Dubai Mainland License Guide
Mainland setup allows entrepreneurs and global companies to establish a UAE business structure with the registrations, approvals, and licensing steps required to trade freely across Dubai, the wider UAE, and international markets. Right Time Group's Business Setup Division provides end-to-end support for mainland company formation, trade name registration, government approvals, visa processing, PRO assistance, and corporate compliance.
Whether you are starting a local commercial trading firm, offering professional consultancy services, establishing an industrial production plant, or seeking a 5-minute fast-track DET Instant License, our business setup specialists match your activity, ownership structure, and timeline to the right mainland license category.
Four Paths to a Mainland License
Choose the trade license category that matches your exact business activity and operational goals in Dubai:
Commercial License
For businesses engaged in trading — buying, selling, import, export, and general commercial activities across the UAE and international markets.
- 1. Trade Name: Reserve & register approved trade name
- 2. Activity Details: Select specific commercial trading activities
- 3. Documents & Details: Prepare & submit owner & company documentation
- 4. Shareholder: Register individual or corporate entity shareholders
Professional License
For service providers, consultants, and skill-based or craft-based practitioners offering specialized expertise rather than physical goods.
- 1. Trade Name: Reserve & register approved professional trade name
- 2. Activity Details: Define exact service & consultancy activities
- 3. Documents & Details: Submit qualification & applicant paperwork
- 4. Shareholder: 100% foreign ownership or corporate structure options
Industrial License
For industrial operations — production, assembly, manufacturing, processing, and packaging of physical goods within the UAE.
- 1. Trade Name: Reserve industrial trade name with DET
- 2. Activity Details: Specify factory, manufacturing & assembly scope
- 3. Documents & Details: Submit industrial plans & applicant documents
- 4. Shareholder: Complete individual or corporate shareholder setup
Instant License
Fast-track mainland licensing by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Issued in 5 to 10 minutes with no office required for Year 1.
Key Benefits of Mainland Setup
- 100% foreign ownership available across most commercial and professional activities
- Freedom to trade anywhere in Dubai, across the UAE, and globally without territorial limits
- Flexibility to bid for government contracts and large corporate tenders
- Instant License option: Start operating in 5-10 minutes with no Ejari for Year 1
- Comprehensive visa allocation for owners, management, staff, and family members
Required Setup Documents
- Passport copy of the owner or shareholders (valid for at least 6 months)
- Emirates ID copy and UAE residence visa copy (if currently resident)
- Tourist visa or entry stamp copy (if non-resident investor)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current UAE sponsor (if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photographs with white background
- Proposed business activity list & preferred company trade name options
Consultation
Review business activities, legal structure (LLC/Sole Est), and determine optimal setup path.
Trade Name & Activity
Reserve initial trade name approval and finalize specific activity codes with DET.
Document & Approvals
Draft MoA, complete notarization, and secure external government clearances (RTA, DHA, SIRA, etc.).
License Issuance
Payment of DET voucher fees and instant delivery of the electronic Trade License & MoA.
Visas & Bank Account
Establishment card opening, investor & employee visa typing, medical test, and corporate bank setup.
What Right Time Supports
Right Time Group simplifies mainland company formation by managing all legal requirements, government approvals, and documentation steps so your business can start operating in Dubai without unnecessary friction.
Our dedicated PRO and setup advisors coordinate activity selection, MoA drafting, trade name reservation, external clearances (DM, RTA, DHA, SIRA, TDRA), establishment cards, residency visas, and corporate bank account guidance.
Why Founders Partner With Us
Navigating mainland business formation demands deep familiarity with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) guidelines and regulatory compliance. Right Time Group delivers clear, transparent, and hassle-free solutions tailored to your growth.
With structured packages, dedicated PRO managers, and fast turnaround times — including 5-minute Instant License processing — we empower startups and international investors to build a thriving presence in the UAE.
Mainland License Setup Costs & Timeline
Use this summary for budget planning. Processing ranges from 5 minutes (Instant License) to 3-7 business days depending on license type and external authority approvals.
| License / Service Type | Typical Cost Range | Processing Time | Office Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| DET Instant License | AED 15,000 - AED 22,000+ | 5 - 10 Minutes | No Office (Year 1 Virtual Address) |
| Commercial Trade License | AED 18,000 - AED 28,000+ | 3 - 5 business days | Physical Office / Ejari or Virtual |
| Professional Trade License | AED 14,000 - AED 24,000+ | 3 - 5 business days | Physical Office / Virtual |
| Industrial Trade License | AED 25,000 - AED 45,000+ | 5 - 10 business days | Warehouse / Factory Workspace |
| Establishment Card & Visa Typing | AED 3,500 - AED 7,500 per visa | 3 - 5 business days | Included in quota |
| PRO & Government Approvals | Varies by authority scope | Based on approval cycle | External Clearance Support |
Exact pricing depends on DET activity codes, visa quotas, office arrangements, and external authority clearances. Contact us for an exact custom quotation.
Talk to our mainland setup specialists
Get clear, upfront advice on DET activity selection, license fees, visa limits, and external clearances.
Mainland Setup FAQ
Key answers every founder should know about Dubai mainland company formation, DET licenses, and government approvals.
Have Specific Questions?
Speak directly with a Right Time business setup advisor.
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