Mainland business setup in Dubai is a brilliant decision for any entrepreneur. The emirate welcomes investors with an open heart. With regulations formulated to support foreign investments. The Department of Economy and Tourism issues licenses for company formation. Entrepreneurs can choose the right license from the mainland business license types in Dubai. Identifying the business sector, the business activities, entity type, and license are the initial steps for a company formation in the Dubai Mainland.
This article is for you if you are planning a business setup in Dubai. Aiming to provide insights into the mainland business license types in Dubai, the business activities that can be conducted, the approvals required, and the scope of operation are covered here.
Read on to have a detailed view of the mainland license types in Dubai, before commencing the business setup process.
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Mar 18 , 2026
Mainland Business License Types in Dubai
Riyaz Kilton
Mar 18 , 2026
Mainland Business License
Most of you might know what a mainland business license is. It is the trade license issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The license permits the companies to perform the business activities specified in it both domestically and internationally. It is different from a free zone license. As the free zone license limits operations within the free zone and international markets only.
A mainland company can:
- Bid for government projects
- Undertake business activities in the local UAE market as well as international markets
- Opt for diverse business activities
- Trade in different currencies
Let’s have a detailed look at the mainland business license types in Dubai. To help you understand them and determine which one will suit your business setup in Dubai.
Types of Business Licenses in Dubai Mainland
The mainland business license types in Dubai are tabulated here:
| Description | Ideal For | Business Activities | Advantages |
| Commercial License A commercial license is the most common license chosen by investors. Business activities like trading, export, import, e-commerce, real estate, and automobile trading require a commercial license. | Investors planning for trading and commercial activities, including retail sales, distribution, and export, should obtain the commercial license in the Dubai Mainland. |
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| Professional License Professionals and agencies planning to provide professional services must obtain a professional license. | Skilled professionals, freelancers, agencies providing services, consultants, consultancy services, etc., should have a professional license in Dubai to operate. |
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| Tourism License Tourist footprint in Dubai has been growing at a phenomenal rate. Agencies must obtain a tourism license to operate in this sector. The Dubai Tourism license is issued by the DET in conjunction with the tourism authorities. | Investors investing in the travel and tourism sector should get the tourism license issued during the mainland business setup. |
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| Industrial License Industrial units, firms involved in production, and entities performing manufacturing must have an industrial license. Such entities must meet the requirements stipulated by the authority during the mainland business setup. | Industrial firms and companies producing goods must choose the industrial license in the Dubai Mainland. |
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| Agricultural License A business setup in Dubai in the farming and agricultural sector necessitates an agricultural license. However, this is not a popular choice among Dubai investors. | Investors interested in agricultural activities can consider choosing an agricultural business setup in Dubai. |
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| General Trading License A general trading license is a flexible license that authorizes the trading of multiple unrelated products. The general trading license broadly comes under the commercial license. | Investors planning for multi-product trading, large export/ import firms, etc., can choose a general trading license |
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| E-Trading License Businesses that use online platforms and social media require an e-trader license. | Sellers focusing on online business, through platforms like Instagram or through a website or apps, should get the e-trader license. |
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| Craft License Artisans and such skilled workers can opt for a craft license to offer the technical and manual services. | Skilled workers, artisans, and those with such talent who want to turn it into a business.
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How to Choose the Mainland Business License Type in Dubai?
A few aspects must be considered when choosing the type of mainland business license in Dubai. Additional approvals and the documentation would depend on the trade license chosen:
- Business activity chosen
- Require an office space/ workspace/ warehouse
- Target market is inside the UAE/ international/ both
- Long-term objectives
- Business plan
- Approvals required
The mainland business setup may be planned after finalizing the mainland business license type. Make sure to select the right licence to avoid complications later. You are welcome to consult our specialist team for any support for business setup in Dubai, as well as guidance regarding company formation in any of the jurisdictions in the country.
Documents Required for the Mainland Business Setup
The documents required may have minor variations with respect to the mainland business license type. Nevertheless, the common documents include:
- Passport copy
- Visa/ Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval
- MOA
- Office lease agreement
- Additional approvals (as necessary)
The total expense for the mainland business setup will depend on the business activities chosen, the type of license, the size of the office, the number of visas, etc.
Identifying the prospective business sector, identifying the suitable location, assessing the competitors, choosing the right mainland business license, and understanding the business environment in Dubai, UAE are the basics for becoming a successful entrepreneur in Dubai. This land presents the investor with a dynamic ecosystem that will induce growth. How well the business performs will depend on the strategies, marketing, and decision-making. The authorities have always been pro-investor and have been implementing productive policies.
Why Kiltons for Business Setup in Dubai Mainland?
Every move is important in the case of business. From the initial step of identifying the license type to the incorporation of the business, every act needs to be taken wisely. Kiltons Business Setup Services are the trusted guides at this point. You may find several business setup services offering services. What distinguishes us, an approved business setup service since 1999, from others is the identity we gained through trusted services for more than two and a half decades.
The factors that make us a cut above the rest are:
- One of the leading business setup services in the UAE since 1999
- Time-bound services
- Dedicated team for each client
- Tailored business setup solutions
- Budget-friendly and cost-effective company formation
- Unparalleled expertise in the field
Contact us now for business setup in Dubai.
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