HT360° Business Setup In Dubai Mainland
In the UAE, a mainland business must possess one of these licenses for all its activities.
In the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Mainland Dubai and its free zones, businesses must secure a trade license before commencing operations. This is a legal requirement for all entrepreneurs and companies, validating their mainland entity. Possessing a Dubai trade license assures customers of your legitimacy and compliance with local laws.
While numerous steps are involved in registering a business on the mainland, obtaining a trade license is paramount for proper business setup. The specific type of trade license required, along with applicable requirements, will vary based on your chosen business activities, company structure, and operational jurisdiction.
As you embark on the company formation process and plan to establish a mainland business in Dubai, consider the three types of trade licenses outlined below:
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Types of Mainland Trade Licence
Some of these free zones include: Dubai Free Zones offer businesses access to a wealth of amenities and opportunities, providing numerous benefits for incorporation.
Professional trade licence
To legally provide professional services to clients on the Dubai mainland, businesses and entrepreneurs must obtain a professional business trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED), as mandated by the UAE government.
Commercial Trade License
A commercial trade license is essential for mainland companies in the UAE that engage in buying, selling, or any other trading activities. This license facilitates the formation of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a sole establishment and covers both specialized and general trading activities
Industrial trade licence
An industrial trade license is essential for businesses in the UAE engaged in industrial or manufacturing activities, specifically those that involve converting natural materials or integrating natural resources into their final products.
Requirements for a UAE Trade License in Dubai Mainland
To obtain a mainland license in Dubai, applications must be submitted through the Dubai Economic Department. Before establishing any business, the following legal requirements must be met:
Business Classification:
Business Structure:
Business Naming:
Depending on the legal form of the business, a Memorandum of Association (MoA) or a local service agent agreement (LSA) is also required. An MoA is necessary for the following legal structures:
Limited Partnership
Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC)
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Private Joint Stock Company (PrJSC)
UAE MAINLAND VISAS
UAE VISA REQUIREMENTS
We expediently handle all your UAE visa requirements, from employment visas for your team to residence visas for your family.
Private Companies: Employment Visa Regulations
For private companies, new employment entry permits can be obtained for employees. It is mandatory to apply for residence visa status within 30 days of the employee’s arrival in the UAE.
Visa Validity:
Free Zone Registered Companies: Employment visas are valid for three years.
Onshore Registered Companies: Employment visas are valid for two years.
Employer Responsibilities:
Employers are responsible for all travel arrangements for new employees, including securing the “okay to board” as required by some airlines.
Popular Mainland Activities
.Mainland Dubai Licences: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide outlines various licence types available for businesses operating in Dubai Mainland:
Gyms
Gymnasiums and health clubs can be established with either a professional or LLC licence.
Hospitality
These licences cover food and beverage services, including cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Import-Export
Businesses with these licences can trade directly with mainland clients, eliminating the need for distributors.
Retail
Retail licences encompass a wide range of shops in malls and other outlets, from clothing to bookstores.
Event and Entertainment
This category includes licences for event management and planning for both private and public events.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing licences are for businesses producing goods in the UAE for local and global distribution.
Healthcare
Obtaining a healthcare licence requires specific approval from the Dubai Health Authority.
Types of Dubai Mainland Trade Licences (Issued by DED)
Professional Licence
Purpose: For individuals or firms offering services based on skill, expertise, or talent.
Ideal for: Consultants, designers, trainers, artisans, engineers, and freelancers.
Ownership:
- 100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities.
- A Local Service Agent (LSA) must be appointed for legal representation.
HT360 Advantage: We handle the entire LSA documentation and DED liaison process for you.
Commercial Licence
Purpose: For businesses trading goods or providing commercial services.
Ideal for: Retailers, import-export firms, real estate agencies, logistics companies, and e-commerce businesses.
Ownership:
- 100% foreign ownership in most sectors.
- Option to form an LLC or Sole Establishment.
HT360 Advantage: We identify the most cost-efficient licence category for your trading activities and ensure all permits are approved by relevant authorities.
Industrial Licence
Purpose: For companies involved in manufacturing, assembly, or production.
Ideal for: Factories, textile producers, food processing plants, and construction material suppliers.
Approvals Required:
- Ministry of Economy
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure
HT360 Advantage: Our experts coordinate all approvals on your behalf to accelerate the process and ensure full compliance.
Key Steps to Obtain a Dubai Mainland Licence
HT360 follows a streamlined, government-approved process to simplify your setup
Step-①: Define Business Activity Selection
- Identify the right category: professional, commercial, or industrial.
Step-②: Legal Structure Formation
- Choose between LLC, PJSC, Civil Company, or Sole Proprietorship.
Step-③: Trade Name Reservation
- HT360 helps you register your company name with DED.
Step-④: Document Drafting:
- We prepare your Memorandum of Association (MoA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement.
Step-⑤: Approvals & Payments
- We manage submissions, approvals, and fee payments with the DED and other authorities.
What Is the Cost of a Dubai Mainland Licence?
The cost varies depending on your business activity, legal structure, office space, and number of visas.
On average, Dubai Mainland Licence fees range between AED 12,000 and AED 25,000.
HT360 provides transparent pricing — no hidden charges — and custom packages for startups and SMEs.
HT360’s Comprehensive Mainland Setup Services
Business Setup Consultation
Trade Licence Registration (DED)
Investor and Employee Visa Processing
Legal Document Preparation
Office Space and Ejari Assistance
PRO and Government Liaison Services
Bank Account Opening Guidance
FAQ’s
1. How can I start a business on Dubai Mainland?”
To start a business on Dubai Mainland, you need a trade licence from DED, a registered trade name, an office address, and legal approvals.
HT360 handles all of this for you — from documentation to licence issuance — so you can start operating in just a few days.
2.What is the best type of licence for my business?”
That depends on your activity:
Service-based business? → Professional Licence
Trading or e-commerce? → Commercial Licence
Manufacturing or production? → Industrial Licence
Contact HT360, and our experts will analyze your business plan and recommend the most suitable and cost-effective licence type.
3. Can I get 100% ownership of my company in Dubai Mainland?
Yes. Since 2021, the UAE allows 100% foreign ownership in most professional and commercial sectors.
HT360 ensures your business structure fully complies with the latest ownership laws.
4. How long does it take to get a trade licence in Dubai?
The process usually takes 3 to 7 working days once all documentation is ready.
With HT360’s fast-track service, you can receive your licence approval in as little as 48 hours.
5. How much does a Dubai Mainland Licence cost?
The cost ranges between AED 12,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the type of activity, visa quota, and location.
HT360 provides free cost consultations to help you budget accurately before you apply.
6. Do I need an office to get a Dubai Mainland Licence?
Yes. A physical office or shared workspace with an Ejari tenancy contract is mandatory for all mainland businesses.
HT360 assists you in securing the right office space and registering it with DED.
7.Can HT360 help me with visas and employee onboarding?
Absolutely. HT360 provides full visa and PRO services, including:
Investor and partner visas
Employee residence visas
Family sponsorships
Medical tests, Emirates ID, and stamping assistance
8.Can HT360 help with business bank accounts?
Yes. We maintain partnerships with leading UAE banks and can help you open a business account smoothly after licence issuance.
9. Why should I choose HT360 for my Dubai Mainland Licence?
Because we simplify every step of your UAE business journey.
HT360 is trusted by entrepreneurs, startups, and international investors for:
Fast turnaround times
Transparent pricing
Dedicated PRO team
End-to-end business support