The UAE's commercial capital
Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Dubai offers a deep talent pool, global connectivity and millions of customers. We handle licensing with the Department of Economy and Tourism, Ejari registration and all the approvals needed to start trading.
Quick answer
Dubai mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The process covers choosing activities, reserving a trade name, getting initial approval, signing the MOA, registering an Ejari tenancy, obtaining any external approvals and paying for the licence. Standard licences take about 1–2 weeks. Regulated activities take longer.
Why Dubai remains the region's top business hub
Dubai combines a world-class airport and seaport (Jebel Ali), a cosmopolitan workforce and a lifestyle that attracts global talent. For businesses serving consumers, corporates or government in the UAE, a Dubai mainland licence gives the widest market access.
- Trade directly across Dubai and the wider UAE
- Eligible for Dubai government and semi-government tenders
- Strong investor confidence and banking access
- Business-friendly digital platforms such as Invest in Dubai
Popular Dubai mainland activities
- General trading and import/export
- Management, IT and marketing consultancy
- Restaurants, cafés and cloud kitchens
- Real estate brokerage (with RERA approvals)
- Building contracting and technical services
- Retail outlets, salons and fitness centres
Dubai Unified Licence and digital setup
Dubai has moved most licensing steps online through the Invest in Dubai platform. A unified licence identifier now links your company across Dubai authorities. We manage your submissions, follow up on approvals and register the company correctly with MOHRE and GDRFA so you can hire straight away.
Key benefits of Business Setup in Dubai
Largest customer base
Access Dubai's residents, tourists and corporate headquarters directly.
Premium brand value
A Dubai address carries weight with international partners.
Tender eligibility
Bid for projects with government and semi-government entities.
Fast digital processing
Most steps are handled online through Invest in Dubai.
Unlimited growth
Your visa quota grows with your office space.
Banking access
A wide choice of local and international banks.
How to set up a company in Dubai mainland
Free consultation & activity selection
We map your business idea to the correct activity codes in DET's activity list and confirm whether any extra approvals apply.
Legal form & trade name
We help you choose between an LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch, then reserve a compliant trade name.
Initial approval
We file for initial approval with DET. This confirms the government has no objection to you doing business.
MOA & office lease
We draft and notarise the Memorandum of Association where needed and register your office lease (Ejari).
External approvals
For regulated activities, we obtain approvals from bodies such as the municipality, health, education or police authorities.
Licence issuance & next steps
We pay the fees, collect your trade licence and then open your establishment card, labour file and visa quota.
Documents usually required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy (if inside the UAE)
- Passport-size photographs with a white background
- Emirates ID copies for UAE residents
- Proposed trade names (three options in order of preference)
- Signed tenancy contract / office lease for the business premises
- For corporate shareholders: attested certificate of incorporation, MOA/AOA and board resolution
Requirements can vary by authority, nationality and activity. We confirm the exact list for your case before anything is submitted.
Why clients choose DocTrust
Transparent pricing
Every quote separates government fees from our service fee. No surprise add-ons.
Fast turnaround
We prepare, type and submit applications correctly the first time, so files are not rejected and delayed.
One point of contact
One consultant handles your file from the first call until the licence, visa or certificate is in your hands.
All 7 emirates
We are based in Sharjah and work with mainland, free zone and federal authorities across the UAE.
Business Setup in Dubai: common questions
What is the cost of a Dubai mainland licence?
It depends on the activity group, legal form, office rent and approvals. Dubai government fees include the licence fee, trade name and Dubai Chamber membership. We share an itemised quote so nothing is hidden.
Can I use a virtual office for a Dubai mainland licence?
Some professional and low-risk activities can use DET-approved business centres or shared workspaces with an Ejari. Most trading activities need a dedicated office or premises.
How long does Dubai company registration take?
Standard activities are usually licensed in 5–10 working days once documents are complete. Activities needing approvals from authorities such as Dubai Municipality, RERA or KHDA can take longer.
Do I need a Dubai Chamber membership?
Yes. Dubai Chamber registration is required for mainland companies and is included in the government fees we quote.
Speak to a Business Setup in Dubai specialist
Share a few details and a DocTrust consultant will reply with the right approach, a list of documents and a written quote, usually within one business day.
- +971 50 515 2636
- +971 50 501 2460
- Chat on WhatsApp
- info@doctrust.ae
- Office 03, Ground Floor, Building 1371, Muwaileh Commercial, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Talk to a DocTrust consultant today
Get a clear plan, a written cost breakdown and a realistic timeline, with no obligation.