How To Get a Mainland Licence in Dubai?
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What Is Dubai Mainland Licence?
In today's scenario, Dubai is turning out to be a luxurious and potential market for different global platforms. So, gaining authentic access to these markets will be a dignified status for the investors. By gaining this valuable licence, entrepreneurs can easily set their footprint over the elevating market of Dubai and can build smooth compliance with the regulations and laws of the Emirates.
Most of the time, people get confused about choosing a free zone licence or a Mainland licence for their business operations in Dubai. So, you should understand that a Mainland licence will permit a business to function and effectively trade throughout the international and local markets. The following licence will also give the flexibility to collaborate with both private and government entities in the UAE.

Who Needs a Mainland Licence in Dubai?
Let us get into the major sectors that need to have a Mainland Licence in Dubai:
Professional Organisations
This is a broad term that covers a wide range of activities like accounting, consultancy, engineering services, legal services, IT and medical practices. To approach a reliable market, they have to acquire the Mainland Licence.
Trading Activities
This practice covers a lot of activities such as transferring goods, commodities, and other related work. A desirable Mainland company is able to operate efficiently in retail and wholesale.
Tourism Industry
Companies coming under the tourism industry have to register for a Mainland licence for operating smoothly in the UAE. Some related services under this category can be tour operators, travel agencies, and hotels.
Import and Export Business
This service helps to import goods from other nations and effectively export the goods that have been manufactured in Dubai.
Manufacturing Units
If you ask about Mainland Licence Dubai Requirements, the manufacturing units have to acquire this to operate their business. The following licence will allow a company to have full business ownership and access to all of its prominent activities in Dubai. Your company may require an LSA to cooperate with this kind of activity.
Types Of Mainland Licence Available in Dubai
1. Professional Licence
2. Commercial Licence
This type of licence is viable for businesses that are involved in trading commodities and goods like export, import and distribution. Overall, your retail business needs this type of authentic Mainland licence type.
3. Industrial Licence
The following licence type is crucial for organisations that are operating in production, manufacturing, and assembly works. Along with these three types, there are other necessary ones as well such as Real Estate Licence, Tourism Licence, Contracting Licence, Logistics, Healthcare, etc.
Requirements to Get a Mainland Licence in Dubai
Structure of Your Business
Be specific about the legal form of your certified business. There are major options available, such as Sole Establishment, Limited Liability Company, Civil Company, etc. Out of all these prominent ones, LLC is known to be a powerful structure. In many cases, an LLC needs around 51% of ownership by the UAE nationals. But, for most of the business functions, 100% foreign ownership is accessed.
Your Business Activities
You have to work immensely to make your potential flourish in the Dubai market. It should be well known to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). However, there are certain activities that require individual approvals from the specific authorities of Dubai.
Physical Office
To get your Mainland Licence, you need to value a physical office to access your business. Along with this, you have to acquire an Ejari Certificate, which is considered proof of a tenancy agreement.
Investment
It is important to note that there is no minimum investment demand to get your Mainland Licence. However, you need to present certain capital requirements as per your visa needs and business functionalities. The more the planning, the more investment planning you have to secure.
How To Get the Dubai Mainland Licence?
1. Think about an approachable business activity
2. Prefer A Good Legal Structure
It is important for all the businesses in Dubai to have a legal form. The following legal structure is incorporated by the DED. So, this has to be followed by every organisation.
3. Reserve the name of your company
Adopt a valuable name for your company that will be your business’s identity. After valuing a suitable name for your business, complete the registration process as per the rules of DED.
4. Find a prominent location
As per the rulings of the DED, lease a proper office to satiate all your business requirements. Here, an Ejari Certificate and tenancy contract are necessary.
5. Now register the business
To manage the initial approval, you have to complete the application submission process with DED. This can be as per your specific business goals and legal structure.
6. Present Your Legal Documents
Now, you have to submit some of the essential documents as given below:
- Business name reservation certificate
- Processing approval receipt
- MOA
- Tenancy contract or Ejari certificate
- Passport size photographs
- Photocopies of passport
- Regulatory approvals.
7. Give the payable amount for your licence
As per the functionalities of your business and the legal structure you have chosen, complete the application fee payment. The following payment structure is accessible from the DED.
8. Get The Mainland Licence
Once the following DED accepts your application, you will get the Dubai Mainland Licence. The following licence will help you initiate your business operations in the markets of Dubai.
9. Complete the registration for Labor and Immigration
Here, you have to register the following company under MoHRE and GDRFA to access the hiring procedure for employees. Moreover, this registration will also unveil the gateway for the issuance of visas for work.
10. The corporate bank account is a must
It is essential for the owners to open a corporate bank account for their businesses. Complete the submission of passport copies, trade licences, and other necessary documents to open a bank account.
So, if you are asking about the Dubai Mainland Licence, these are the essential steps you need to follow to acquire one.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Mainland Licence in Dubai?
Dubai Mainland Licence Cost | |
---|---|
The initial approval fee will be charged by the DED for approving your licence application. | AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 |
Complete Licence Fee for professional companies | AED 10,0000 and more as per the structure of your business |
Licence fees for trading companies | Starting from AED 15,000 and above |
Advantages of a Dubai Mainland Licence
Foreign investors can easily buy 100% of mainland businesses where there is no need for local service agents.
Entrepreneurs will have complete ownership of their businesses without any controls.
Mainland companies have the power to trade effectively throughout the UAE, which offers a greater market reach.
The Mainland licence is a valuable one within the global platforms. So, it will enhance the credibility of your business.
Frequently Asked Questions on Mainland Licence in Dubai
What types of businesses can operate with a mainland licence?
Businesses with industrial, commercial, professional, agriculture, trading, and hospitality backgrounds can operate with Mainland licences.
How long does it take to get a mainland licence in Dubai?
It will take around 7 to 10 days to get a Mainland licence in Dubai. However, the time may fluctuate as per the specific variations in your business functionalities.
Can a mainland company trade anywhere in the UAE?
As licenced under DED, Mainland Company can operate throughout the UAE and over the local market as well.
How often does a mainland licence need to be renewed?
The mainland licence can be renewed annually based on the functionalities of your business. Moreover, it also depends on the category under which your business falls.
What is the role of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in mainland licensing?
The DED is known to be a governmental authority that approves DED licence through which businesses can operate extensively over the geographical regions of the UAE.
Are there any tax implications for mainland businesses in Dubai?
The mainland companies have to incorporate the tax if the annual income surpasses an amount of AED 375,000.
How much does it cost to open a mainland company in Dubai?
The cost price will depend on the types of business you are handling. The overall price will range from AED 15,000 to AED 35,000.