Mainland business licensing

Q: What are the most common types of business in Dubai?

Small to medium-size enterprises (SMEs) make up 90% of the economy. Key sectors driving economic growth include transportation, the financial industry, wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and food service, real estate, and manufacturing.

Q: Can I start a business in Dubai as a foreigner?

Yes, foreigners can start a business in Dubai and own 100% of it. All free zone companies can be 100% owned by foreign investors, and mainland companies in most sectors can also be wholly foreign-owned – but there are some activities where this is restricted .

Q: What are the business opportunities in Dubai?

Some potential business opportunities in Dubai include IT solutions, manufacturing businesses, e-commerce, logistics, digital marketing, digital printing, tourism services, consultancy services, cloud kitchens, automotive, real estate, F&B, retail and fashion and beauty. Dubai is a fast-growing city and a hub for the region and beyond, so there are plenty of opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs.

Q: Is Dubai a good place to start a business?

Dubai is the best city to start a business in. It offers a wide range of commercial benefits that include direct foreign investments, innovative growth strategies and advanced technological infrastructure.

Launch or leverage your mainland company with applications and approvals from Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Define business activities and partners to gain approval.

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Secure a unique name that matches your business activity.

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Complete the process to legally operate in Dubai.

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Choose your business licence type

Industrial Licence
For businesses in manufacturing or industrial production, like factories and assembly plants.
Commercial Licence
Covers trading activities such as general trading, import/export, wholesale and retail.
Professional Licence
For service-based businesses, including consultancies, legal firms and artisans.
E-Trader Licence
For individuals or home businesses selling products or services online in the UAE.
Dual Licence
Enables businesses to operate in both mainland and free zones with required approvals.

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Set-up services for new businesses

Request for initial approval

Get approval for activities, partners and legal form.

Apply now

Book a trade name

Reserve a trade name aligning with your business activity.

Apply now

Issue a trade licence

Obtain a licence to legally operate your business in Dubai.

Apply now

Licence exemption request

Apply for reduced fees on licence issuance and renewal.

Apply now

Special benefits for GCC nationals

Emirati and GCC entrepreneurs residing in Dubai may qualify to run a home-based business across a variety of fields with support from Dubai SME, all for a minimal annual fee.

Request for Intelaq licence

Services for existing businesses

Amend a trade licence

Modify licence details, including name or activities.

Apply now

Cancel a trade licence

Permanently close your trade licence or branch registration.

Apply now

Renew trade licence

Renew your licence to keep your business compliant and active.

Apply now

Issue commercial permit

Get approval for promotions, sales, events or advertising.

Apply now

Register for corporate tax

If you’ve recently obtained your trade licence, don’t forget to register for corporate tax within the next three months.

See tax guide

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common types of business in Dubai?

Can I start a business in Dubai as a foreigner?

What are the business opportunities in Dubai?

Is Dubai a good place to start a business?

Read all FAQs

Mainland or free zone?

Want to explore other business set-up options? Use our comparison guide between mainland and free zone companies to make an informed choice.

Start-ups and SME support

Find information on the steps for getting a new business up and running with exclusive support from Dubai SME for Emirati and GCC nationals.

Dubai Unified Licence

Dubai Unified Licence (DUL) will be a single identity for companies to use for accessing government services and providing information for customers and partners.

Beneficial Owners declaration

Once your company has its licence, it must make an Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) declaration. This is part of the UAE’s commitment to prevent money-laundering.

Ownership restrictions

Find out which business activities do not allow for 100% foreign ownership.

Service centres

Access government services via an extensive network of service centres based across Dubai.

Mainland business licensing

Initial approval

Reserve your trade name