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
Retail Shop on Dubai Mainland
Selling goods to consumers from a physical shop, kiosk or showroom
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
In our experience, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Dubai mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection entrepreneurs used to have. GoldenKey helps entrepreneurs compare Dubai mainland with the nearby free zones honestly, because the right answer depends on where your customers are. Typical examples of this activity include fashion boutique, electronics shop, perfume store and grocery, which can generally sit together on one Dubai licence. GoldenKey has licensed retail business businesses for clients in Dubai and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later.
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. Dubai hosts the region's largest airport, port and exhibition centre. GoldenKey has licensed retail shop in Dubai for clients ranging from solo founders to groups opening a regional branch, so we know which sub-activities to list.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
From day one, all prices for retail shop on Dubai mainland are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before any payment. Use the table below to compare packages for retail shop on Dubai mainland; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
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
Explore business activities in Dubai
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
Here is what you will need for retail shop on Dubai mainland; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- Tenancy contract (Ejari or equivalent)
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
- Attested parent-company paperwork for corporate shareholders
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
Our process
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
- 1
Activity 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. We keep a written record of this step so your file for retail shop on Dubai mainland is audit-ready.
- 2
Trade 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.
- 3
Office, MOA and submission
As a rule, 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 retail shop on Dubai mainland.
- 4
Licence, 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.
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?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for most applicants issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Dubai mainland company?
As a rule, 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.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Dubai mainland company?
In our experience, 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 approvals does retail shop need?
In short, municipality signage and fit-out, mall management for mall units. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
Is retail shop allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Retail Shop is an available activity in {ent}, and GoldenKey lists the exact sub-activities on your licence. Municipality signage and fit-out, mall management for mall units.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in Dubai?
Day to day, if you would like a written quotation for retail shop on Dubai mainland, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Good to know
More about Dubai
Why the UAE
Residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes retail shop on Dubai mainland a route to relocation as well as a business decision. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies retail shop on Dubai mainland for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for retail shop on Dubai mainland happen the same day they are ready. Just as important, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Dubai file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the application sit. Put simply, we will tell you plainly if Dubai is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less.
