Direct answer
Many activities need a licence or approval on top of company registration, and the issuing authority is often different from the registry. Licensing support starts with classifying your activity correctly, then mapping each approval to its official issuer.
What we help with
- Classify your activity using the authority's own activity codes or categories
- Identify sector licences, permits and external approvals that may apply
- Map each approval to its issuing authority and official application channel
- Prepare supporting documents and track each application separately
- Record renewal dates for your compliance calendar
Who decides
The licensing authority for your activity, which is often different from the registry. INCORPSYS prepares and coordinates; the authority makes the final decision. See our Filing Quality Commitment and Service Terms.
How it works
Confirm the authority and route
Identify which authority controls each step for your jurisdiction and structure.
Check current requirements
Read the authority's current published guidance before any preparation starts.
Prepare
Build documents and information from the authority's own list.
Submit and keep evidence
File through the official channel and keep proof of submission and outcome.
What you provide
- A plain description of what the business will sell or do
- Where the business will operate and serve customers
- Any existing licences held by you or a parent company
We ask for identity and company documents only when a specific step needs them.
Guides for this service
- Business Activity Mapping
- Licence and Approval Mapping
- Business Activity Selection in UAE
- Trade Licence Categories in UAE
- Additional Government Approvals in UAE
- SSIC and Business Activity Selection in Singapore
- Business Licences and Permits in Hong Kong
- Licences and Permits in USA
- Local Registration and Permits in USA
What is not included
- Legal, tax or immigration advice
- Decisions by registries, banks, licensing or immigration authorities
- Guaranteed approval or processing times
- Government fees — quoted separately, with their official source
Where we provide it
INCORPSYS supports this service in the jurisdictions below. Each country's rules come from its own authority; where a guide is still in preparation, we confirm the requirements for your case first.
Business Licensing — UAE
UAE Government
Business Licensing — Singapore
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
Business Licensing — Hong Kong
Companies Registry
Business Licensing — UK
GOV.UK / Companies House
Business Licensing — USA
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Business Licensing — Malaysia
Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
Business Licensing — Saudi Arabia
Guide in preparation
Business Licensing — Philippines
Guide in preparation
Business Licensing — Thailand
Guide in preparation
Costs and timelines
Quoted for your jurisdiction, structure and scope, separately from government fees.
Frequently asked questions
Is a business licence the same as company registration?
Not necessarily. In some jurisdictions the licence is part of the setup route; in others, registration and licensing are separate processes handled by different authorities. Each country guide explains which applies.
How do I know if my activity is regulated?
Start from the authority's activity classification and check whether a sector regulator is named for it. Our activity mapping guide shows the method; we confirm it for your specific activity.