Dubai’s dynamic economy and strategic location make it a prime destination for entrepreneurs. A Dubai Mainland License allows businesses to operate across the UAE without geographical restrictions, unlike Free Zone licenses. This guide outlines the streamlined process to secure your mainland license, incorporating recent regulatory updates.
Step 1: Determine Your Business Activity
Identify your business activity (commercial, professional, or industrial) from the Department of Economic Development (DED) list. Over 2,000 activities are listed, ranging from retail to tech services.
- Key Tip: Some activities (e.g., healthcare, education) require approvals from sector-specific authorities (e.g., Dubai Health Authority).
- Update: Since 2021, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors, eliminating the need for a UAE national partner in eligible cases.
Step 2: Choose a Legal Structure
Select a legal framework aligned with your business goals:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Popular for SMEs; allows 100% foreign ownership in eligible sectors.
- Sole Proprietorship: For individual ownership (requires a UAE national as a Local Service Agent for certain professional activities).
- Civil Company/Partnership: For professional services.
Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name
Your trade name must comply with DED guidelines:
- Avoid offensive terms or references to government entities.
- Include a suffix reflecting the legal structure (e.g., “LLC”).
- Reserve the name online via the DED portal (valid for 30 days).
Step 4: Obtain Initial Approval
Submit preliminary documents (passport copies, business plan) to DED for initial approval. This step confirms no objections to your business setup.
- Note: Activities requiring external approvals (e.g., food, education) will receive conditional initial approval pending further clearances.
Step 5: Draft Legal Documents
For LLCs, draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA) outlining shareholder roles, capital, and activities.
- The MOA must be notarized by a Dubai notary public.
- Foreign Ownership: Under updated laws, UAE national partners are optional in eligible sectors.
Step 6: Secure Office Space
Mainland businesses require a physical office or warehouse.
- Lease a space and register the tenancy contract via Ejari, Dubai’s rental system.
- Virtual offices are not permitted for mainland licenses.
Step 7: Submit Application to DED
Compile and submit documents:
- Initial approval
- Ejari contract
- MOA
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Additional activity-specific permits
Pay fees (varies by activity and license type) and await issuance (typically 3–5 days).
Step 8: Acquire Additional Permits
Depending on your sector, secure permits from relevant authorities:
- Food/Beverage: Dubai Municipality
- Healthcare: Dubai Health Authority
- Education: Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
Step 9: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Choose a local bank and provide:
- Trade license
- MOA
- Shareholder passports
- Ejari contract
Post-License Considerations
- Visa Processing: Apply for employee/resident visas via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Annual Renewal: Renew your license yearly by updating Ejari and paying fees.
- Compliance: Adhere to UAE labor, tax, and industry regulations.
Why Choose a Mainland License?
- Operate freely across the UAE and bid on government contracts.
- Access a broader market and diverse customer base.
- Leverage recent ownership reforms for full control in eligible sectors.
Final Tips
- Consider hiring a PRO service or business consultant to navigate bureaucratic steps.
- Stay updated on regulatory changes via the DED website.
By following this guide, you can efficiently secure your Dubai Mainland License and tap into one of the world’s most vibrant economies. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, Dubai offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and innovation.