Business Setup In Dubai Mainland

How to Secure a Trade License for Dubai Mainland in 2025

7 minutes

January 31, 2025

How to Secure a Trade License for Dubai Mainland in 2025
How to Secure a Trade License for Dubai Mainland in 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Why Choose Dubai Mainland?
  • Who Needs a Dubai Mainland Trade Licence?
  • Eligibility Criteria for a Dubai Mainland Licence
  • Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a Dubai Mainland Licence
  • Cost of a Dubai Mainland Trade Licence
  • Advantages of a Dubai Mainland Trade Licence
  • Get Your Dubai Mainland Business Licence Today with G12’s Expert Support

Dubai has rapidly emerged as a global business powerhouse, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. It boasts a rapidly growing economy, evident in the staggering number of new businesses established. Between January and June 2023 alone, more than 30,000 new businesses were registered in the city. This impressive figure underscores Dubai’s exceptional appeal as a destination for business ventures and highlights the city’s vibrant and dynamic business structure. 

Furthermore, tech investment in the UAE is projected to grow 145% by 2025, reaching $313.5 million, signifying the incredible momentum of Dubai’s tech startup ecosystem.

Given this thriving environment, establishing a presence in Dubai Mainland presents a compelling opportunity for businesses seeking to capitalise on the UAE’s burgeoning market.

Why Choose Dubai Mainland?

The Dubai Mainland offers a robust and flexible platform for businesses seeking to operate within the UAE. Key advantages include:

  1. Full Ownership: 

In many sectors, foreign investors can enjoy 100% ownership of their mainland companies, providing greater control and flexibility in decision-making and business operations. This empowers entrepreneurs to fully leverage their business vision and pursue their goals without limitations.

  1. Access to Government Contracts: 

Mainland companies are eligible to bid on government tenders and contracts, opening doors to lucrative opportunities within the public sector. This direct access to government projects provides a significant advantage and contributes to the sustainable growth of mainland businesses.

  1. Wider Range of Business Activities: 

Mainland licences offer a broader scope of permissible activities compared to free zones, providing greater flexibility and adaptability to cater to diverse business needs. This versatility allows businesses to explore new avenues, expand their offerings, and capitalise on emerging market opportunities.

  1. Trading Across the UAE: 

A mainland licence allows businesses to trade freely across all emirates within the United Arab Emirates. This seamless access to the entire UAE market facilitates business expansion, customer acquisition, and the development of a strong national presence.

  1. Stronger Credibility: 

Operating from the mainland enhances credibility and trust among local and international clients. The association with the Dubai Mainland signifies a commitment to local market engagement and adherence to UAE regulations, fostering greater confidence and trust among stakeholders.

New to business in Dubai? Explore our blog, A Beginner’s Guide to Business Setup in Dubai for 2025, and get started!

Who Needs a Dubai Mainland Trade Licence?

A Dubai Mainland trade licence is essential for a wide spectrum of businesses, including:

  • Trading: Retail, wholesale, import/export, e-commerce. Dubai hosts 1,024 startups, representing approximately 87% of the United Arab Emirates’ total startup landscape, demonstrating the city’s dominance in the regional entrepreneurial scene. Many of these startups are likely engaged in trading activities, leveraging Dubai’s strategic location as a global trading hub.
  • Professional Services: Consulting, legal, IT, marketing, accounting, and other professional services.
  • Tourism: Travel agencies, hotels, tour operators, hospitality services, and related businesses.
  • Manufacturing: Industrial production, factories, and related activities.

