WhatsApp quoteDay to day, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. A Dubai mainland licence, issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. GoldenKey has licensed maritime services company businesses for clients in Dubai and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. Maritime & Ship Services in Dubai means ship chandling, bunkering support, crew services, marine supplies and vessel management, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why Dubai
To be clear, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. Dubai mainland licences are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days. Dubai is a sensible home for maritime & ship services because ship chandling, bunkering support, crew services, marine supplies and vessel management is a well-understood activity there and the approvals are routine.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals.
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. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to maritime & ship services 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
For most clients, your Dubai mainland licence is granted, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin. For maritime & ship services on Dubai mainland, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Documents required
The document list for maritime & ship services on Dubai mainland is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
- Port pass applications
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
- Passport photographs on a white background
Pricing
As we tell every client, all prices for maritime & ship services on Dubai mainland are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay. The figures below for maritime & ship services on Dubai mainland are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority 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
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies maritime & ship services on Dubai mainland for international founders. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for maritime & ship services on Dubai mainland and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
In practice, every Dubai package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end. Just as important, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for maritime & ship services on Dubai mainland. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for maritime & ship services on Dubai mainland happen the same day they are ready.
Tell us about your plans for maritime & ship services 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
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.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
Absolutely. 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.
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.
Which licence type covers maritime & ship services?
On the ground, maritime & Ship Services is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Can I combine maritime & ship services 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.
