise the licensing process.
What is the government fee for initial approval?
Depending on the activity and legal structure, fees start from AED 120. Bseven provides transparent estimates.
Do free zone companies need initial approval?
No, this is a typical rule for mainland businesses. There may be a different procedure for free zones.
Can Bseven help me with a business license application after approval?
Sure, Bseven provides full business setup services—from initial approval to license issuance and even further visa processing