Quick summary

• A mainland license allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE with no trade restrictions.
• Foreign ownership is now permitted for 100% of business activities.
• The process involves selecting an activity, reserving a trade name, getting approvals, and securing office space.
• A physical office (Ejari) is mandatory for mainland licensing.
• With this license, you can bid for government contracts, get unlimited visas, and expand freely.

Step-by-step guide to getting a mainland license in Dubai

Are you planning to start a business in Dubai? If you want to operate anywhere across the UAE, work with local clients, and be eligible for government projects — then getting a Mainland license in Dubai is the right choice.

This article guides you through the complete process, documentation, and benefits of obtaining a Dubai mainland trade license. Whether you’re a startup founder, SME owner, or international investor, this guide will simplify your journey.

What is a mainland license in Dubai?

A mainland license is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as the DED. It allows companies to operate across the UAE, unlike Free Zone licenses, which restrict you to certain areas or types of clients.

With recent reforms, many business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, making the mainland even more attractive for entrepreneurs.

Benefits of a mainland license

Why should you consider setting up a mainland company?

• Operate anywhere in the UAE.
• No trade restrictions with the local market.
• 100% foreign ownership for most business activities.
• Unlimited employee visas based on office size.
• Access to government tenders and contracts.
• Freedom to expand across the Emirates without limitations.

Step-by-step process to get a mainland license in Dubai

Step 1: Choose your business activity

Before you apply, determine what your business will do. The DET offers over 2,000 approved activities. These fall into categories such as:

• Commercial.
• Professional.
• Industrial.
• Tourism.

Some activities may need approvals from external departments (health, education, legal, etc.).

Step 2: Select the legal structure

The legal structure affects ownership, visa eligibility, and liability. The most common types are:

• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Ideal for most trading and service businesses and partners who wish to limit their liability to their contribution in the company.
• Sole Proprietorship: For single professionals.
• Civil Company: Often used by professionals with shared ownership.
• Branch of Foreign Company: To expand an international business.

Step 3: Reserve your trade name

Select a unique name for your business that:

• Matches your business activity.
• Doesn’t violate naming rules (e.g., no religious references).
• It is available in the DET registry.

You’ll receive a Trade Name Reservation Certificate, which is valid for 6 months.

Step 4: Apply for initial approval

Apply for initial approval to DED. This acts as a green light to proceed with the licensing process. You’ll need to submit:

• Passport copies.
• Visa or Emirates ID (if any).
• Proposed business activity.
• Legal structure.
• Trade name certificate.

Step 5: Draft and notarize the MOA or LSA Agreement

Depending on your business type:

• LLCs require a Memorandum of Association (MOA).
• Professional firms require a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement.

A registered notary in Dubai must notarize both documents.

Step 6: Secure office space and register ejari

A mainland license requires a physical office in Dubai. Options range from small, flexible desks to full-fledged commercial units.

After signing the lease, you must register it with Ejari, Dubai’s official tenancy system.

Step 7: Submit final documents and pay fees

Once everything is ready, submit your final license application to DET. If your business activity requires external approvals (such as from DHA or the Municipality), you’ll obtain clearance at this stage.

You’ll then:

• Pay the DET license fee.
• Receive your Mainland Trade License.

Documents required for mainland trade license

Here’s a quick reference table of the essential documents:

Identification documents of the shareholders (passports and EID if any for individuals, license and MOA for entities)	Identity verification
Identification documents of appointed manager (passport, EID and UAE residence visa if any)	Identity verification
Trade name reservation certificate	Proof of approved business name
Initial approval certificate	Required to proceed with final licensing
MoA or LSA agreement	Outlines shareholding structure or service agent arrangement
Ejari (Tenancy Contract)	Proof of office space in Dubai Mainland

What happens after you get the license?

Once your license is issued, you can:

• Apply for residency visas (investor or employee).
• Open a corporate bank account.
• Register with tax authorities (if applicable).
• Launch operations and sign contracts.

Renewal and compliance

Your license is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. To renew:

• Provide updated Ejari.
• Submit any necessary documents (e.g., audit reports if required).
• Pay renewal fees.

Late renewals result in penalties.

FAQs

1. Can I own 100% of a mainland company in Dubai?
Yes, most activities now allow full foreign ownership.

2. How long does the licensing process take?
Typically, 7–10 working days if documents are in order.

3. Can I operate in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah with a Dubai mainland license?
Yes, mainland licenses provide full access to the UAE.

4. Is a physical office mandatory?
Yes. A registered Ejari contract is required.

5. Can I apply for employee visas under a mainland license?
Yes. The visa quota depends on the size of your office.

6. What are the benefits compared to a Free Zone setup?

Mainland gives access to local clients, government contracts, and no area restrictions.

7. Do I need to be in Dubai during the setup?
It can be done remotely via a business setup agent.

8. What is Ejari?
Ejari is Dubai’s official tenancy registration system for all rental agreements.

Start smart with your Dubai mainland license

A Dubai mainland license is your gateway to business freedom in the UAE. From local trade to global expansion, this license provides you with flexibility, ownership, and access to significant growth opportunities.

At Kanoony, we simplify the licensing process from start to finish — handling approvals, documents, and setup so you can focus on what matters: your business.