WhatsApp quoteA mainland company in Dubai can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. GoldenKey helps founders compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. External approvals for logistics & freight forwarding are: customs registration; RTA or local transport authority for vehicle operations. GoldenKey has licensed logistics company businesses for clients in Dubai and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later.
Why Dubai
Just as important, 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. Among the strengths of a Dubai mainland licence are unrestricted UAE-wide trading and Government and corporate tenders, which is why local service businesses gravitate here. Dubai is a sensible home for logistics & freight forwarding because freight forwarding, cargo handling, courier services and supply-chain management is a well-understood activity there and the approvals are routine.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
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. If the authority raises a query on logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland at this stage, we handle it the same day.
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.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
From day one, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
To be clear, the Dubai mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start.
Documents required
As we tell every client, the document list for logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Customs code application
- 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
- Attested parent-company supporting documents for corporate shareholders
- Passport photographs on a white background
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
Pricing
Crucially, all prices for logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. Use the table below to compare packages for logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- 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 the UAE
Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland no longer requires a local partner. Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland happen the same day they are ready. In our experience, our quotations for logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
Importantly, tell us about your plans for logistics & freight forwarding on Dubai mainland and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How much office space do I need for a Dubai 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.
What is the difference between Dubai mainland and a free zone?
As we tell every client, 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.
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.
What approvals does logistics & freight forwarding need?
In short, customs registration; RTA or local transport authority for vehicle operations. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
Can I combine logistics & freight forwarding with other activities?
For most clients, in most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.