Eligibility Criteria for a Dubai Mainland Licence

To successfully obtain a mainland licence, businesses must fulfil the following key requirements:

  • Choose a Business Structure: Select the most suitable legal structure for your business, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Sole Establishment, Branch Office, or Civil Company.
  • Select a Business Activity: Choose a business activity that aligns with your business goals and is approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
  • Secure Office Space: Obtain a physical office space within Dubai and register it with Ejari, the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency.
  • Meet Legal and Documentation Requirements: Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and documentation requirements.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a Dubai Mainland Licence

  1. Choose a Business Activity: Carefully select a business activity that aligns with your business objectives and is permissible within the mainland.
  2. Select a Legal Structure: Determine the most appropriate legal structure based on your business needs and ownership requirements.
  3. Reserve a Trade Name: Reserve a unique and suitable trade name for your business through the DED.
  4. Secure Office Space: Lease or purchase an office space in Dubai and obtain an Ejari certificate.
  5. Apply for Initial Approval from DED: Submit the necessary documents to DED for initial approval of your business activity.
  6. Prepare and Submit Legal Documents: Prepare and submit all required legal documents, including Memorandum of Association (MOA), tenancy contract, trade name certificate, etc.
  7. Pay the Licence Fees: Pay the applicable licence fees to DED.
  8. Obtain Your Trade Licence: Upon successful completion of the process, DED will issue your official trade licence.
  9. Register for Immigration and Labour: Register with the relevant authorities to obtain necessary approvals for employee visas.
  10. Open a Corporate Bank Account: Open a dedicated bank account for your business to facilitate financial transactions.

Cost of a Dubai Mainland Trade Licence

The cost of a Dubai Mainland trade licence varies depending on factors such as the chosen business activity, legal structure, and location.

  • Estimated Licence Cost: The estimated cost of a mainland licence can range from AED 10,000 to AED 30,000.
  • Additional Costs: Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, government charges, and professional fees for consulting services.

Advantages of a Dubai Mainland Trade Licence

Beyond the core benefits mentioned earlier, operating from the Dubai Mainland offers several significant advantages:

  1. Full Business Ownership: 

In many sectors, foreign investors can enjoy 100% ownership of their mainland companies, providing greater control and flexibility in decision-making and business operations. This empowers entrepreneurs to fully leverage their business vision and pursue their goals without limitations.

  1. Access to Government Contracts: 

Mainland companies are eligible to bid on government tenders and contracts, opening doors to lucrative opportunities within the public sector. This direct access to government projects provides a significant advantage and contributes to the sustainable growth of mainland businesses.

  1. Wider Range of Business Activities: 

Mainland licences offer a broader scope of permissible activities compared to free zones, providing greater flexibility and adaptability to cater to diverse business needs. This versatility allows businesses to explore new avenues, expand their offerings, and capitalise on emerging market opportunities.

  1. Trading Across the UAE: 

A mainland licence allows businesses to trade freely across all emirates within the United Arab Emirates. This seamless access to the entire UAE market facilitates business expansion, customer acquisition, and the development of a strong national presence.

  1. Stronger Credibility: 

Operating from the mainland enhances credibility and trust among local and international clients. The association with the Dubai Mainland signifies a commitment to local market engagement and adherence to UAE regulations, fostering greater confidence and trust among stakeholders.

  1. Robust and Consistent Startup Growth: 

The region experienced a 26% year-on-year growth in scale-up startups, increasing from 241 in 2021 to over 306 in 2022. This indicates a dynamic and thriving startup ecosystem, providing a fertile ground for innovation and business growth.

Curious about setting up a business in Dubai Mainland? Give our detailed blog a read, Tips for Expats in 2025, for insider secrets!

Get Your Dubai Mainland Business Licence Today with G12’s Expert Support

Setting up a business in Dubai Mainland is a promising venture, but the process can be intricate without the right support. At G12, we are not just another service provider; we are a trusted business setup firm in Dubai, offering expert guidance laser-focused to your needs. From trade name reservation to visa processing, our comprehensive services ensure a smooth experience, leaving no room for unnecessary hurdles.  

If you’re looking for reliable business setup consultants in Dubai, choose G12 to pave the way for your business success. Partner with us to make minimise risks and establish a solid foundation for your business in Dubai Mainland.

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Sonia Shareef
Sonia Shareef

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