How to choose the right mainland license in Dubai

What is a mainland license in Dubai?

A mainland license in Dubai is an official permit issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) that allows a business to operate anywhere across Dubai and the wider UAE. Unlike free zone or offshore licenses, a mainland license offers full access to the local market, including the ability to work with government entities, trade within the country, and open branches throughout the Emirates. This makes it one of the most flexible and in-demand forms of business licenses in Dubai.

The mainland jurisdiction is governed by the DED. They are the regulatory body responsible for issuing, managing, and renewing mainland licenses. Any business in Dubai that intends to offer services or sell products directly to UAE residents or companies outside of designated free zones must have a valid mainland license.

In recent years, regulatory reforms have made mainland licenses in Dubai even more attractive. Foreign investors can now enjoy 100% ownership in many business categories without needing a local service agent or Emirati partner, depending on the activity. This has positioned Dubai mainland licenses as one of the top options for long-term growth, especially for entrepreneurs seeking to build a presence within the local market.

Here are some key features that define a Dubai mainland license:

With a mainland trade license, companies can freely operate across Dubai and the UAE without restriction. This includes opening stores, restaurants, service centers, or consultancies in any area. It's also the only type of license that allows participation in federal and emirate-level government tenders — a major advantage for contractors, IT firms, construction companies, and suppliers.

Moreover, the mainland license in Dubai supports a wide variety of business activities, including commercial, industrial, and professional services. Whether you're planning a small consulting firm, an international trading operation, or a service-oriented company, the mainland license offers the regulatory framework and commercial freedom to succeed.

The flexibility and access provided by a mainland license make it a strong choice for entrepreneurs and corporations looking to establish a robust and long-term presence in the UAE. Combined with Dubai’s business-friendly policies and infrastructure, this license remains a cornerstone of business setup in Dubai for 2025 and beyond.

Types of mainland trade licenses

When planning your business setup in Dubai, selecting the correct license type is a foundational step. The Dubai mainland license is not a one-size-fits-all document — it's tailored according to the specific business activity your company will engage in. The DED offers several types of mainland trade licenses in Dubai, each designed to regulate and support different sectors of the economy.

Your chosen license defines what you are legally allowed to do, whether you’re selling products, offering services, or manufacturing goods. Below are the primary categories of mainland trade licenses issued by the DED.

Commercial license

The commercial license is for businesses involved in the trading of goods and commodities. This includes activities such as wholesale, retail, import/export, and general trading. It is one of the most popular license types due to Dubai’s status as a global logistics and re-export hub.

Typical business activities under a commercial license:

• Import/export of electronics, fashion, or auto parts
• Retail stores and supermarkets
• General trading (multiple unrelated goods)
• E-commerce businesses

This license allows you to conduct local and international trade and open physical shops or warehouses across the mainland. In some cases, you may require specific approvals for regulated products like pharmaceuticals or food.

Professional license

A professional mainland license is issued to individuals or companies offering specialized services that rely on intellectual or artistic expertise. This includes consultancies, freelancers, and service-based businesses.

Common activities under a professional license:

• Legal or management consultancy
• IT and software services
• Design and marketing agencies
• Healthcare and wellness professionals
• Education and training centers

This license is often issued to a sole establishment or a civil company, allowing 100% foreign ownership and direct operational control. However, a local service agent is usually required as a UAE national representative, though they do not hold equity or participate in business decisions

Industrial license

If your business involves the manufacturing or processing of physical products, you’ll need an industrial license. This license type is intended for companies that operate factories, workshops, or assembly lines in the UAE.

Examples of industrial license activities:

• Food and beverage production
• Furniture manufacturing
• Textile or packaging factories
• Chemical and metal processing

Obtaining this license may require additional clearances from regulatory bodies such as Dubai Municipality or the Ministry of Industry. Industrial businesses also need to comply with zoning and environmental regulations and must have a registered industrial facility.

Choosing the right license is crucial. If your business involves multiple activities, the DED allows certain combinations within a single license, as long as they fall within the same category. If not, you may need multiple licenses or a mainland license in Dubai with activity-specific approvals.

Key steps to obtain a Dubai mainland license

Launching a business with a mainland license in Dubai involves a clear and well-regulated process managed by the Dubai Department of Economic Development. While professional guidance can make the journey easier, it’s helpful to understand the full picture yourself. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key stages in the Dubai mainland business setup process.

