Required Documents for Mainland License Applications in 2025
Dubai continues to be a global business centre, attracting entrepreneurs and investors who seek to capitalise on its position, strong commercial infrastructure, and business-friendly laws. Notably for those planning to work in the economic landscape of the United Arab Emirates, a Dubai mainland trade license is a necessary first step. Knowing what kind of documentation is needed is the key to a seamless application.
This blog provides a detailed guide to the documents needed for a mainland license Dubai application in 2025, along with tips to expedite the process and set your business up for success.
What is a Dubai Mainland Trade License?
A Dubai mainland license enables companies to trade directly in the UAE market and elsewhere. In contrast to free zone licenses, which restrict activities to specific zones, mainland licenses allow companies to engage in trading activities across the UAE (i.e., with government agencies).
The mainland trade license Dubai is an entity of the Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai. Such license is critical for companies operating in industries such as retail, hospitality, construction, healthcare and so on. Licensing is simplified yet demands careful preparation of the required paperwork.
Types of Mainland Licenses
Before diving into the documentation requirements, it's important to identify the type of license your business needs. Common categories include:
- Commercial License: For businesses involved in trading goods and services.
- Professional License: For individuals or firms offering professional or consultancy services.
- Industrial License: For companies engaged in manufacturing or industrial activities.
The type of license will specify some of the requirements for documentation.
Required Documents for a Mainland License in Dubai
In order to successfully apply for a mainland license Dubai, it is required to compile the following documents:
1. Passport Copies of Partners/Shareholders- All partners and shareholders should be requested to provide good quality passport pictures.
- If a shareholder is a UAE resident, a copy of their Emirates ID and residence visa is also required.
- A company's passport copy, Emirates ID, and signed sponsorship agreement are required for companies that need a UAE national sponsor.
- Alternatively, corporate license of the sponsor likely will be needed when a corporate nominee structure is used.
- This certificate is issued by the DED and hereby confirms preliminary approval of the business activity and trade name for your business.
- In order to achieve this, please fill out an application form providing details of your business activity, trade name, and company ownership.
- The MOA describes the ownership structure, management roles, and business operations of the company.
- It should be drafted in Arabic and certified by a UAE court.
- A tenancy contract for your office premises or warehouse is compulsory for a mainland trade license Dubai.
- The facilities shall comply with the regulatory requirements for your work.
- The contract shall be registered with Ejari, Dubai's central rental agreement database.
- Your company name has to be special and follow the naming regulations of the UAE.
- Reserve the name using the DED and get a certificate as part of the application process.
- Payment receipts for the initial approval, trade name reservation, and other DED fees are requested.
- If any of the shareholders are employed in the UAE, an NOC from their current employer may be needed.
- For expatriates with a spouse's visa, an NOC of the visa sponsor is also needed.
- If a third party is handling the application process, a notarized power of attorney must be provided.
- Certain business activities require approvals from external authorities. For instance:
- Healthcare businesses: Approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
- Food businesses: Approval from the Dubai Municipality.
- Educational institutions: Approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Steps to Apply for a Mainland License
- Choose a Business Activity: Be sure that your activity is validated by the DED and that other approvals are needed.
- Reserve a Trade Name: Select a compliant name and obtain a reservation certificate.
- Submit Initial Approval Request: Apply for preliminary approval from the DED.
- Prepare and Notarize the MOA: Draft and notarize the MOA and register your tenancy agreement with Ejari.
- Submit Final Application: Compile all necessary documents and submit them to the DED for license approval.
- Pay the Fees: Complete the payment process to receive your license.
Common Challenges in Obtaining a Mainland License
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing or improperly formatted documents can delay the process.
- Non-Compliance with Naming Rules: Care must be taken to ensure that the trade name complies with UAE law to avoid rejections.
- Delays in External Approvals: Activities needing external authority approvals may have longer processing times.
Benefits of a Dubai Mainland License
Acquiring a Dubai mainland license comes with numerous advantages:
- Flexibility to Trade Across the UAE: No restrictions on operating within or outside free zones.
- Opportunities to Work with Government Entities: Mainland businesses can bid for lucrative government contracts.
- Unlimited Visa Quota: Depending on the office space, mainland companies can sponsor an unlimited number of visas.
- Access to a Wider Market: Work with a broad spectrum of customers, such as individuals, corporates, and institutions.
Obtaining a mainland license Dubai in 2025 is a structured process that begins with the correct preparation of documentation. Guided and supported, you can guarantee an effortless experience and create many business opportunities in Dubai's fast-growing economy.
To navigate the complexities of the application process, partnering with an experienced business setup consultancy is highly recommended. This ensures compliance with local laws and minimizes delays.
Looking to streamline your mainland trade license Dubai application? At Bizvise, we are experts in leading companies through the process of setting up. From document preparation to licensing, our embedded team of specialists makes the process as uninterrupted as possible. Get in touch with us today to make your entrepreneurial dream a reality!