MAINLAND LICENCES

CHOOSE THE RIGHT DUBAI MAINLAND LICENCE

Looking to set up your business in Dubai? A Dubai Mainland Licence allows you to trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally. We make the process smooth, simple, and fast so you can focus on your growth.
Whether you’re starting fresh or expanding, our team helps you with every step of your mainland company setup in Dubai.

dubai mainland license

Mainland Licences

A business license is a fundamental prerequisite for any enterprise operating in the UAE mainland. Business activities covered include 12 types, and a corporate license is required to continue legal operations in the high-energy UAE mainland business environment.

UAE Mainland Business License

Like many locations worldwide, entrepreneurs and companies in the United Arab Emirates must obtain a trade license to legitimize their mainland company as a legal entity. This trade license is a prerequisite before business activities and is held for free zone jurisdictions and Mainland Dubai.

Having a trade license in Dubai guarantees your customers that you are an actual business with full compliance to the local laws and regulations.  Among the many procedures in mainland business registration, acquiring a trade license in Dubai is paramount for any successful setup. The key to establishing your mainland company for the long run when starting a new business in UAE is getting an appropriate trade license. There are circumstances that can affect the sort of trade license needed and associated demands based on the way you run your business, its structure and where it’s located.

Here are the three types of trade licenses to consider as you embark on the company formation process and initiate a mainland business in Dubai:

What is a Dubai Mainland License?

A Dubai Mainland Licence is your legal approval to operate in the UAE mainland.

It is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, making it an official and recognized permit to do business in the region.

With a DED license, you can serve customers across the UAE and internationally without trade limitations. Mainland businesses follow the UAE Federal Commercial Companies Law, ensuring full compliance and legal protection for your company.

Why It Matters for Your Business

With mainland company formation in Dubai, you gain unrestricted access to local markets, government contracts, and a global customer base.

Whether launching a startup or scaling your operations, this license is your gateway to sustainable business growth. Plus, it positions you for a corporate bank account in Dubai, allowing seamless financial operations.

Advantages of Dubai Mainland Licence

A Mainland Licence provides total market freedom and flexibility under the UAE’s trusted legal framework.

Key Benefits of Mainland Licence in Dubai

  • Recognized by Dubai DED and UAE Ministry of Economy
  • Trade across all seven Emirates and internationally
  • Secure government contracts and public-sector tenders
  • Unlimited employee visas for business expansion
  • Freedom to select office locations across Dubai’s mainland
  • Compliance with UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 2 of 2015)
  • Access to the latest DED-approved activities list
  • Opportunity to partner with a reliable Dubai local sponsor if required

Your mainland business setup in Dubai becomes the foundation of a strong, legally protected company ready for local and international success.

Types of Mainland Licences in Dubai

Dubai offers several categories of mainland licenses, each designed to cover various business activities.

Commercial Licence

Issued by the DED for businesses trading goods and services. This is a top choice if you’re looking for an easy path to a mainland trade license in Dubai.

Professional Licence

Approved by the DED for service providers, consultants, and skilled professionals. This is perfect for businesses providing professional services in Dubai.

Industrial Licence

For manufacturing and industrial firms, issued with approval from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. This license allows you to engage in industrial production under full legal compliance.

We guide you in selecting the correct license category, ensuring full compliance with government license approval Dubai requirements.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Your Dubai Mainland Licence

Obtaining a Dubai mainland trade license involves careful steps under government guidelines.

1. Choose Business Activity

Ensure the latest DED-approved activities list approves your activity.

2. Reserve Your Trade Name

The name must comply with DED naming conventions and receive official approval.

3. Get Initial Approval

Obtain pre-approval from the DED before proceeding with other steps.

4. Draft and Notarise MOA

For corporate structures, the Memorandum of Association (MOA) must be prepared and notarised according to UAE commercial laws.

5. Secure Office Space (Ejari Registration)

Register your tenancy contract with Ejari for mainland companies, per DED requirements.

6. Submit Final Application

Provide all documents, pay DED license fees, and receive your business license.

7. Receive Your Licence

The Dubai Mainland Licence is generally issued within 3 to 7 working days, depending on the application’s completeness.

We ensure all steps follow official DED guidelines and other regulatory body approvals.

Documents Needed for Dubai Mainland Licence

The DED reviews all applications, so accuracy is essential for smooth processing.

Checklist for Mainland Licence Application

  • Passport copies of all shareholders
  • Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
  • Trade name reservation certificate (approved by DED)
  • Initial approval from DED
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA) for companies
  • Tenancy contract registered with Ejari
  • Shareholders’ proof of address
  • Approvals from relevant authorities (like Dubai Municipality or DHA, if required)

We help you prepare and submit your documents according to UAE government regulations.

