Overview
Dubai mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED). A DET licence lets you trade anywhere in Dubai and the wider UAE, serve consumers directly and bid for government work — with up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities.
Dubai Mainland cost (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Trade licence (government) | ≈ AED 11,500–13,500, plus name approval, initial approval, Tasheel and MoA |
| All-in, zero visa (government) | from ≈ AED 13,900 |
| All-in, one visa (government) | ≈ AED 18,750 |
| Establishment / immigration card | ≈ AED 750–2,000 one-off |
| Investor or partner visa | ≈ AED 3,500–6,000 each |
| Employee visa (incl. labour card) | ≈ AED 5,000–8,000 each |
| Office / desk | Rent extra — from a flexi arrangement to a private office |
Dubai figures are government costs published as at July 2026. Where a row says “quote required” there is no reliable public price, so we do not publish a number.
Benefits
- Trade with customers across the UAE without a distributor
- Eligible for government and semi-government tenders
- Wide choice of commercial, professional and industrial activities
- Local business address with direct customer access
- Scalable visa quota tied to your office space
Requirements and documents
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Approved trade name and initial approval
- Memorandum of Association
- Tenancy contract for premises
- Approvals from other authorities for regulated activities
Who is it best for?
- Businesses that sell to local customers
- Companies wanting government contracts
- Businesses that need a storefront or showroom
What to weigh up
- Physical premises are typically required
- Fees vary by activity, legal form and premises — confirm the live figure
- Emiratisation and labour rules apply as you hire
Step-by-step: how to set up
- Choose the emirate, activity and legal formDecide the licence type (commercial, professional, industrial) and legal form (LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch).
- Reserve the trade name and get initial approvalSubmit the name and activity to the economic department.
- Lease premisesSign a tenancy contract for a physical office or shop; office size affects visa quota. Dubai requires Ejari registration.
- Draft and sign the Memorandum of AssociationThe MoA sets shareholders, capital and management; notarisation applies where required.
- Obtain external approvalsRegulated activities need approval from other authorities (health, education, food, finance and others).
- Pay fees and receive the trade licenceGovernment fees are paid to the licensing department.
- Establishment card, visas, bank account and taxArrange the immigration card, residence visas and Emirates ID; open the bank account; register for corporate tax and VAT where required.
Mainland or free zone?
Mainland suits businesses selling to UAE customers or bidding for government work; a free zone can be simpler and cheaper for international or online businesses. Use the decision framework and browse all free zones.
Dubai mainland guides: every topic
FAQs: Dubai Mainland
How much does a Dubai mainland licence cost?
Published government costs start at about AED 11,500–13,500 for the licence and about AED 13,900 all-in for a zero-visa company; one visa brings it to roughly AED 18,750. Office rent, professional fees and external approvals are additional.
What is the difference between DED and DET?
DED (Department of Economic Development) was restructured as the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). People still search for “DED licence”, but licences are now issued by DET.
Do I need an office for a Dubai mainland licence?
Yes — a physical premises lease with Ejari registration is generally required. The office size also influences how many visas you can hold.
Can I get a Dubai mainland licence without a UAE partner?
For most activities, yes. Since the 2021 reforms, most activities allow 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor.
What types of Dubai mainland licence are there?
Commercial (trading), professional (services), industrial, tourism and craftsmen licences, plus the legal form you choose — LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch.
What documents are needed for a mainland licence?
Typically passport copies for shareholders and managers, an approved trade name, a Memorandum of Association, a premises lease and approvals for regulated activities. Foreign corporate shareholders provide attested incorporation documents. Confirm the current checklist with the licensing department.
Do mainland companies pay corporate tax and VAT?
UAE corporate tax is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it; VAT is 5% with mandatory registration above AED 375,000 of taxable supplies. Small Business Relief may apply to eligible businesses for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026. Check current Federal Tax Authority guidance.
How is a mainland licence renewed?
Mainland trade licences are issued for a period (commonly one year) and renewed with the licensing department together with the office lease, establishment card and any external approvals. Renewal fees are broadly comparable to the first-year licence fee; late renewal attracts fines.
How many visas can a mainland company have?
The visa quota depends mainly on the size of your registered office, plus activity and shareholder count. The office lease is the key sizing decision.
Can a mainland company also operate from a free zone?
Yes — many groups keep a mainland entity for UAE sales and a free zone entity for international work or holding. Each is a separate licence with its own costs and compliance.
Get a written quote for Dubai Mainland
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email with government fees shown separately from any service fee.
- Free, no obligation
- Honest advice — including when a different zone or mainland fits better
- No guarantee of visa or bank-account approval; both are subject to the relevant authority or bank
Information on this page is general and was compiled from public sources; fees and rules are set by the relevant authorities and change. Figures were last reviewed in July 2026 and exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond any bundled desk, external approvals and bank requirements. This is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always confirm the current position with the relevant authority before paying. See our Disclaimer.