Dubai has become one of the top places in the world to start a business, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from every corner of the globe. To set up your company on the Dubai Mainland, you’ll need a DED / DET license. This license is issued by the Department of Economic Development (now called the Department of Economy & Tourism) and it’s basically your legal permit to carry out business activities in the city.
Getting a DED/DET license allows you to do business anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE, bid for government contracts, hire staff under your company, and open a local bank account. And with the recent changes in the law, foreign investors can also enjoy 100% ownership in many sectors, which makes starting up in Dubai easier and more secure than ever.
Many business owners prefer Dubai Mainland over free zones because of the flexibility it offers. With a DED license in Dubai, you can open offices or shops anywhere in the city, reach customers across all emirates, and tap into bigger opportunities. Plus, having this license adds credibility to your business and helps you build trust with clients and partners.
But now the important question comes: How to get a DED license in Dubai? And we’re here to answer that.
What is a DED License in Dubai?
A DED license (also called a DET license, since the Department of Economic Development is now under the Department of Economy and Tourism) is the official business license you need to operate on the Dubai Mainland. It’s the government’s way of giving your company legal approval to carry out business activities in the city.
Types of DED/DET License in Dubai:
The DET categorises business activities into different license types based on the nature of the work. The four main types are:
| License Type | Primary Activities Covered | Typical Business Examples |
| Commercial License | Activities related to buying, selling, importing, exporting, and distributing goods and commodities. | General trading, retail shops, real estate brokerage, e-commerce trading, construction, logistics. |
| Professional License | Activities related to providing services, expertise, and intellectual abilities. It often allows for 100% foreign ownership (though a Local Service Agent may be required for certain company types). | Management consultancy, IT services, legal services, accounting and auditing, medical services, educational institutions, graphic design. |
| Industrial License | Activities involving manufacturing, processing, and assembly of goods. This is for businesses that transform raw materials into finished products. | Factories, food production, textile manufacturing, machinery and appliance production. |
| Tourism License | Activities related to the travel and tourism sector. This license often requires additional approvals from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). | Travel agencies, tour operators, hotel management, car rental services, desert safaris. |
Eligibility Criteria for a DET License in Dubai
Before applying for a DET license in Dubai, it’s important to understand who is eligible and what’s required. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Who can apply?
Both UAE nationals and foreign investors can apply for a DET license. With the recent reforms, many business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, which makes it much easier for international entrepreneurs to set up on the Dubai Mainland.
Choosing your business activity:
You need to decide the type of activity your business will focus on. The DET has an approved list of thousands of activities that fall under categories like commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism. Picking the right activity is key, as your license will be issued based on this choice.
Selecting a legal structure:
Your business must have a legal structure that fits your activity and ownership plan. Common options include:
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): LLC is the most popular for commercial activities.
- Sole Establishment: The structure often chosen by professionals and service providers.
- Civil Company: Suitable for certain professional partnerships.
- Other forms depending on your business model and investor type.
Documents Required for a DED License
When applying for a DET license, you’ll need to prepare and submit certain documents to the Department of Economy and Tourism. Having these ready in advance will make the process smoother and faster.
Here’s the usual checklist:
- Passport copies of all shareholders/owners.
- Passport-size photographs of the shareholders.
- Visa copy or residence permit (if you’re already in the UAE).
- No Objection Certificate (NOC), if needed.
- Trade name reservation certificate from DET.
- Initial approval certificate from DET.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent agreement (depending on business type).
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) for your office or workspace.
Important: Depending on your chosen business activity, DET may also ask for extra approvals from other government departments or regulators. For example, a healthcare business might need approval from the Dubai Health Authority, while a tourism-related business may require approval from Dubai Tourism.
How to Get a DED License in Dubai in Easy Steps?
The process of getting a DED license in Dubai Mainland is a structured journey managed primarily through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
1. Choose your business activity
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has an extensive list of over 2,000 approved business activities. These fall into categories like commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism. You’ll need to pick the one that best matches what your business will actually do.
2. Decide the legal structure
Pick the right company type (LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Company, etc.) depending on ownership and activity.
3. Reserve a trade name
Next, you’ll need to reserve a company name with DET. Your chosen name should follow Dubai’s naming guidelines – no offensive words, no references to religion or politics, and if it’s a person’s name, it must be the full name. Once approved, DET issues a trade name reservation certificate.
4. Apply for initial approval
The initial approval is DET’s way of saying you can move forward with your business setup. It confirms that the government has no objection to you starting a company in Dubai. At this stage, you don’t yet have the license, but it’s a green light to prepare the rest of the paperwork.
5. Lease office space
To complete your setup, you’ll need a physical office or workspace in Dubai Mainland. Once you’ve secured the office, register your tenancy contract with Ejari (the government system for rental contracts). An office address is mandatory to issue a DET license.
6. Submit documents to DET
Now you can submit all the required documents, including passport copies, visa copies, NOCs (if applicable), tenancy contract, MOA/LSA agreement, and the initial approval. DET will review and verify everything before moving to the final step.
7. Pay the license fee
Once your application is approved, DET will issue a payment voucher with the exact fees. Pay the amount (usually between AED 12,000–30,000 depending on activity and approvals).
8. Collect your DED license
After payment, you’ll receive your official license from DET. This is the legal document that allows you to operate your business on the Dubai Mainland. You can now apply for visas, open a corporate bank account, and start running your business.
9. Post-Licensing Setup
Register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, apply for an Establishment Card from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), open a corporate bank account, and apply for employee and investor visas.
Tip: If you’d like to skip the paperwork and save time, All Emirates Setup (AE Setup) can handle the entire DET license process for you – from approvals to office space & visas under one roof.
What is the DED License Cost in Dubai?
The cost of getting a DED/DET license in Dubai can vary depending on your business activity, company structure, and office space. On average, you can expect it to range anywhere between AED 12,000 and AED 30,000, but in some cases, it may go higher.
The final price also depends on add-ons such as trade name reservation fees, initial approval charges, Chamber of Commerce membership, and any special approvals needed for regulated businesses like food, health, or travel. Office rent is another big factor – renting a space in prime areas like Downtown Dubai or Business Bay will naturally cost more than smaller offices in less central locations.
How AE Setup Can Help You Get a DED License
Getting a Dubai DED license is one of the most important steps if you want to do business in Dubai. It not only makes your business legal but also opens the door to countless opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
If the process feels overwhelming, you don’t have to worry; AE Setup can make it simple for you. From trade name reservation and getting approvals to handling all the paperwork and documentation, we’ve got you covered. We also help with office space solutions, taxation support, and cost-effective license packages so you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the setup.
Ready to start your business journey in Dubai? Reach out to us today and let’s make it happen with ease.
