Most free zone licences often include a lease agreement within the package. However, banks in particular are increasingly viewing these less favourably due to their ‘virtual nature’ and encouraging business owners to rent some sort of physical office space. For Mainland, in order to obtain your trade license, you need to have a commercial lease agreement. This is a contract between you and the landlord for the use of their property for business purposes. It is important because it allows you to operate under Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADED). In addition, you will also need an Ejari (Dubai) or Tawtheeq (Abu Dhabi) – these are your municipality lease agreements and they are required in order to receive your trade license. In Dubai, a minimum of 200 square feet is required for Office Spaces, Business Centres and Shops while 500 square feet is the minimum requirement for warehouses in Abu Dhabi. The office must have an external door and signage will be inspected by the Department of Economic Development before a trade license is issued. Depending on your budget and licence type, there will be an optimal cost-effective route to pursue. Discussing your plans during a consultation will help you understand the options available to you and where flexibility can be found.