Starting a business in Dubai is exciting, but one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is which license is right for you. A Dubai Mainland License is one of the most popular options. Issued by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET), it allows you to run your business freely anywhere in the UAE – unlike Free Zone or Offshore licenses, which come with certain limits.
For entrepreneurs, this license is a big deal. With a Dubai Mainland Company License, you can sell to customers across the UAE, open offices in prime locations, and even work with government contracts. In short, it gives you more flexibility and room to grow compared to other license types.
So, if you’re planning to build a business that’s part of Dubai’s daily market life, a Mainland License is often your best choice.
What is a Dubai Mainland License?
A Dubai Mainland License is basically the official permit you need to run a business anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE. It’s also called an onshore license, and it gives you the freedom to trade directly with the local market without restrictions.
This license is issued and regulated by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the main government authority that oversees business activities in the emirate. DET makes sure your company is legally registered, compliant, and ready to operate in Dubai.
How does it differ from the others? Free Zone licenses are great for tax benefits and easy setup, but they usually restrict you to working within the free zone itself (unless they open a branch or use a local agent). Offshore licenses are mainly for international trade or holding assets; they don’t let you operate directly in the UAE market.
With a mainland license, you’re not limited to free zones or international operations; you can sell products, offer services, open offices, and even work with government contracts anywhere in the country.
What are the Key Benefits of a Mainland License in Dubai?
A Dubai Mainland License offers more freedom and flexibility compared to Free Zone or Offshore setups. Here are the major advantages:
1. 100% Foreign Ownership
Thanks to recent reforms, most business activities now allow full foreign ownership, meaning you don’t always need a local sponsor or partner. This gives entrepreneurs complete control over their business.
2. Trade Across the UAE and Beyond
With a mainland license, you can freely operate anywhere in Dubai and across all Emirates, while also expanding internationally. You are not restricted to one zone.
3. Wide Range of Business Activities
Mainland companies can engage in over 2,000+ approved activities, from trading and professional services to restaurants, logistics, real estate, and more.
4. Work with Government Contracts
Free Zone businesses often miss out on government tenders, but with a Mainland License, you can apply for and secure high-value government contracts. This opens up opportunities for stable, long-term projects that can fuel business growth.
5. Unlimited Visa Quota
A mainland company can sponsor an unlimited number of visas, based on the size of its office space. This makes it easy to expand your workforce as your business grows.
6. Easier Expansion
Expanding your business within the UAE is much simpler with a Mainland License. You can open branches across different Emirates without having to go through lengthy approval processes, giving your company more scalability.
What are the Types of Dubai Mainland Licenses?
When setting up a business in the Dubai Mainland, you’ll need to choose the right type of license based on your business activity. The Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) issues four main types of mainland licenses:
1. Commercial License
A mainland commercial license is designed for businesses involved in trading activities. This includes buying, selling, importing, and exporting goods such as textiles, electronics, construction materials, and more.
2. Professional License
This license is meant for service-oriented businesses. It covers activities like consultancy, marketing, IT services, healthcare, legal services, and artisanship. Professionals such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, and engineers commonly apply for this license as it allows them to provide specialised expertise.
3. Industrial License
An industrial license is for businesses engaged in manufacturing or industrial activities. If you plan to produce goods, assemble products, or operate a factory, you’ll need an industrial license.
4. Tourism License
Specifically for businesses in the travel and tourism sector. It’s required for activities like operating a travel agency, organising tours, hospitality services, and even hotel management.
Business Activities Allowed Under Mainland License in Dubai
Here are some of the major categories of activities you can carry out with a mainland license:
- Trading (import/export, retail, wholesale, e-commerce, general trading)
- Real estate brokerage and property management
- Consultancy services (business, management, legal, HR, marketing, etc.)
- IT services and software development
- Digital marketing and advertising services
- Healthcare and medical services
- Educational services and training institutes
- Professional services (lawyers, accountants, engineers, architects, etc.)
