Dubai Mainland License – Business Setup with DED

A Dubai Mainland License is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and allows businesses to operate across the UAE and internationally. Unlike free zone companies, mainland businesses have the flexibility to trade within Dubai, across the UAE, and beyond, making them the preferred choice for entrepreneurs looking for unlimited business opportunities.

• Why Choose a Dubai Mainland License? ✅ Operate Anywhere in the UAE & Internationally ✅ 100% Foreign Ownership (Certain Activities & Sectors) ✅ No Restrictions on Business Activities ✅ Access to Government & Private Sector Contracts ✅ No Capital Requirement for Most Businesses ✅ No Currency Restrictions or Trade Barriers
  
  
Mainland businesses can engage in a wide range of activities, including commercial, industrial, professional, and tourism sectors, providing endless growth opportunities. Types of Dubai Mainland Licenses 🔹 Commercial License – For businesses engaged in trading and commercial activities. 🔹 Professional License – For service-oriented businesses such as consultancy, IT, and legal firms. 🔹 Industrial License – For manufacturing and industrial activities. 🔹 Tourism License – For travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality businesses. Steps to Obtain a Dubai Mainland License 1️⃣ Choose a Business Activity – Select the right category for your business operations. 2️⃣ Select a Legal Structure – Sole Establishment, LLC, Civil Company, or Branch Office. 3️⃣ Register with the DED – Obtain initial approval and trade name reservation. 4️⃣ Obtain Approvals & Licensing – Secure external approvals if required and complete DED registration. 5️⃣ Get Your Business License – Receive your Dubai Mainland Trade License and start operations. Start Your Mainland Business in Dubai Today! At Synopsis PRO, we handle the entire mainland business setup process, ensuring a hassle-free and compliant registration. From licensing and approvals to visa processing and PRO services, we are your trusted partner in business success. 📞 Contact Us: +971 58 512 3426 📍 Location: 202, BMI Building, Bank Street, Dubai, UAE
• However, some categories of business licenses require approval from other ministries and authorities. Getting a mainland license works out as a preferred option because you can open an office anywhere in Dubai and you will have no restrictions on where you can or cannot conduct business. For certain business activities, you will have no choice but to open a locally licensed company.
  
  
• However, unlike a free zone, you cannot own 100% of the company and will require a local sponsor or local service agent (UAE National) based on the activity that you choose. Not having full ownership of your company occasionally pushes foreign investors into setting up a free zone company, but our advisors can show you how to operate within the environment with minimal risks.
  
  
Types of Licenses issued:
Commercial license covering all kinds of trading activities
Professional license covering professional services, other services, craftsmen and artisans
Industrial license for establishing an industrial or manufacturing activity

Special Approvals:
Licenses under some categories require specialized ministry approvals. Some of the examples are mentioned below:
Cargo Clearing, Cargo packaging, Canal dredging contracting and Fishing cages manufacturing activities require approval from Dubai Maritime City
Travel and tourism activities require approval from Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
Gym and Fitness Centers require approval from the Dubai Sports Council
Social Club registration and licensing is obtained from Community Development Authority
Tents, awnings and Tarpaulin manufacturing need approval from Environment Protection Section of Dubai Municipality
Banks and financial institutions must receive clearance from the Central Bank of the UAE
Training Institutes and Educational Establishments require Knowledge and Human Development Authority approval
Trading of Media and Broadcasting services require clearance from National Media Council
Manufacturing facilities must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Finance and Industry
Pharmaceutical and medical products trading needs approval from the Ministry of Health
Contracting and Building Maintenance and related activities must be cleared from the Municipality
Transportation and vehicle rental activities require approval from Road and Transport Authority
Printing, publishing and advertising activities must have permission from the National Media Council
Practicing some trade activities (e.g. jewellery and insurance) requires the submission of a financial guarantee issued by a bank operating in the United Arab Emirates.

Additional Fees:
Licenses under some categories attract additional fees. Some of the examples are mentioned below:
Tourism Companies - For Inbound Tourism and Outbound Tourism
Travel Agency
Building Contracting Companies
General Trading
Customs Broker
RTA Activities - Rent a Car, Bus Rental, Passenger Transport by rented Buses
Jewelry
Restaurants
Supermarket
Telephones & Telecommunications Equipment Trading
Security Service - Property Guard & Surveillance Services, Party security & private guarding services
Oilfield & Natural Gas related activities
Law firms
Media Management, Trading and Broadcasting
Money Exchange / Foreign Exchange Remittance Service

We have a team of expert advisors and reliable partners to assist you with a wide variety of solutions to suit your business requirements.

Request for a quote today or let one of our advisors connect with you.