Step 1. Define your business activity

Start by selecting the business activity or group of activities you plan to carry out. The DED provides an official list of over 2,000 licensed activities divided into commercial, professional, and industrial categories. Your choice determines the required license type and legal structure, and some activities may require prior approval from external government bodies.

Step 2. Choose your legal structure

Next, determine your legal structure, which defines company ownership, liability, and how you’ll operate. Common options include:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – for most commercial and industrial setups
• Sole establishment – for solo professionals
• Civil company – for partnerships offering professional services

The right structure also affects whether you’ll need a local service agent. For instance, professional service providers often require one, while LLCs do not in most sectors.

Step 3. Reserve your trade name

Choose a business trade name and submit it to the DED for approval. Your name must not conflict with existing businesses, include offensive or religious terms, or reference international institutions unless approved.

Step 4. Apply for initial approval

You’ll then submit an initial approval application to confirm that the DED has no objection to your chosen business activity and legal form. This approval is temporary but essential to move forward with document submission and office leasing.

Step 5. Secure office space and Ejari

To operate under a mainland license, you’ll need a physical business location. You must sign a tenancy contract and register it through Ejari, Dubai’s official tenancy system. The size of your space also determines your visa quota.

Step 6. Prepare and submit documents

Compile the following documents for license issuance:

Some licenses may require additional documentation, especially for regulated sectors like education, finance, or health.

Step 7. Pay fees and receive your license

Once all approvals are granted and documents submitted, you’ll pay the license fees and collect your final Dubai mainland license. The license allows you to begin full operations and apply for residency visas under your company name.

Optional post-license steps

• After obtaining your mainland license, you can:
• Apply for company bank accounts
• Register for VAT (if required)
• Hire employees and issue visas
• Participate in government tenders
• Expand by opening branches or new locations

The full process typically takes 7-14 business days, though timelines may vary based on the complexity of your business activity and whether external approvals are required.

Benefits of a mainland license in Dubai

Choosing a mainland license in Dubai is a strategic move for entrepreneurs and companies looking to establish long-term, scalable operations in the UAE. It offers a wide range of advantages that go beyond the basic ability to conduct business legally. From full market access to flexible legal structures, the Dubai mainland license opens up opportunities for growth across local and international markets.

1.  Full access to the UAE market

A mainland trade license enables businesses to operate without geographical restrictions within the UAE. This means you can open offices, retail stores, restaurants, or warehouses anywhere in the country and serve both individual clients and corporate entities without limitation. Unlike free zone companies, mainland firms can work directly with local clients and government entities without intermediaries.

2.  Eligibility for government contracts

Only companies with a Dubai mainland license are allowed to bid for and execute public sector projects. This is particularly beneficial for construction firms, consultants, IT providers, and suppliers that want to tap into Dubai’s ongoing infrastructure and development initiatives.

3.  Unlimited business scope and activity combinations

Mainland licenses support a wide range of business activities and allow you to include multiple activities under one license, provided they fall within compatible categories. This flexibility is ideal for diversified businesses that want to combine trading, consulting, or service operations under a single legal entity.

4.  No restrictions on client base

With a Dubai mainland license, your company can cater to both UAE residents and international clients without limitation. There are no rules preventing you from doing business across different Emirates or serving a global audience, making it ideal for scalable startups and service providers.

5.  100% foreign ownership

Following recent legislative reforms, most sectors in the mainland no longer require a UAE national partner. Investors can now retain 100% ownership of their business in Dubai, reducing risk and increasing strategic control over operations and profits.

6.  Visa and staffing flexibility

The license allows companies to apply for a flexible number of employee visas, depending on office space and labor classification. This is vital for companies planning to scale operations quickly or operate large teams within the UAE.

7.  Ability to open multiple branches

Once you’ve obtained your mainland license in Dubai, you can expand operations across multiple locations and Emirates under the same legal identity. This allows for seamless business growth and access to new customer bases without duplicating licensing efforts.

8.  Long-term stability and reputation

Holding a mainland license gives your company credibility with banks, investors, and clients. It signals compliance with the Dubai Economic Department and positions you as a trustworthy business in one of the world’s most stable economic hubs.

