Mainland License Dubai : Trade Without Boundaries
If your goal is to sell directly to consumers in Dubai, open a retail shop, or work with government entities, a mainland license Dubai is your only legal option. Issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED), this license removes the geographical restrictions of Free Zones, giving you unlimited access to the lucrative UAE local market.
Recent changes in UAE law now allow for 100% foreign ownership for more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities, meaning you no longer strictly need a local sponsor for most businesses. At Biz Launch, we guide you through the latest DED regulations to ensure you retain full control of your company. We handle everything from the “Initial Approval” and trade name reservation to securing your physical office space (Ejari), ensuring your business is fully compliant and ready to scale across the Emirates.
10+ Years Of Experience
Unlimited Market Access
Your Complete Mainland Business Solution
Unlike restrictive Free Zone setups, a mainland license gives you the freedom to trade directly with consumers anywhere in the UAE. However, the process involves strict government compliance, which is why we specialize in securing your Ejari (Office Contract) alongside your setup. Our experts ensure your business structure meets all Department of Economy (DED) regulations, allowing you to operate legally without the need for a risky local sponsor agreement. We provide a truly all-in-one ecosystem designed for local market expansion. Beyond just the license, we handle your investor visas, Ministry of Labor (MOHRE) registrations, and ensure your Memorandum of Association (MOA) grants you 100% ownership. This comprehensive approach ensures you get a fully compliant mainland license Dubai that allows you to bid on government contracts and open retail branches across the Emirates.
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Why Choose a Mainland License in Dubai?
Unlike Free Zone entities that are restricted to international trade or working through a distributor, a mainland license Dubai grants you unrestricted access to the local market. Issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DED), this license allows you to open retail stores, trade directly with consumers, and bid on lucrative government contracts. Recent legal reforms now allow 100% foreign ownership for over 1,000 commercial and industrial activities, meaning you can retain full control of your business without needing a local sponsor. Key advantages of a DED Mainland Setup:
- Direct Market Access: Trade freely with any consumer or business across Dubai and the UAE.
- Government Tenders: The only license type eligible to bid for UAE government and semi-government projects.
- Unlimited Visas: No fixed quota; your visa allocation grows with the size of your office space.
- Branch Expansion: Easily open multiple branches or retail outlets across the Emirates under one entity.
- 100% Ownership: Full legal ownership of your company assets and profits with no sponsor interference.
A Mainland License is the only option that allows you to work with government entities and open physical retail shops anywhere in Dubai.
Types of DED Mainland Licenses
The Dubai Department of Economy (DED) categorizes licenses based on your business activity. We help you select the correct legal structure—whether it's an LLC for trading or a Civil Company for professional services—to ensure you maintain 100% ownership.
Commercial License
The most popular choice for trading companies, retailers, and general traders. Operating as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), this license allows you to import, export, and sell goods directly to the local UAE market.
- 100% Foreign Ownership for most trading activities.
- Allows selling to local shops, consumers, and government.
- Protects personal assets through Limited Liability structure.
Professional License
Designed for service-oriented businesses like consultancies, salons, digital agencies, and artisans. This license validates your professional expertise rather than your capital.
- Allows 100% ownership as a Sole Establishment or Civil Company.
- Required for doctors, engineers, lawyers, and consultants.
- Lower setup cost compared to Commercial licenses.
Industrial License
Mandatory for businesses involved in manufacturing, packaging, or assembling products within Dubai. This license requires a physical warehouse or factory inspection by the DED.
- Permission to import raw materials duty-free (with approval).
- Requires Ministry of Interior & Civil Defense approvals.
- Allows distribution of manufactured goods across the UAE.
Comprehensive DED Setup Services
A Mainland setup involves multiple government departments. At Biz Launch, we act as your single point of contact, coordinating between the Department of Economy (DED), the Ministry of Labor (MOHRE), and Immigration to ensure your company is compliant from Day 1.
We handle the entire licensing cycle, from "Initial Approval" and Trade Name Reservation to the final issuance of your Commercial or Professional license.
We draft your Memorandum of Association (MOA) to ensure you retain full legal and financial control of your business under the new Foreign Ownership laws.
A physical office is mandatory for Mainland licenses. We assist you in securing a "Sustainability Desk" (Estidama) or a full office space to get your Ejari contract signed.
Unlike Free Zones, Mainland companies must register with the Ministry of Labor. We process your establishment card and employee Labor Cards seamlessly.
