Mainland Company Formation
A Dubai Mainland license allows entrepreneurs to establish an onshore company and conduct business both within the UAE and internationally. Trade licenses for Mainland companies are issued by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED), making them one of the most trusted and premium licensing options in the UAE.
Businesses can register under either a Professional License or a Commercial License, depending on their activity. A DED-issued trade license offers greater flexibility and credibility, along with several key advantages.
Key Benefits of a Dubai Mainland License:
100% foreign ownership for eligible activities
Freedom to operate anywhere across the UAE
Ability to own or lease office space in Dubai Mainland
Permission to work with government and semi-government entities
Minimal nationality restrictions for licensing
Easier corporate bank account opening, especially with traditional banks
Simple business scalability with the option to add more visas
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Benefits of a Dubai Mainland Business License
Freedom to Operate Anywhere
A Dubai Mainland license allows your business to operate anywhere across the UAE without geographic restrictions. You can serve clients, open branches, and conduct business in any emirate, including working directly with government and private sector entities—giving your company unmatched flexibility and growth potential.
Stronger Market Presence
Getting a DED Mainland license allows you to establish your physical company anywhere in the UAE. This provides greater flexibility, strengthens your market presence, and enables seamless expansion of your business branches across the country.
Ability to Work with Government Bodies
Companies holding a Mainland license are permitted to work directly with government contracts. The UAE government regularly seeks specialized contractors for large-scale, high-value projects, providing businesses with opportunities to bid on high-risk, high-reward contracts and achieve significant growth.
No Currency Restrictions
Dubai Mainland licenses come with no currency restrictions, allowing companies complete financial flexibility. Businesses are free to fully repatriate funds from both onshore and offshore bank accounts in the UAE without limitations.
No Visa Limitations
UAE Mainland companies face no fixed restrictions on expanding visa quotas under their business license. While additional physical office space may be required beyond a certain limit, the overall process of scaling operations and adding more visas remains flexible and straightforward.
Financial Viability
Companies holding a Dubai Mainland license enjoy many of the same benefits as Free Zone entities, including eligibility for tax advantages where applicable. Additionally, there is no minimum capital requirement for setting up a company under a Dubai Mainland license, making it a flexible and accessible option for businesses of all sizes.
Business Activities Allowed Under a
Dubai Mainland License
Dubai is recognized as one of the world’s most attractive business destinations, offering a streamlined setup process along with numerous advantages for entrepreneurs and investors. These benefits continue to drive strong interest in the UAE as a global business hub. With a wide range of business activities available, Creative Zone assists you in selecting the most suitable options aligned with your company’s goals, ensuring a strong and compliant foundation for success.
Industrial License
An Industrial License under a Mainland company permits businesses to carry out industrial activities such as manufacturing, processing, assembling, and packaging. This license is typically issued to companies involved in converting raw or natural materials into finished or semi-finished goods.
Commercial License
A Commercial License is designed for companies engaged in trading activities, including the buying and selling of goods, commodities, and products within the UAE. Issued by the DED, this license is suitable for general and specialized traders, as well as businesses involved in retail, construction, and real estate activities.
Professional License
A Professional License is issued to individuals or companies that offer service-based activities driven by expertise, skill, and specialized knowledge. This license is ideal for businesses in fields such as accounting, design, consultancy, tourism, and other professional services that rely on talent, experience, and technical ability.
Tourism License
There are three main types of licenses available within the travel and tourism industry:
Inbound Tourism License – Allows a company to organize and manage travel services within Dubai.
Outbound Tourism License – Permits a company to sell and manage travel packages outside Dubai and internationally.
MICE License (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) – Enables companies to organize and manage global meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events.
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