Free zone company formation in the UAE offers investors several structural advantages. One of the most practical benefits is the ability to mix professional and commercial activities under a single trade license.

The UAE has developed into a global business hub through continuous regulatory updates and economic diversification. These developments have created opportunities for investors to operate with greater flexibility. Among all jurisdictions, UAE free zones remain the only option where investors can legally combine service-based and trading activities within one legal entity.

This guide explains what professional and commercial licenses are, why mixing them benefits your operations, and how to obtain a combined license in a Dubai free zone.

What Are Professional and Commercial Licenses?

A professional license is issued to individuals or firms offering skill-based services. This category includes consultants, trainers, craftsmen, event organisers, and educational service providers.

Degree requirements: Most professional activities do not require a university degree. However, regulated sectors such as education, healthcare, or legal consulting may require formal qualifications and approvals from UAE government bodies.

Revenue model: Income is generated through fees for services rendered, not through the resale of goods.

A commercial license is issued to companies engaged in the buying and selling of products. This includes retail, distribution, warehousing, and e-commerce operations.

Scope: Commercial licenses are typically product-specific. A license for electronics trading does not permit the sale of textiles unless explicitly added.

Revenue model: Profit is generated through trade margins and product turnover.

Which activities apply to your business model?

Contact Crosslink International for a free activity classification before you apply.

Why Mix Commercial and Professional Licenses in a Free Zone?

The ability to mix professional and commercial activities under one license is exclusive to UAE free zones. Mainland companies require separate entities or additional licenses to conduct both service and trading operations.

Key benefits of a mixed license:

• Cost efficiency: One license replaces two, saving on application fees, registration costs, and annual renewal charges.
• Single legal entity: Operate one company with multiple revenue streams, simplifying accounting, auditing, and corporate governance.
• Unified branding: Offer products and services under one company name, one website, and one domain.
• Reduced documentation: One trade license means a single set of shareholder agreements, one lease contract, and one visa quota structure.
• Visa allocation: Mixed licenses often attract higher visa quotas than single-activity licenses, enabling easier team scaling.

Example – IFZA Free Zone:

Under IFZA, investors can register up to three activities under a single license. This allows flexible combinations such as:

• • IT consulting (professional) + Computer hardware trading (commercial)
• • Event management (professional) + Catering equipment supply (commercial)
• • Digital marketing (professional) + Media production sales (commercial)

The IFZA company formation package starts from approximately AED 21,900 and includes one free investor visa for life.

Want to know if your activity combination is allowed?

Speak to Crosslink International for a jurisdiction-specific compliance check.

Benefits of Forming Your Company in IFZA Free Zone

IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is one of the most flexible and cost-effective jurisdictions for mixed license structures.

Unique advantages of IFZA:

• No annual audit requirement: Investors are not mandated to submit audited financial statements.
• No paid-up share capital: Company registration is possible without depositing share capital.
• Long-term visas: Residency visas of up to 3 years for owners and employees.
• Zero employee guarantee deposit: No cash deposit required per visa.
• Virtual office permitted: Operate without a physical office space during the initial stages.
• Remote incorporation: Investors are not required to be physically present during registration.
• No NOC from sponsor: Existing UAE residents can form a company without a No Objection Certificate from their current visa sponsor.

IFZA is not the only zone offering mixed activities.

Ask Crosslink International to compare packages across Dubai Silicon Oasis, RAKEZ, SHAMS, and Ajman Free Zone.

What Is the Process of Obtaining a Mixed License in a Dubai Free Zone?

The process to mix professional and commercial activities follows a structured path. While each free zone has its own forms, the sequence remains consistent.

Step 1: Define Your Business Activities

List all revenue-generating activities. Separate them into:

Professional activities (services, consultancy, execution)
Commercial activities (trading, distribution, retail)

Restriction: Some free zones limit the number of activities to three per license. Choose your primary, secondary, and tertiary activities carefully.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Free Zone

Not all free zones permit mixed licenses. Your choice depends on:

Whether your commercial activity is permitted
Office space requirements
Visa package costs
Proximity to clients or logistics hubs

Step 3: Choose Your Legal Structure

Free zone legal structures include:

• FZCO (Free Zone Company) – Minimum 2 shareholders
• FZE (Free Zone Establishment) – Single shareholder

Step 4: Submit the Application and Documents

Once your activity list and jurisdiction are confirmed, your business setup consultant will file the application with the respective free zone authority.

Typical processing time: 3 to 7 working days.

Step 5: Secure Office Space

Options range from flexi-desks and virtual offices to private suites and warehouses. Your visa quota is often linked to the size of your leased space.

Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Present your trade license, shareholder documents, and business plan to the bank. Some free zones offer banking concierge services.

Step 7: Apply for Visas

Submit visa applications for shareholders and employees. Medical fitness tests and biometric appointments are required.

Each free zone has different approval timelines for mixed activities.

Let Crosslink International manage your end-to-end application.

Documents Required for a Mixed License in a UAE Free Zone

Shareholder / Director Documents:

• Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
• UAE visa copy and Emirates ID (if currently resident)
• Passport-sized photographs (white background)
• Proof of overseas residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

Company Documents:

• Trade name reservation certificate
• Initial approval letter from the free zone
• Business plan (required for certain activities and zones)
• Shareholder resolution (for corporate shareholders)

Additional Requirements:

• NOC from current sponsor (only required in specific zones; waived in IFZA and several others)
• Tenancy contract or workspace allocation letter

Important: Missing documents can delay your license issuance.

Submit your documents to Crosslink International for a pre-approval review.

Cost of Mixing Professional and Commercial Activities in a Free Zone

The cost of a mixed license depends on the free zone, the number of activities selected, and the office package chosen.

Indicative cost structure:

Component	Estimated Range (AED)
License fee (1–3 activities)	10,000 – 25,000
Office package (flexi-desk)	6,000 – 15,000
Visa processing (per person)	3,500 – 5,000
Approvals & typing fees	1,000 – 3,000
Total package (approx.)	15,000 – 45,000+

Note: These are estimated setup costs and may vary depending on jurisdiction and activity approval.

IFZA packages start from AED 21,900, including one free investor visa.

Request a fixed-price quote from Crosslink International based on your activity combination and team size.

Why Crosslink International for Your Mixed License Setup?

Crosslink International provides business setup consultancy across all UAE free zones. We do not restrict our recommendations to a single jurisdiction. Our role is to match your professional and commercial activities to the free zone that offers the lowest cost, fastest processing, and highest visa quota.

Our services include:

• Activity code selection: Mapping your services and products to approved license categories.
• Jurisdiction comparison: Presenting cost comparisons from 3–5 suitable free zones.
• Document preparation: Drafting your application, MOA, and shareholder resolutions.
• Authority liaison: Submitting applications and coordinating with free zone authorities on your behalf.
• Bank account opening: Scheduling appointments and preparing you for compliance interviews.
• Visa processing: Managing medical tests, biometrics, and visa stamping procedures.

We do not sell packages. We solve business structure problems.
You do not need to form two companies to offer products and services.

Contact Crosslink International today for a free consultation.

Start Your Mixed License Application – Contact Us

+971 56 507 6443| info@crosslink.ae| www.crosslink.ae

Office Location:
Office 2011 & 2012, Metropolis Tower,
Al Abraj Street, Business Bay,
Dubai, UAE