Unlock the Entire UAE Market with a Dubai Mainland License.
Secure 100% foreign ownership and operate anywhere in the UAE. A DET license is your official key to local trade, government contracts, and unlimited growth.
Business Activities
3,000+
Foreign Ownership
100%
Avg. License Issuance
1 Day
Visa Potential
Unlimited
Minimum Capital
AED 0
The Gateway to the UAE Economy
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly DED, is the government authority for all Dubai Mainland businesses. A DET license provides the legal framework to operate directly within the UAE's robust local market, offering unparalleled access to consumers, government tenders, and strategic commercial locations across the emirate.
Jurisdiction Key Facts
- Governing Body
- Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- License Type
- Dubai Mainland License
- Foreign Ownership
- 100% for most activities
- Market Access
- Unrestricted trade across all 7 Emirates
- Corporate Tax
- 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000
- Physical Office
- Mandatory; can be leased anywhere in Dubai
Strategic Advantages of a Dubai Mainland License
Position your business for maximum growth, market penetration, and profitability within the UAE.
Achieve 100% Foreign Ownership
Retain full control and 100% of profits for most commercial and industrial activities without the need for an Emirati partner.
Gain Unrestricted Market Access
Trade directly with customers and businesses across the entire UAE and become eligible to bid on lucrative government contracts.
Scale Your Workforce Limitlessly
Your employee visa quota is based on your office size, not an arbitrary cap, enabling unrestricted team growth as your business expands.
Choose Any Location in Dubai
Establish your office, retail store, or warehouse anywhere in the city, selecting the perfect location to fit your strategy and budget.
Enjoy Full Financial Freedom
Repatriate 100% of your capital and profits back to your home country and conduct transactions in any currency without restrictions.
Dubai Mainland Cost Overview
A strategic investment in unparalleled market access and long-term growth. While initial costs are higher than free zones, the returns are significantly greater.
Mainland Business License (0 Visa Allocation)
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Trade Name Reservation
- Initial Approval
- Trade License Issuance Fee
- Chamber of Commerce Membership
Mainland Business License (1 Visa Allocation)
Billed annually
- 1 Resident Visa(s)
- Physical Office Lease (Min. Req.)
- All services from the 0 Visa package
- Establishment Card (Immigration File)
- e-Channel System Registration
- Physical Office Lease (Min. Req.)
AED Pricing
Dubai Mainland Cost Overview
A strategic investment in unparalleled market access and long-term growth. While initial costs are higher than free zones, the returns are significantly greater.
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1)
Estimated first-year setup fees derived from landing page content.
Cost Phase Timeline
Active Phase 1
One-Time Fees
AED 4,440
AED 3,870
Find the Right License for Your Business
DET offers a comprehensive range of licenses covering over 3,000 activities to match your specific business model.
Commercial License
Professional License
Industrial License
Tourism License
Popular Business Activities
Choose from over 3,000 approved activities across all major economic sectors.
Filter by Category
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| General Trading | Commercial / Trading |
| E-Commerce | Commercial / Trading |
| Import & Export | Commercial / Trading |
| Management Consultancy | Professional / Consultancy |
| Marketing Consultancy | Professional / Consultancy |
| Information Technology Consultants | Professional / Consultancy |
| Garments Manufacturing | Industrial / Manufacturing |
| Perfumes Manufacturing | Industrial / Manufacturing |
| Structural Metal Products Manufacturing | Industrial / Manufacturing |
| Hotel | Tourism / Hospitality |
| Holiday Homes | Tourism / Hospitality |
| Event Management | Tourism / Hospitality |
| Computer Systems & Communication Equipment Software Design | Technology / Innovation |
| Web-Design | Technology / Innovation |
| Managed Cyber Security Services Provider | Technology / Innovation |
Showing 1 to 15 of 18
Your Streamlined Path to a Mainland License
Launch your Dubai business efficiently through DET's integrated digital services.
Phase 1 Focus
Initial Approval
Trade Name & Initial Approval
Reserve your company name and submit your business activity for initial approval from DET. This can be done online via the digital portal.
Lease Agreement & MOA
Sign your Memorandum of Association (MOA) and secure a mandatory commercial lease, which must be registered with Ejari.
Final Submission & Payment
Submit all required documents, including the signed MOA and Ejari, and pay the official government fees to receive your trade license.
Establishment Card & Visas
Once your license is issued, apply for your company's Establishment Card (immigration file) to begin sponsoring employee and investor visas.
Is a Dubai Mainland License Right for You?
The UAE Market Retailer/Trader
For entrepreneurs who need to open a physical shop, trade goods, or sell services directly to consumers anywhere in the UAE, free from the confines of a zone.
Primary Benefit
Unrestricted access to the entire local market.
The Government Project Contractor
Essential for professional firms in construction, engineering, or consultancy aiming to win high-value tenders from UAE government entities.
Primary Benefit
Eligibility to bid for lucrative government contracts.
The Multinational Corporation (MNC)
Ideal for large companies establishing a regional HQ or subsidiary that requires a large workforce and the freedom to choose a prime office location.
Primary Benefit
Scalable visa quotas that grow with your office size.
The Hospitality & F&B Entrepreneur
The only choice for investors opening a restaurant, café, or hotel in a high-footfall area, providing the necessary licenses and location flexibility.
Primary Benefit
Total freedom to choose the perfect city location.
Mainland vs. Free Zone: A Strategic Comparison
Understand the key differences to choose the right jurisdiction for your long-term business goals.
| Feature Highlight | DET Mainland | Major Dubai Free Zone (e.g., DMCC) | Industrial Free Zone (e.g., JAFZA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Market Trading | Permitted directly across the UAE | Restricted; requires a local agent | Restricted; requires a local agent |
| Government Tenders | Eligible to bid | Not eligible | Not eligible |
| Office/Retail Location | Anywhere in Dubai | Only within the free zone's territory | Only within the free zone's territory |
| Visa Quota | Unlimited, based on office size | Limited by package or facility size | Limited by package or facility size |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes, for most activities | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate Tax Rate | 9% above AED 375k threshold | 0% for Qualifying Free Zone Persons | 0% for Qualifying Free Zone Persons |
| VAT Designated Zone (Goods) | No | No (generally) | Yes |
This is a simplified comparison. Specific regulations may vary between free zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Unlock the Entire UAE Market?
A DET Mainland license is your foundation for growth, market leadership, and unlimited opportunity in Dubai. Let's start building.
- Official Government Authority
- 100% Secure Process
- Expert Support Available