Mainland licensing basics: types, costs, and what to expect
Understanding mainland licence types, fee structures, and the approval process is the foundation for a clean setup. Most founders overestimate the complexity of the licence itself — and underestimate the practical steps around it.
Best answer
Your mainland licence type is determined by your business activity, not your preference. The right approach is to confirm your activity first, then identify which licence category applies, what approvals are needed, and what the realistic cost and timeline look like.
Key caution: Don't choose a licence type based on what sounds right. Let the activity determine the structure.
Mainland licence types
Commercial Licence
Trading, import/export, general commerce, retail, distribution
Most common for trading businesses. May require additional activity-specific approvals.
Professional Licence
Consultancy, services, freelancing, advisory, technology services
Typically simpler. Often does not require a physical office beyond flexi-desk in some emirates.
Industrial Licence
Manufacturing, production, assembly, processing
Requires factory or warehouse premises. Additional environmental and safety approvals may apply.
Tourism Licence
Travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality services
Specific to tourism-related activities. Additional security deposits may be required.
Source: UAE Federal Law No. 32 of 2021 (Commercial Companies Law); individual emirate DED/DET portals.
When mainland licensing makes sense
Don't choose a licence type based on what sounds right. Let the activity determine the structure. Indicative ranges for Dubai DED. Other emirates may differ. Verify current fees with the relevant authority.
Licensing cost layers
Mainland licensing costs are not a single fee. They build up in layers — and the total depends on your activity, emirate, and structure.
Trade name reservation
AED 600–1,000
Initial approval fee
AED 120–200
Licence issuance (annual)
AED 10,000–50,000+
Activity-specific approvals
Varies by activity
Chamber of Commerce registration
AED 1,200–3,000
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
AED 2,000–5,000
Indicative ranges for Dubai DED. Other emirates may differ. Verify current fees with the relevant authority.
When mainland licensing makes sense
- •You need an activity structure not available in most free zones
- •Your business requires onshore contracting or local market access
- •You plan to hire staff and need flexible visa allocation
- •You want to operate from a physical office or retail premises
When it may not be the right starting point
- •Solo digital businesses with no local client-facing needs
- •Founders optimising for lowest possible first-year cost
- •Remote-first operators who don't need physical presence
- •Businesses that can operate cleanly within a free zone framework
Common licensing mistakes
Frequently asked questions
Not sure which licence type fits?
Get a tailored breakdown based on your activity, emirate, and business structure.