WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey arranges the licence, tenancy registration and visas for companies locating in Business Bay, and we can recommend business centres and landlords in the area. In short, setting up a business in Business Bay 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. Business Bay is Dubai's central business district on the canal, minutes from Downtown, and it is one of the locations business owners ask GoldenKey about most when planning a Dubai mainland company.
Who sets up in Business Bay
Business Bay 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 Business Bay
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 Business Bay unit and submits the file; municipality and civil defence approvals follow for shops and food outlets.
Costs
In our experience, licence packages for Dubai mainland start from AED 15,000, plus rent for your Business Bay premises and any external approvals. We confirm every figure in writing.
Licensing steps
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires. Your portal shows the status of this step for setting up a business in Business Bay in real time.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. We keep a written record of this step so your file for setting up a business in Business Bay 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
Crucially, we will tell you plainly if Business Bay is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less. Because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which papers each of them will ask for on a Business Bay file.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss setting up a business in Business Bay.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Business Bay mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Business Bay mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Business Bay mainland company?
On the ground, you cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
Are Business Bay 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.
How much office space do I need for a Business Bay mainland licence?
In short, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
