Dubai’s thriving business environment attracts entrepreneurs from every corner of the globe. With numerous industries seeing success, there is no better place to launch and grow your enterprise.
When starting out in Dubai, there are several ways to incorporate your business. It is possible to set up offshore, in a designated free zone or in the UAE mainland. The latter is the most common and offers many advantages to international entrepreneurs.
So, if you’re looking to relocate or start a new business in the Middle East, here’s how to get a mainland license in Dubai.
What is a mainland license in Dubai
A Dubai mainland license allows you to incorporate a business onshore and conduct business activities inside and outside the UAE. Mainland licenses are issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). The DED also stipulates the types of activities that can be conducted from the UAE.
You can register for many different types of mainland licenses, allowing you to carry out a wide range of activities, from sales and marketing to manufacturing and e-commerce.
Types of mainland licenses in Dubai
Professional license
A professional license allows you to carry out activities involving creative and artistic activities, skills, talent and expertise. In most cases, you would be offering services rather than goods. The professional license is available to business owners and freelancers.
Commercial license
Commercial licenses are issued to businesses that engage in the trading of goods and commodities. This includes retailing, import and export, real estate companies, wholesale and logistics.
Industrial license
As the holder of an industrial license, you are free to manufacture and produce goods. This could mean operating a factory, metalworks, assembly plant or most other light and heavy industrial industries.
E-trader license
Most suitable for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs, the e-trader license allows you to sell products or services online from your home.
How to get a mainland license in Dubai: Step-by-step
Starting a new business in the UAE can appear complex at first glance. But when you work with the team at Creative Zone, we’ll help you launch your new venture in just five simple steps.
Step 1: Outline your business activities
First things first, you’ll need to clearly define your intended business activities. Failure to do so can cause issues further down the line and carrying out unlicensed activities may lead to fines or even license revocation.
Your stated activities must be chosen from the official list published by the DED. The team at Creative Zone will help ensure that you have the correct approvals to run your business.
Step 2: Choose your company name
The second step is equally important: choosing a company name. There are a few key things to keep in mind at this stage – many that would not apply anywhere else in the world.
Be aware that you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions. In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e. Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.
Step 3: Making your license application
Now you are ready to make your application. Licenses are issued by the DED and you can make your application online. Once again, the Creative Zone team will guide you through this process. Get in touch to find out more.
Step 4: Making your visa applications
Finally, you’ll need to organise your visas. With the right guidance, the visa application process can be incredibly straightforward. As well as making your application, you’ll be required to submit biometric information and undergo a medical fitness test.
As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas too. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper. The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.
Benefits of getting a mainland license in Dubai
Foreign ownership
Mainland licenses allow for 100% foreign ownership. So you do not need to work with a local agent or business partner to run your business in Dubai.
Access to UAE market
Mainland businesses can trade directly with the local market in the UAE and internationally. Once again, this means you do not need to work with a service agent.
Government contracts
Mainland businesses can also take on government contracts. With near-constant investment into public services and infrastructure, this type of work can be very lucrative in the UAE.
Unlimited growth
Mainland businesses are able to grow, opening new branches and pivoting into to markets and business activities without restriction.
Visas and residency
As the holder of a mainland license, you are permitted to reside in the UAE for the duration of the life of your business. You can also relocate with your family.
About Creative Zone.
Applying for a mainland license in Dubai can be a complicated process – particularly if you’re new to working in the UAE.
That’s why selecting the right partner is a critical step when looking to launch or grow a business out here. As the most trusted business setup advisor in the Middle East, Creative Zone has been empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs with comprehensive support since 2010. With a strong reputation for assisting businesses locally and globally, we offer a complete range of solutions for all your business setup needs.
When you work with us, you get fast, reliable and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your business activity and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
We’re here to assist every step of the way. No matter your chosen activities, legal entity or visa requirements, we’re on hand with support, guidance and expertise. So, if you’re looking to lay the foundations for life in the UAE, Creative Zone is your ideal starting point.
Contact us today to kickstart your business in Dubai.