The combination of freedom, flexibility, and regulatory support makes the Dubai mainland trade license one of the most powerful business tools available in the UAE today.

Costs of a mainland trade license in Dubai

Understanding the mainland license cost is a key part of your financial planning when launching a business in Dubai. While setting up on the mainland offers flexibility and market access, it’s essential to know the fee structure and potential variables that affect pricing. Costs can vary depending on the business activity, legal structure, office size, visa quota, and whether external approvals are needed.

There is no fixed, one-size-fits-all pricing for a mainland license in Dubai, but typical setups fall within a range that can be tailored to your business model.

Breakdown of typical costs

Below is a breakdown of standard expenses associated with getting a mainland trade license:

Please note that the above costs are indicative. Some companies, especially in professional services, can start with leaner budgets, especially if operating under a sole establishment or shared workspace

Additional considerations

• Visa fees: employee visas cost AED 3,000-7,000 per person, depending on role and salary classification.
• Bank account setup: some banks charge onboarding fees or require minimum balances (AED 25,000-100,000).
• External approvals: education, health, or transport-related businesses may require special permits, adding time and fees.
• Annual renewals: the license fees apply annually, often close to the original issuance amount.

Cost-saving tips

• Choose a smaller office in an affordable commercial area
• Register fewer activities initially to reduce classification complexity
• Opt for annual rather than multi-year agreements until stable
• Work with a consultant who can bundle services at a reduced overall cost

The mainland license cost reflects not only the legal right to operate but also the infrastructure and market access you gain. While the setup requires investment, the return is often significant for companies with local ambitions.

Renewal of a mainland trade license

Once you’ve successfully launched your business in Dubai under a mainland license, it’s essential to keep your operations compliant by renewing your license annually. The DED oversees the renewal of mainland trade licenses, and the process is generally straightforward, especially if your documents are in order and your business information has not changed.

Neglecting to renew on time can lead to fines, license suspension, or even blacklisting of your trade name, so timely renewal is a must for uninterrupted business operations.

When and how to renew

A mainland license in Dubai must be renewed every year, ideally before the expiration date listed on your existing license. The renewal process can often be completed online via the DED portal or through authorized typing centers and consultants.

Here’s a general checklist to guide your license renewal:

Without a valid Ejari, your renewal will be automatically blocked, as it proves your physical presence in Dubai, which is mandatory under mainland license rules.

Renewal fees and timelines

The license fees for renewal are generally similar to those paid during the initial issuance, ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000, depending on the nature of your business and activities. If you're modifying the license, such as adding new activities, updating shareholder details, or changing your office, you may incur extra charges.

Renewals typically take 1 to 3 business days, but may be extended if additional approvals are required.

Late renewal penalties

• Failing to renew your mainland trade license on time can result in:
• Fines of AED 200 per month or more
• Freezing of visa services and labor approvals
• Suspension of your business activities
• Inability to sign new contracts or issue invoices
• Risk of your trade name being revoked

To avoid complications, most business owners begin the license renewal process at least 1 month before expiration. Working with a consultant or PRO service can simplify renewals and reduce the risk of delays.

Tips for smooth renewals

• Set calendar reminders for key renewal dates
• Keep Ejari and tenancy contracts valid and updated
• Inform the DED promptly about any structural or shareholder changes
• Maintain updated copies of all required documentation
• Reassess your business activities yearly to ensure they reflect your current operations

Staying compliant with the Dubai mainland license renewal process helps maintain your company’s credibility, avoid fines, and ensure uninterrupted access to banking, visa, and public sector opportunities.

Get your mainland license today

Setting up a company with a mainland license in Dubai is one of the most effective ways to build a strong, scalable business presence in the UAE. Whether you're a solo professional, a growing SME, or an international firm, the Dubai mainland license gives you the legal, commercial, and operational freedom to succeed in one of the most dynamic markets in the world.

Unlike free zones or offshore jurisdictions, a mainland trade license allows your business to trade anywhere in the UAE, serve government contracts, and open multiple branches under one unified registration. You also benefit from the ability to sponsor employees, issue invoices in local currency, and build long-term relationships with local and regional partners.

Whether you want to open a consulting firm, a retail outlet, a logistics business, or a digital service agency, your first step is clear: get your mainland license today and unlock full access to Dubai’s thriving economy.