1 Visa Package
1 residence visa · 1-year licence
AED 16,500
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 1 visa eligibility
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
MAINLAND · DUBAI
Dubai Mainland Activities
The UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence
5–7 daysSetup time100%OwnershipUp to 5 visasVisas
- 5–7 daysSetup time
- MainlandLicence type
- Flexi | PhysicalOffice / facility
- Up to 5 visasVisa eligibility
- StandardApprovals needed
- From AED 13,200Renewal cost
About Dubai
Why Dubai
GoldenKey helps founders compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. Choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have.
Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. On the ground, businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government clients, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. Government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
In our experience, use the table below to compare packages for activities on the mainland in Dubai; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for activities on the mainland in Dubai depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
2 Visa Package
2 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 22,000
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 2 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
3 Visa Package
3 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 27,500
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 3 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
5 Visa Package
5 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 37,400
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 5 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
Additional visaAED 3,850
Annual renewalAED 13,200
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-27.
Business activities
Full list of Dubai activities
Dubai licenses trading, service, professional and industrial activities. Search every activity we license across the UAE and see where it is available and what it costs.
Required documents
Documents required
For activities on the mainland in Dubai the authority asks for the following supporting documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Passport photographs on a white background
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visaif applicable
For companies
- Certificate of incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum & articles of association
- Board resolution approving the UAE company
- Passport copies of shareholders & directors
- Company profile / business plan
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about Dubai. Anything else — ask GK AI or message us.
View all FAQsHow long does Dubai mainland company formation take?
From day one, with documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) typically issues the licence within 4 working days (Monday to Friday). External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
Just as important, 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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
Mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Dubai mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
Put simply, 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.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in Dubai?
In our experience, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for activities on the mainland in Dubai, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Good to know
More about Dubai
Activities that need extra approval
Healthcare, education, legal consultancy, financial services and food require approvals from regulators outside Dubai. GoldenKey identifies these at the first consultation so the timeline and cost in your quotation already include them.
Adding activities later
If your business changes direction, Dubai allows an activity amendment at any time for a modest authority fee. We process the amendment and update your bank and tax records so every document stays consistent.
Why the UAE
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so activities on the mainland in Dubai no longer requires a local partner. In short, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for activities on the mainland in Dubai.
Why GoldenKey
You deal with one named consultant from the first call until your Dubai licence, visa and bank introduction are complete, and that consultant answers your WhatsApp messages personally. Most of our Dubai customers come to us through referrals from other entrepreneurs, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. Our quotations for activities on the mainland in Dubai list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before any payment anything.
Activity groups
General TradingCommercial licence
E-commerceCommercial licence
IT & SoftwareProfessional licence
Business ConsultingProfessional licence
Marketing & Advertising AgencyProfessional licence
Real Estate BrokerageCommercial licence
Restaurant & CaféCommercial licence
Retail ShopCommercial licence
Logistics & Freight ForwardingCommercial licenceImport & ExportCommercial licence
Manufacturing & IndustrialIndustrial licence
Construction & ContractingCommercial licence
Healthcare ClinicProfessional licence
Education & TrainingProfessional licence
Media & Content ProductionProfessional licence
Recruitment & HR ServicesProfessional licence
Travel & Tourism AgencyCommercial licence
Event ManagementProfessional licence
Interior Design & Fit-outProfessional licence
Cleaning & Facilities ManagementCommercial licence
Beauty Salon & SpaCommercial licenceFitness & SportsProfessional licencePhotography & VideographyProfessional licence
Legal ConsultancyProfessional licence
Accounting & BookkeepingProfessional licenceAutomotive & Spare Parts TradingCommercial licence
Gold & Jewellery TradingCommercial licence
Crypto & BlockchainProfessional licence
Fintech & PaymentsProfessional licenceTourism & HospitalityCommercial licenceTextile & Garments TradingCommercial licence
Perfume & Cosmetics TradingCommercial licenceFoodstuff TradingCommercial licence
Engineering ConsultancyProfessional licence
Architecture & DesignProfessional licence
Printing & PackagingIndustrial licenceCar Rental & LeasingCommercial licencePharmaceutical & Medical SuppliesCommercial licence
Oil & Gas ServicesCommercial licence
Maritime & Ship ServicesCommercial licence
Holding CompanyCommercial licence
