Dubai Mainland Licenses

A Dubai Mainland License is a trade permit issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. It authorizes businesses to operate within Dubai’s mainland, outside free zones, offering unrestricted access to local and international markets. This license covers various activities, including trading, professional services, and manufacturing. Companies with a Dubai Mainland License enjoy 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, flexibility to set up offices anywhere in Dubai, and the ability to secure government contracts, making it ideal for entrepreneurs targeting a broad market presence.

Dubai Mainland Licenses include three primary types as Professional, Commercial, and Industrial. Each serves distinct business activities, regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai.

Professional Trade License

A Professional Trade License is a permit for service-based businesses in Dubai’s mainland. Issued by the DED, it suits professionals like consultants, doctors, or engineers offering expertise. This license grants 100% foreign ownership, requiring a local service agent (LSA) who is a UAE national with no equity stake. It covers 3 main activities, such as legal consultancy, IT services, and healthcare. Businesses enjoy flexibility to operate anywhere in Dubai and access local markets. Renewal occurs annually with a fixed fee, ensuring compliance and credibility.

Commercial Trade License

A Commercial Trade License is a permit for trading goods in Dubai’s mainland. The DED issues it for activities like import, export, and retail. This license allows up to 10 related activities, including electronics trading, food distribution, and real estate services. Foreign ownership reaches 100% in most sectors, with no local sponsor needed in some cases. Companies gain unrestricted market access and can secure government contracts. Examples include trading firms like wholesalers and logistics providers, benefiting from Dubai’s strategic trade hubs.

Industrial Trade License

An Industrial Trade License is a permit for manufacturing businesses in Dubai’s mainland. The DED grants it for producing goods from raw materials, such as textiles or machinery. This license requires a physical warehouse and compliance with safety regulations. Foreign ownership hits 100% in certain sectors, supported by government incentives like lower utility costs. It suits 3 key activities: food production, equipment manufacturing, and processing. Firms leverage Dubai’s infrastructure, including ports, for efficient operations and export opportunities.

Get a Dubai Mainland License by following 6 key steps managed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. The process ensures your business operates legally across Dubai’s mainland.

Determine Your Business Activity

Determine your business activity to align with DED-approved categories. Options include trading, services, or manufacturing. Select one that matches your goals, as it defines your license type – Professional, Commercial, or Industrial.

Choose a Legal Structure

Choose a legal structure for your company. Options include Sole Establishment, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Branch. An LLC allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors since 2021, requiring no local sponsor in many cases.

Reserve a Trade Name

Reserve a trade name through the DED portal. Ensure it reflects your activity, avoids offensive terms, and ends with your legal form (e.g., LLC). Approval takes 1-2 days if unique.

Obtain Initial Approval

Obtain initial approval from the DED by submitting your activity, structure, and name. Include passport copies and a business plan. This step confirms eligibility, taking 1-3 days.

Secure a Tenancy Contract

Secure a tenancy contract for your office or warehouse. Register it via Ejari, Dubai’s rental system, to meet DED’s physical address requirement. Costs vary by location, starting at AED 10,000 annually.

Submit Documents and Pay Fees

Submit documents like approvals, contracts, and Memorandum of Association (MOA) to the DED. Pay fees starting at AED 18,500*, depending on your license type. Receive your license within 1 hour to 1 week.

A Dubai Mainland License delivers core benefits for businesses in Dubai. Mainland license outshines free zone licenses with distinct advantages.

Unrestricted Market Access

A Mainland License provides unrestricted access to local and global markets. Businesses operate anywhere in Dubai and the UAE, reaching diverse clients without geographic barriers. This boosts revenue potential significantly.

Enhanced Business Flexibility

A Mainland License ensures operational flexibility across various sectors. Companies establish offices in prime spots and handle 3 main activities such as trading, services, or manufacturing under one license.

Full Ownership Control

Ownership benefits include 100% foreign ownership in most sectors since 2021. The DED permits complete control without a local sponsor, a shift from the past 51% UAE ownership rules.

Access to Government Contracts

A Mainland License unlocks lucrative government contracts. Businesses compete for public projects, gaining an edge over free zone firms. Examples include infrastructure and service agreements, driving profits.

Improved Visa Allocation

A Mainland License offers enhanced visa options for employees and families. Companies secure 5-100 visas based on office size, starting at AED 2,500 per visa. This eases hiring top talent, fueling expansion.

The Dubai Mainland License cost starts at AED 18,500*, managed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. Fees cover 3 main components such as registration (AED 10,000), trade name reservation (AED 1,000), and license issuance (AED 7,500). Additional costs include tenancy contracts, starting at AED 10,000 annually, and visa fees at AED 2,500 each. Total expenses vary by business type – Professional, Commercial, or Industrial—ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 50,000 initially. Renewal costs AED 12,000 yearly, ensuring compliance and operational continuity.

Please note that the actual cost may differ from the above-given costs as it mainly depends on the jurisdiction, business types, visas, etc.

InZone simplifies securing your Dubai Mainland License through expert business setup services in Dubai. InZone handles end-to-end processes from activity selection, legal structure, name reservation, approvals, and tenancy, to submission with the Department of Economic Development (DED). Partner with InZone to launch your mainland business efficiently, leveraging their expertise for seamless market entry and growth.