Dubai Mainland Business License
A mainland business licence gives you unrestricted access to trade anywhere in the UAE, work with government entities, and build a truly local presence. Unlike free zone licences, mainland companies face no trading limitations.
Dubai Economy Center provides complete support from company formation through to licence issuance, ensuring your business is set up correctly from day one.
What Is a Mainland Business License?
A Dubai mainland business licence is issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and allows your company to operate commercially throughout the UAE without geographic restrictions. This is the traditional form of UAE business licensing.
Mainland companies can trade directly with UAE customers, bid for government contracts, import goods through UAE ports, and establish multiple branches — advantages not available to free zone entities.
Legal Structures Available
Choose the legal form that best matches your ownership structure, liability preferences, and business goals.
Sole Establishment
Single-owner business for professionals and freelancers
Civil Company
Professional partnership for consulting firms
Single Owner LLC
100% foreign ownership with limited liability
LLC (Multi-Partner)
Most common corporate structure for businesses
Nationality & Eligibility Rules
UAE & GCC Nationals
• Full access to all legal structures
• All activity types (Commercial, Professional, Industrial)
• No local agent requirement
• Can act as local agent for expatriate businesses
Expatriate Nationals
• 100% ownership available for LLCs
• Sole/Civil structures require UAE National Agent
• Some activities restricted by nationality
• Local agent is a service agent only (no ownership)
Activity Categories
Professional
Consulting, legal, accounting, engineering services
Commercial
Trading, retail, import/export, general commerce
Industrial
Manufacturing, production, and industrial operations
Why Choose Mainland?
Full UAE Market Access
Trade anywhere in the UAE without restrictions
100% Foreign Ownership
Available for LLC structures across all activities
Government Contracts
Eligible for government and public sector projects
Unlimited Visas
No cap on employee visas based on office space
Branch Offices
Open unlimited branches across the UAE
Business Credibility
Enhanced trust with local and international partners
Steps to Get Your Mainland License
Hover over each step for detailed information
Step
Required Documents
- Valid passport copies of all partners/owners
- Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Memorandum of Association (for LLCs)
- Office lease agreement (Ejari)
- NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
- Professional qualifications (for specific activities)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your Mainland Business?
Select your legal structure to begin your application with our guided process.