A mainland (DED) licence lets you trade anywhere in the UAE — including with government — hire as your premises allow, and own 100% of your company. Here's what it costs, who it suits, and how it compares.
Full access to the UAE market and government work, with 100% ownership on most activities. Here's where it fits — and where a free zone or offshore is the smarter call.
An illustrative starting point for a professional or commercial licence with one activity and 100% ownership. Your final figure depends on:
We build a written quote around your exact setup — activity, office and visas — so you see the full breakdown before you commit. No teaser price that grows at signing.
Split payments Setup fees can be paid in instalments with Tamara. Your advisor confirms eligibility and terms with your quote.
| Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100% (some strategic-impact activities still require Emirati participation) | 100% | 100% |
| Trade in the UAE | Anywhere + government | Distributor, or a Dubai mainland permit | Not permitted |
| Physical office | Required (after year one) | Flexi-desk ok | Not required |
| Visas | Quota, scales with premises | 1–6+ | None |
| Setup from | AED 15,000 | AED 6,000 | AED 8,000 |
| Best for | UAE market & teams | Cost & 100% ownership | Holding assets |
In short: choose mainland if you sell to the UAE market or government, need a physical presence, or plan to hire a team. If you're international or online and cost-sensitive, a free zone is cheaper; if you only hold assets with no UAE trade, look at offshore.
A mainland licence typically starts from around AED 15,000, but the real figure depends on your activity, office space and number of visas. We send a full written breakdown — government fees, our fee and any approvals — before you commit.
Yes, for the large majority of activities. Since the 2021 reforms, most commercial and professional activities allow full foreign ownership. Only a short list of strategic-impact activities still requires an Emirati partner or agent — we'll tell you upfront if yours is affected.
For most activities, no. The old 51% local-partner rule was removed for the majority of businesses. A local service agent is only needed for certain professional or strategic activities, and they hold no equity in your company.
Usually, but not from day one. Dubai's Instant Licence issues a commercial or professional licence against a virtual business address for the first 12 months, across 2,000+ activities that need no external approval — Ejari is required from the first renewal. Otherwise a real office with a registered tenancy is required, and some activities allow shared or flexi arrangements. Your visa quota scales with the space you take.
Yes. That's the core advantage — you can invoice clients and sell to consumers anywhere in the UAE, including bidding for government contracts, without a distributor.
Usually one to two weeks once your documents and office are in order, depending on the activity and any external approvals. Visas and banking follow shortly after.
It comes down to who you sell to. Choose mainland if you serve UAE clients or government, need premises, or plan to hire a team. Choose a free zone if you're international or online, want the lowest cost, and don't need to invoice the local market directly. Not sure? Ask AgentBiz.
100% ownership at a lower cost, no office required — ideal for international and online business.
Holding and asset structures for international trade — no UAE market access, no office.
Own and protect shares, property and IP in a dedicated holding structure.
Ask AgentBiz — with your activity in mind — or talk to a human advisor. Honest guidance, an itemised quote, no obligation.