Set Up Your Company in
Dubai Mainland

This license also enables companies to bid for government contracts and participate in public tenders, providing additional avenues for growth and expansion. Overall, obtaining a Dubai Mainland license is a strategic move for businesses seeking to establish a strong presence in one of the world’s most dynamic business environments.
Advantages of a Dubai Mainland License
To get a company registered in Dubai, having a physical office space is not mandatory; I-biz Consultant’s co-working DED package would be the perfect solution to get you started.
- Allows for 100% foreign ownership
- Ability to conduct business anywhere in the UAE
- Own and rent office spaces within Dubai mainland
- Do business with government entities
- Fewer nationality restrictions for obtaining a trade license
- Easier to open bank accounts, especially with traditional banks
- Scalability of a business is much easier by adding more visas to the trade license
Freedom to Operate Anywhere
Stronger Market Presence
Ability to Work with Government Bodies
No Currency Restrictions
No Visa Limitations
Financial Viability
Business Activities Under Dubai Mainland License
With diverse options of activities to choose from, Creative Zone will help you choose the best-suited type of activities for your company.

Industrial License
The Industrial License under a Mainland Company allows a business to perform industrial-related activities such as production, segregation, accumulation, and packaging.
This type of license is mostly given to businesses that transform natural materials or resources into goods.

Commercial License
The Commercial License is intended for companies who want to engage in buying and selling of goods, commodities, and other kinds of trade activities within the UAE. A DED Commercial License is also given to general and specialised traders and businesses who engage in retail, construction, and real estate activities.

Professional License
A Professional License is given to a person or a corporation that provides services and practices that rely on skills, talent, and ability. This includes individuals rendering work in the fields of accounting, design, tourism, and other professional services reliant on natural talent, skills, ability, or experience.

Tourism License
There are three forms of licenses in the travel and tourism industry:
1. This license enables a company to manage travel within the city.
2. This license allows a company to sell tourist packages beyond the boundaries of Dubai.
3. This license enables a company to conduct global meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.
Business Structures Under Dubai Mainland License
Limited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is composed of 2-50 shareholders. An LLC is the most convenient legal structure for expatriate residents and foreigners to establish a new company in the UAE. Foreign investors are entitled to 100% LLC ownership on selected business activities.
Sole Proprietorship
• Foreign nationals can retain 100% foreign ownership in the business
• A Local Service Agent (LSA) is required for owners who are not
UAE nationals. The LSA supervises license requirements and other government-related matters for the business.
• The company can legally practice professional services anywhere in the UAE
Branch Office of Local & Foreign Companies
Companies registered in the UAE or in other countries can establish a branch on the Dubai Mainland. The branch must carry out more than one activity listed on the parent company’s license.
Civil Company
A Civil Company is essentially a partnership business for conduci service-related or professional activities. A Civil Company can ha partners of any nationality, but a Local Service Agent (LSA) is needed if the partnership doesn’t include UAE or GCC nationals. ( Companies are jointly liable for any losses or debts that arise out
Single-Person LLC
A Single-Person LLC is a business structure set up and owned by an individual or a corporate body.
Steps in Setting Up Your Business Under a Dubai Mainland License
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Choose Your Business Activity and Structure
The first and most important thing to do before setting up a company in Dubai is to choose the right category and nature where your business activity falls. You can choose from over 1,500 business activities in the UAE. Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) is the Governing body that regulates all the legal activities of businesses in Dubai.
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Register Your Company’s Name with DED
Choose a unique name for your company. Ensure that the chosen name does not match any other companies in Dubai. Once you have selected a name and received approval, register it with the DED. Typically, the registration process takes around three days.
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Apply for Mainland Trade License
After registering your company name, it’s now time to apply for your mainland trade license. There are a few commercial activities that are not permissible according to the DED law. DED is the accountable body to decide, regulate, classify, permit, and license all economic activities. Several documents are required as part of a trade license application. Creative Zone can assist you with this.
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Get an Office Space or Coworking Space
In the UAE, office spaces are usually owned by third parties. The packages and inclusions can be customised depending on your needs. It is essential to note that the tenancy agreement, Real Estate Regulation Authority (RERA) documents, and EJARI need to be submitted, following with the initial approval that is granted by the DED. An office space is often not mandatory and Creative Zone provides options of coworking spaces which is much more cost-effective.
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Prepare the Necessary Documents Like Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Article of Association (AoA)
The Memorandum of Association (MoA) is one of the most important documents in setting up a company in Dubai. This document states the information on share of limitations and liberty every partner has within the company. This document should be drafted carefully. The legal experts from Creative Zone can help you in preparing this document.
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Pay Fees and Collect the License
After completing documentation and approvals, pay fees and collect your business license, marking official recognition and allowing legal operation in Dubai mainland.
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Open Your Business Bank Account
After obtaining the trade license, the next step is to open a corporate bank account. Modern digital banking has streamlined this process, often taking only a few days. Our team of banking experts will assist you throughout the process.