Dubai Mainland License
Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
Dubai is the largest and most prominent emirate for mainland business setup. Its Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) oversees 2,253+ business activities with a formula-based fee structure. Dubai offers the fastest setup options including an Instant License (same day, AED 8,000) and budget-friendly SME and Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
2,253
Activities
Varies
Avg DED Fee
1-3 working days
Setup Time
Moderate
Banking
Fee Structure
Base license fee + 5% of annual office rent. Normal License base ~AED 8,000. Instant License AED 8,000 flat. SME/Intelaq AED 1,070.
From
AED 1,070
Up to
AED 15,000
What we like
- Largest business ecosystem in the UAE — most customers, partners, and talent
- Fastest setup: Instant License issued same day
- 5 license categories including budget options (SME AED 1,070)
- Best banking infrastructure and international recognition
- Dubai address carries the most business credibility
Watch out for
- Most expensive emirate for office rent (Ejari adds 5% to license fee)
- External approvals (Municipality, DHA) add significant costs for some activities
- No transparent per-activity fee schedule — formula-based pricing
- Higher competition in every sector
Top Activities in Dubai
Land Preparation & Irrigation Systems Works & Maintenance
Agriculture & Fishing · 0161001
~AED 10,500
Oil & Natural Gas Well Maintenance
Mining & Quarrying · 0910002
~AED 10,500
Tomato Paste Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 1030003
~AED 10,500
Potato Chips Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 1030006
~AED 10,500
Fodder Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 1080001
~AED 10,500
Paint Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 2022001
~AED 10,500
Metal Tanks & Containers Repairing
Trading & Services · 3311001
~AED 10,500
Typewriters & Calculators Repairing & Maintenance
Real Estate & Business Services · 3312008
~AED 10,500
Light Duty Equipment & Engines Repairing
Trading & Services · 3319901
~AED 10,500
Amusement Center Equipment Repairing & Maintenance
Trading & Services · 3319908
~AED 10,500
Communication & Wireless System Equipment Installation
Construction & Contracting · 3320003
~AED 10,500
Measuring Control System Installation and Repairing
Construction & Contracting · 3320006
~AED 10,500
Power Generation Facilities & Distribution Systems Operation & Maintenance
Utilities & Energy · 3510005
~AED 10,500
Sanitary Sewer Networks Maintenance
Personal & Social Services · 3700003
~AED 10,500
Sea & Shore Cleaning Services
Personal & Social Services · 3811006
~AED 10,500
Building Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100002
~AED 10,500
Steel Constructions Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100003
~AED 10,500
Pre-Fabricated Buildings Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100004
~AED 10,500
Pre-Fabricated Concrete Houses Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100006
~AED 10,500
Prestressed Concrete Contracting
Construction & Contracting · 4100007
~AED 10,500
Compare with Other Emirates
Setup Requirements
Office
Physical office with Ejari required for Normal License. Virtual office available for Instant License (AED 8,000).
Foreign Ownership
100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities since 2021.
Local Sponsor
Not required for most activities since 2021 reforms. Service agent may be needed for sole establishments.
Visa
Visa quota based on office size. Typically 1 visa per 9 sqm of office space.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mainland business license cost in Dubai?
Base license fee + 5% of annual office rent. Normal License base ~AED 8,000. Instant License AED 8,000 flat. SME/Intelaq AED 1,070.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?
100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities since 2021. This applies to most business activities since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms.
How fast can I set up a mainland company in Dubai?
Typical setup time in Dubai is 1-3 working days. Actual timeline depends on the activity, required external approvals, and document readiness.
Do I need a local sponsor for a Dubai mainland license?
Not required for most activities since 2021 reforms. Service agent may be needed for sole establishments.
How many business activities are available for mainland licensing in Dubai?
We track 2253 business activities available for mainland licensing in Dubai. This includes commercial, professional, and industrial license types.
Set up in Dubai
Get a free quote from a vetted mainland setup partner.