Dubai Mainland License
Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
Dubai is the largest and most prominent emirate for mainland business setup. Its Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) oversees 2,253+ business activities with a formula-based fee structure. Dubai offers the fastest setup options including an Instant License (same day, AED 8,000) and budget-friendly SME and Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
2,253
Activities
Varies
Avg DED Fee
1-3 working days
Setup Time
Moderate
Banking
Fee Structure
Base license fee + 5% of annual office rent. Normal License base ~AED 8,000. Instant License AED 8,000 flat. SME/Intelaq AED 1,070.
From
AED 1,070
Up to
AED 15,000
What we like
- Largest business ecosystem in the UAE — most customers, partners, and talent
- Fastest setup: Instant License issued same day
- 5 license categories including budget options (SME AED 1,070)
- Best banking infrastructure and international recognition
- Dubai address carries the most business credibility
Watch out for
- Most expensive emirate for office rent (Ejari adds 5% to license fee)
- External approvals (Municipality, DHA) add significant costs for some activities
- No transparent per-activity fee schedule — formula-based pricing
- Higher competition in every sector
Top Activities in Dubai
Growing of Cereals & Crops
Agriculture & Fishing · 0111110
formula
Advanced Growing of Grains, Leguminous Crop & Oilseeds
Agriculture & Fishing · 0111301
formula
Growing of Vegetables
Agriculture & Fishing · 0113001
formula
Advanced Growing of Vegetables, Melons, Roots & Tubers
Agriculture & Fishing · 0113005
formula
Advanced Growing of Other Non- Perennial crops
Agriculture & Fishing · 0119003
formula
Advanced Growing of Palms & Fruits
Agriculture & Fishing · 0122002
formula
Growing of Fruit & Palm Trees
Agriculture & Fishing · 0123001
formula
Advanced Growing of Citrus Fruits
Agriculture & Fishing · 0123002
formula
Advanced Growing of Beverage Crops
Agriculture & Fishing · 0127003
formula
Advanced Growing of Spices
Agriculture & Fishing · 0128102
formula
Growing of Trees Seedling, Ornamental Plants & Annual Flowers
Agriculture & Fishing · 0130003
formula
Farming of cows
Agriculture & Fishing · 0141001
formula
Farming of Sheep & Goats
Agriculture & Fishing · 0144001
formula
Farming of Poultry
Agriculture & Fishing · 0146001
formula
Egg Production
Agriculture & Fishing · 0146002
formula
Falcon Breeding
Agriculture & Fishing · 0149001
formula
Farming of Ostrich
Agriculture & Fishing · 0149002
formula
Farming of Deer
Agriculture & Fishing · 0149003
formula
Beehives & Honey Production
Agriculture & Fishing · 0149006
formula
Birds Raising
Agriculture & Fishing · 0149015
formula
Compare with Other Emirates
Setup Requirements
Office
Physical office with Ejari required for Normal License. Virtual office available for Instant License (AED 8,000).
Foreign Ownership
100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities since 2021.
Local Sponsor
Not required for most activities since 2021 reforms. Service agent may be needed for sole establishments.
Visa
Visa quota based on office size. Typically 1 visa per 9 sqm of office space.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mainland business license cost in Dubai?
Base license fee + 5% of annual office rent. Normal License base ~AED 8,000. Instant License AED 8,000 flat. SME/Intelaq AED 1,070.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?
100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities since 2021. This applies to most business activities since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms.
How fast can I set up a mainland company in Dubai?
Typical setup time in Dubai is 1-3 working days. Actual timeline depends on the activity, required external approvals, and document readiness.
Do I need a local sponsor for a Dubai mainland license?
Not required for most activities since 2021 reforms. Service agent may be needed for sole establishments.
How many business activities are available for mainland licensing in Dubai?
We track 2253 business activities available for mainland licensing in Dubai. This includes commercial, professional, and industrial license types.
Set up in Dubai
Get a free quote from a vetted mainland setup partner.