WhatsApp quoteDubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. Mainland company formation in Dubai is the right choice when your customers are inside the UAE, when you need a shop, clinic or contracting classification, or when visa quota matters. Typical examples of this activity include electronics, building materials, FMCG, furniture and spare parts, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence. On the ground, general Trading in Dubai means import, export, re-export and wholesale of a broad range of goods under one licence, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why Dubai
Crucially, ejari-registered office space is required for most licence types. In short, businesses that benefit most from Dubai mainland licensing include retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate brokerage and consulting with government customers, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. Day to day, for general trading, Dubai offers the office options such a business actually needs and a visa quota that can grow with the team.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
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, generally a LLC or a sole establishment.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and obtains sector approvals where needed. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for general trading on Dubai mainland.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
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).
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Just as important, with the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. If the authority raises a query on general trading on Dubai mainland at this stage, we handle it the same day.
Documents required
For general trading on Dubai mainland the authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- Passport photographs on a white background
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
- List of intended product categories
Pricing
Pricing for general trading on Dubai mainland depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. The figures below for general trading on Dubai mainland are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- 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 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of general trading on Dubai mainland predictable. The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for general trading on Dubai mainland.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey's consultants have handled general trading on Dubai mainland for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly. We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for general trading on Dubai mainland. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for general trading on Dubai mainland happen the same day they are ready.
As a rule, if you would like a written quotation for general trading on Dubai mainland, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
In our experience, 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.
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.
Which licence type covers general trading?
As a rule, general Trading is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Can I combine general trading with other activities?
In most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
