WhatsApp quotePut simply, setting up a business in International City 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. For most clients, international City is home to Dragon Mart and a hub for Chinese and Asian traders, 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 International City, and we can recommend business centres and landlords in the area.
Who sets up in International City
International City 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 International City
From day one, the licence is granted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). GoldenKey reserves the name, obtains initial approval, registers your tenancy contract for the International City 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 International City premises and any external approvals. We confirm every figure in writing.
Licensing steps
Step 1Activity and legal form
We select the correct activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and the legal form, usually a LLC or a sole establishment. Your portal shows the status of this step for setting up a business in International City in real time.
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
In practice, the memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for setting up a business in International City.
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.
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
After your International City licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. You deal with one named consultant from the first call until your International City licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally.
Ready to start? Send us a WhatsApp message with your nationality, the activity you have in mind and the number of visas you need, and we will reply shortly with a written quotation for setting up a business in International City.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a International City mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a International City mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
How long does International City mainland company formation take?
Day to day, with paperwork 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.
How much office space do I need for a International City mainland licence?
In practice, 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.
Can a International City mainland company trade in other emirates?
Absolutely. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