For Professional licenses (Civil Companies), we act as your trusted Local Service Agent (LSA), ensuring you have no interference in your business operations.
Some activities require extra permits. We handle approvals from Dubai Municipality, Civil Defense, and the KHDA to ensure your specific activity is green-lit.
Proven Success in Mainland Company Formation
Launching a mainland business involves navigating complex government departments, from the Department of Economy (DED) to the Ministry of Labor (MOHRE). At Biz Launch, we streamline this entire process. We have successfully transitioned hundreds of companies to 100% Foreign Ownership under the new UAE Commercial Companies Law. Furthermore, our strong relationships with leading UAE banks ensure that your mainland LLC secures its corporate bank account and credit facilities without the typical delays faced by new investors.
Our setups are fully compliant with the UAE Labor Law and Department of Economy regulations.
5 Steps to Your Mainland Business Setup
Setting up a mainland company requires navigating multiple government departments. We streamline this journey into a clear 5-step roadmap, handling all interactions with the DED and Ministry of Labor on your behalf.
Initial Approval & Name
We submit your trade name reservation and apply for "Initial Approval" from the DED to secure your business activity and legal structure.
Office & Ejari Registration
A physical address is mandatory. We assist you in securing a verified office space or sustainability desk and registering your Ejari contract.
Legal Drafting (MOA)
We draft and notarize your Memorandum of Association (MOA), ensuring it legally grants you 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor.
License Issuance
Once the DED payment voucher is issued, we clear the fees and generate your Mainland Trade License, allowing you to start trading immediately.
Visa & Corporate Banking
We activate your immigration file, process your Investor Visa, and leverage your license to open a corporate bank account with top UAE banks.
Why Choose Biz Launch for Your Mainland Setup?
We specialize in structuring LLCs under the new FDI laws, ensuring you retain full legal title of your business without the need for a local sponsor.
We handle all interactions with the Department of Economy (DED) and the Ministry of Labor (MOHRE), saving you from navigating complex government bureaucracy.
A physical office is mandatory for Mainland. We help you secure cost-effective "Estidama" or "Sustainability Desk" contracts (Ejari) that satisfy bank and government requirements.
Mainland fees can be confusing. We provide a clear breakdown of Government Payment Vouchers versus our professional fees, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
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FAQ – Mainland Business Setup
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- What is the main benefit of a Mainland license over a Free Zone?
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The primary benefit is market access. A mainland license Dubai allows you to trade directly with consumers, open retail stores anywhere in the city, and bid for government contracts. Unlike Free Zones, you are not restricted to doing business only within the zone or internationally.
- Do I still need a Local Sponsor (Emirati Partner)?
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In most cases, no. Following recent changes in UAE law, over 1,000 commercial and industrial business activities now allow for 100% foreign ownership. You can now own your mainland company fully without needing a local sponsor to hold 51% of the shares.
- Is a physical office space mandatory for a Mainland license?
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Yes. Unlike some Free Zones that offer virtual setups, the Department of Economy (DED) requires a physical office address (verified by an Ejari tenancy contract) to issue a license. However, for startups, we can help you secure affordable "Sustainability Desk" options that satisfy this requirement.
- Can I do business outside of Dubai with this license?
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Yes. A Dubai Mainland license gives you the freedom to operate and sell your goods or services across all seven Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.) without needing separate branches or licenses for general trading activities.
- How many visas can I get with a Mainland license?
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The number of visas is generally linked to the size of your office space (roughly 1 visa per 9 square meters). However, Mainland companies offer great flexibility, allowing you to easily increase your visa quota by renting additional space as your team grows.
- Does Biz Launch handle the government approvals?
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Absolutely. We act as your PRO (Public Relations Officer). We handle all paperwork with the Department of Economy (DED), obtaining your Initial Approval, Trade Name Reservation, and drafting the MOA, as well as processing your labor files with the Ministry of Labor (MOHRE).
START SELLING IN THE UAE LOCAL MARKET
Ready to Secure Your Mainland Trade License?
Establishing a mainland company in Dubai no longer requires complex sponsorship deals. With the new 100% Foreign Ownership laws, you can build a global brand with full legal control. Don't let DED bureaucracy slow you down. At Biz Launch, we manage the entire lifecycle—from Trade Name Reservation and Ejari registration to securing your Investor Visa and corporate bank account. Skip the paperwork and focus on expanding your business across the Emirates.