A Dubai Mainland License is the most common and versatile type of business license issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), previously known as the Department of Economic Development (DED). It allows entrepreneurs to conduct commercial, professional, and industrial activities anywhere within Dubai and across the UAE without geographical restrictions. In simple terms, if you want to operate a business freely in the UAE market or work with government and private clients, a mainland license is your gateway.
1. Understanding the Concept of a Mainland License
The UAE offers three main business jurisdictions: Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore. While free zones provide tax benefits and limited trade areas, the mainland license offers complete operational freedom within the UAE.
A Dubai mainland company can:
- Trade directly within the UAE market and internationally.
- Work with government entities and public sector contracts.
- Open multiple branches across different Emirates.
- Sponsor employees and dependents under the company.
Unlike free zone companies that are restricted to specific zones, a mainland-licensed business can operate from any location within Dubai or the UAE. This flexibility makes it the preferred choice for most entrepreneurs planning long-term business growth.
2. Types of Mainland Licenses in Dubai
Depending on the nature of your business, Dubai offers several categories of mainland licenses:
- Commercial License: for businesses engaged in trading activities, such as import, export, retail, and general trading.
- Professional License: for individuals or companies providing professional or consultancy services, such as law firms, accountants, marketing agencies, and IT consultants.
- Industrial License: for companies involved in manufacturing, production, or industrial processing.
- Tourism License: for travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality-related services.
Each license type has its own set of requirements, approvals, and permitted activities listed under the DET database.
3. Key Benefits of a Dubai Mainland License
A mainland license in Dubai comes with several strategic advantages, making it ideal for local and international investors:
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Since June 2021, the UAE has allowed 100% foreign ownership in most business activities on the mainland, eliminating the need for a local Emirati sponsor in many cases.
- Unlimited Business Scope: Operate anywhere in Dubai or across the UAE without restrictions.
- Access to Government Contracts: Only mainland companies can bid for lucrative government and semi-government projects.
- Business Expansion: Mainland entities can open multiple branches under the same license within the UAE.
- Visa Sponsorship: Ability to sponsor employee and family visas under your company name.
These benefits collectively make the mainland license the most flexible and growth-friendly option for entrepreneurs looking to establish a stable and scalable business presence in Dubai.
4. Basic Requirements for Getting a Mainland License
Obtaining a Dubai mainland license involves several important steps and legal procedures. Key requirements include:
- Business Activity Selection: Choose from over 2,000 activities listed by the DET.
- Trade Name Registration: Select a unique and compliant trade name approved by DET.
- Local Office or Workspace: Secure a physical office or Ejari-registered location (mandatory).
- Initial Approval from DET: Obtain initial permission to proceed with the company setup.
- Document Submission: Provide passport copies, visa pages, and relevant identification documents of shareholders.
- Final License Issuance: Submit all documents, tenancy contracts, and approval forms to receive the final license.
It’s important to note that some business activities may require external approvals from authorities like the Dubai Municipality, RTA, KHDA, or MOH, depending on your sector.
5. Costs and Duration
The cost of a Dubai mainland license varies depending on activity type, location, and office size. On average, setup costs range between AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 for basic licenses. The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually to maintain legal operation.
6. Why Use SH Typing Center for Your Mainland License Setup
The process of obtaining a mainland license can be confusing for first-time investors due to multiple department approvals, translations, and notarization requirements. SH Typing Center offers end-to-end assistance with:
- Trade name reservation and activity selection.
- Document typing and DET application submission.
- Coordination with government departments for approvals.
- Ejari registration and tenancy contract documentation.
- Quick and reliable license renewal services.
By choosing professional help, you save valuable time and ensure your application meets all UAE business regulations without errors or delays.
A Dubai Mainland License is essential for anyone planning to establish a long-term, full-scale business in the UAE. It provides the freedom to trade across all emirates, employ staff, and work with both private and government sectors. With 100% ownership options and simplified procedures, Dubai’s business landscape has become more attractive than ever for global entrepreneurs. For personalized guidance and hassle-free mainland license processing, SH Typing Center provides professional support to make your business setup seamless, compliant, and efficient.