How Much Does a Dubai Mainland Licence Cost?

Understanding the Dubai mainland business setup cost is crucial for planning your investment.

Transparent Pricing for Mainland Licence

The Dubai mainland license cost typically starts from AED 12,500, depending on:

  • Business activity type
  • Number of employee visas needed
  • Office location and size
  • Any external authority approvals, such as Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Dubai Municipality (DM)

Certain activities like healthcare, food services, or engineering may require special clearance from relevant departments.

We provide a clear, personalized quote, ensuring your business registration in the UAE is fully transparent.

Mainland Licence Validity and Renewal Process

Your Dubai Mainland Licence is valid for one year from the date of issue.

To maintain active operations, you must complete the mainland license renewal process every year.

How to Renew Your Mainland Licence

  • Prepare updated documents (Ejari, immigration card, etc.)
  • Clear any government fees
  • Submit renewal application to DED
  • Pay renewal charges and collect your updated license

We handle your business license renewal in Dubai, ensuring your company complies with Dubai business regulations.

Why Work With Us?

With deep experience in mainland company formation in Dubai, we are your trusted partners for a stress-free setup.

Your Trusted Partner for Mainland Company Setup in Dubai

  • Official liaison with Dubai DED and UAE Ministry of Economy
  • Fast processing times and regular updates
  • Transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden costs
  • Full document preparation and submission
  • Support for visa quota approvals and renewal processes
  • Assistance with corporate bank account Dubai opening

Our mission is to make your mainland company setup in Dubai smooth and successful.

Ready to Start? Let’s Get Your Licence Today

If you’re serious about growing your business, the mainland company setup in Dubai is your best move.

We handle everything from start to finish, giving you peace of mind and clarity.

Get Expert Help Now

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Our expert team will guide you through every step of the Dubai Mainland Licence process, ensuring a fast and secure start for your company.

Get Dubai Mainland License Today

    +971 52 938 6424

    24/7 Emergency Service
    FAQS

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dubai Mainland Licence

    The cost of a Dubai Mainland Licence in 2025 typically starts from AED 12,500, but it can vary depending on your business activity, number of visas required, and office location. Additional approvals from authorities like Dubai Municipality or Dubai Health Authority may also affect the cost. For an accurate estimate, it’s best to get a customised quote based on your specific business needs.

    A Dubai Mainland Licence allows you to trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally, while a Free Zone Licence restricts you to operating within the Free Zone or internationally only. Mainland companies can work with the government and take on public sector contracts, giving you wider market access and more growth opportunities.

    Yes, you can. Since the 2021 update to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, most activities under the Dubai Mainland Licence allow for 100% foreign ownership. However, certain strategic sectors may still require a local sponsor or service agent. We’ll help you check based on your activity.

    If all documents are in order, the Dubai Mainland Licence process typically takes 3 to 7 working days. Factors like business activity, government approvals, and external clearances can affect the timeline.

    The three main types of Dubai Mainland Licences are:

    • Commercial Licence: For trading goods and services.
    • Professional Licence: For service providers and consultants.
    • Industrial Licence: For manufacturing and industrial activities.

    We help you choose the right licence based on your business plan and ensure full compliance.

    Yes, having a physical office space is mandatory for mainland company registration. You’ll need an Ejari-registered tenancy contract as part of the application process.
    Yes, it is possible. Businesses often upgrade to a mainland company formation in Dubai to access the UAE’s full market and secure government contracts. We assist with the migration process for a smooth transition.
    Yes, one of the biggest benefits of a Dubai Mainland Licence is the ability to apply for multiple employee visas, depending on your office size and business activity.

    Some business activities require extra approvals from authorities such as:

    • Dubai Municipality
    • Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
    • Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology We check these requirements during the planning stage to ensure your application is complete.

    Some business activities require extra approvals from authorities such as:

    • Dubai Municipality
    • Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
    • Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology We check these requirements during the planning stage to ensure your application is complete.

    Yes, once your licence is issued, you can open a corporate bank account in Dubai. We can assist you with choosing the right bank and preparing your documents.

    The Dubai Mainland Licence is valid for one year from the date of issue. It needs to be renewed annually to keep your business legally operational.
    For many business activities, especially after recent legal reforms, 100% foreign ownership is allowed. However, certain regulated sectors still require a Dubai local sponsor or service agent. We guide you according to your business category.

    DED initial approval is a pre-approval from the Dubai Department of Economic Development. It confirms that your business can legally proceed with company registration, before finalising all steps like Ejari registration and document submission.

    CALCULATE BUSINESS SETUP COST