- Manufacturing and industrial activities
- Food processing and packaging
- Logistics, shipping, and cargo services
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Hotel, resort, and hospitality management
- Event management and entertainment services
- Fitness centres, gyms, and wellness clubs
- Beauty salons, spas, and personal care centres
- Cleaning and facility management services
- Construction and contracting activities
What are the Documents Required for a Mainland License?
To set up a mainland company in Dubai, you’ll need to prepare and submit certain documents to the DET. The exact list may vary depending on your business activity, but in general, the following documents are required:
- Passport copies of all shareholders and partners
- Visa copy and Emirates ID of shareholders (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs of shareholders
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval certificate from DET
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement (depending on business activity)
- Tenancy contract and Ejari (office space lease agreement)
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from current sponsor (if shareholder/partner is on an existing UAE visa)
- External approvals from other government authorities (if the business activity requires it, e.g., healthcare, education, food, etc.)
How to Obtain a Mainland License in Dubai?
Here is a step-by-step guide to getting your Dubai Mainland License:
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
The first step is deciding what type of business you want to run. DET offers over 2,000 approved activities across commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism categories. Choosing the right activity is important, as it determines the license type, legal structure, and any special approvals you may need later.
Step 2: Choose and Reserve Your Trade Name
The next step is to select a unique name for your business that follows the naming conventions set by the DET. The name must not be offensive, violate public morals, or be a pre-existing brand. Once you have a name, you can submit it for approval and reservation.
Step 3: Apply for Initial Approval
Submit basic documents (passport copies, proposed trade name, and activity details) to DET to get initial clearance.
Step 4: Prepare Legal Documents
Depending on your license type, you’ll need to draft a Memorandum of Association (MoA) with details like business activities, ownership structure, and shareholding. These documents must be notarized and attested by a Dubai court or notary public.
Step 5: Secure Office Space
A physical office is mandatory for all mainland companies. You must sign a lease agreement and register it with the Ejari system, which validates tenancy contracts in Dubai. The size of your office also affects the number of employee visas you can apply for.
Step 6: Obtain External Approvals (if required)
Certain activities need special clearance from other government bodies. For example:
- Healthcare: Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
- Education: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
- Food: Dubai Municipality
Without these approvals, DET cannot issue the license.
Step 7: Submit Final Documents to DET
After completing all the above steps, submit the full set of documents (MoA, Ejari, initial approval, trade name certificate, passport copies, etc.) to DET. Pay the applicable government fees and license issuance charges.
Step 8: Receive Your Mainland License
Once DET verifies everything and processes your application, your mainland trade license will be issued.
You can now officially start operations, apply for investor and employee visas, open a corporate bank account, and begin business activities in Dubai.
Note: For expert assistance throughout the license process, consult business setup experts at All Emirates Setup.
What is the Cost of a Mainland License in Dubai?
The cost of getting a mainland license in Dubai can vary depending on your business activity, license type, office space, and the number of visas you need. On average, the starting price for a mainland license is around AED 12,000 to AED 30,000, but it can go higher based on additional requirements.
Here are the main factors that affect the cost:
- Type of License (Commercial, professional, or industrial)
- Business Activities
- Office Space Rent
- Number of Visas
- External Approvals (Activities in healthcare, education, food, or financial services)
- Miscellaneous Costs (Trade name reservation, MoA notarization, local sponsor (if required), and admin fees)
Pro Tip: To avoid overspending, many entrepreneurs consult experts like All Emirates Setup, who can create customised, cost-effective packages that include the license, visas, PRO services, and office space.
Why Choose AE Setup for a Dubai Mainland License?
Getting the right license is one of the most important steps in starting a successful business in Dubai. A Dubai Mainland License opens up endless opportunities, but the process can feel overwhelming if you try to do it alone. That’s why working with experts makes all the difference.
That’s where All Emirates Setup comes in. We take care of everything – from getting your license and visas to PRO services, bank account opening, and even office space. Plus, our packages are affordable and tailored to fit your needs.
If you want to start your business in Dubai the easy way, reach out to AE Setup today.
