Al Barsha is a central residential and commercial area near Mall of the Emirates, and it is one of the locations founders ask GoldenKey about most when planning a Dubai mainland company. GoldenKey arranges the licence, tenancy registration and visas for companies locating in Al Barsha, and we can recommend business centres and landlords in the area. Setting up a business in Al Barsha means a Dubai mainland licence from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), an office or shop registered in the district and the approvals your activity needs.
Who sets up in Al Barsha
Al Barsha attracts trading companies, consultancies, tech start-ups and professional firms. Rents, footfall and parking differ from street to street, so we advise viewing two or three units before signing.
Licensing steps for Al Barsha
The licence is issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). GoldenKey reserves the name, obtains initial approval, registers your tenancy contract for the Al Barsha unit and submits the file; municipality and civil defence approvals follow for shops and food outlets.
Costs
Licence packages for Dubai mainland start from AED 15,000, plus rent for your Al Barsha premises and any external approvals. We confirm every figure in writing.
Licensing steps
Step 1Activity and legal form
We pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), including any external approvals your activity needs. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to setting up a business in Al Barsha.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Day to day, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Al Barsha mainland licence is granted, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. We keep a written record of this step so your file for setting up a business in Al Barsha is audit-ready.
Dubai mainland pricing
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why GoldenKey
Every Al Barsha package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end. Just as important, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which documents each of them will ask for on an Al Barsha file.
Start your Al Barsha journey with a free consultation: share a few details about your business and we will map out the fastest route to your licence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Al Barsha mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Al Barsha mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
Can a Al Barsha mainland company trade in other emirates?
It can. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
How long does Al Barsha mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Are Al Barsha mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.


