Dubai Mainland License with Investor visa

Find a Local Sponsor

For certain mainland business activities in Dubai, a local sponsor or local service agent may be required. Traditionally, the local sponsor held 51% ownership; however, for most professional and commercial activities today, 100% foreign ownership is permitted, and the sponsor acts only as a service agent. The local sponsor does not participate in daily business operations and has no control over management or profits, serving strictly as a legal representative where required.

Choose a Business Name

Selecting a unique and compliant business name is an important step in the mainland company formation process. The trade name must be approved by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET). Dubai follows strict naming guidelines, and any name that is misleading, offensive, or violates public morals will be rejected. The name should also clearly reflect the nature of your business activity.

Apply for Initial Approval

Once the business activity and name are finalized, initial approval is obtained from the relevant authorities. This approval allows you to proceed with documentation, visa processing, and office arrangements. Initial approval confirms that the UAE government has no objection to your business setup.

Investor Visa Process

After receiving initial approval, the investor visa process is initiated first. This includes entry permit issuance, medical fitness test, Emirates ID registration, and visa stamping. Completing the visa process early allows business owners to legally reside in the UAE and proceed smoothly with the remaining setup steps.

Apply for a Mainland Trade License

After the investor visa process is completed, the next step is to apply for the Dubai Mainland Trade License. This involves submitting required documents, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA), to the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET). The MOA outlines the company’s activities, ownership structure, and legal framework.

Obtain a Trade License

Once all approvals and documents are verified, the trade license is issued by the DET. The type of license professional, commercial, or industrial depends on your selected business activity. The trade license officially authorizes your company to operate legally within Dubai and across the UAE.

Rent a Business Location

A physical office space approved by Dubai Municipality is required for most mainland businesses. The office location must be suitable for your business activity and registered through Ejari. Dubai Mainland offers flexible options, including shared offices, flexi desks, and private commercial spaces.

Apply for Additional Permits

Certain business activities require additional approvals from external authorities such as health departments, tourism authorities, or municipalities. These permits may require extra documentation and approvals depending on the nature of the business.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

After the trade license is issued, a corporate bank account must be opened in the company’s name. This account is essential for managing business transactions, payroll, and operational expenses. Banks require company documents, visa details, and compliance checks before account activation.

Hire Employees

To run daily operations, businesses may hire employees in accordance with UAE labor laws. This includes applying for work permits, employment visas, and labor cards. Employers must comply with wage protection systems and employment regulations.

Register for Taxes

Depending on the nature of the business, registration for Value Added Tax (VAT) or Corporate Tax may be required. Businesses must comply with UAE tax regulations and register with the Federal Tax Authority where applicable.