The UAE continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for business setup in the Middle East, offering entrepreneurs a robust infrastructure, strategic location, and investor-friendly policies. One of the first and most crucial steps in this process is obtaining a Trade License from the Department of Economic Development (DED). In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step through how to obtain a trade license for a mainland business in the UAE.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
Start by identifying the exact activity or activities your business will engage in. It’s crucial to select the right one, as this determines your license type and regulatory requirements.
Step 2: Decide on a Legal Structure
Choose the legal form of your company based on your business size and the number of partners involved. Common structures include:
Sole Proprietorship
Civil Company
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Branch of a Foreign Company
Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name
Pick a unique and meaningful trade name for your business. The name must comply with DED’s naming rules.
Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval
This is a no-objection certificate from the DED to proceed with your business setup. It does not mean your license is issued yet — but it confirms the government has no objection to your proposed business.
Step 5: Prepare and Notarize the MOA (for LLCs)
For LLCs, you must draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA) that outlines the ownership structure, capital, and responsibilities of each partner.
Step 6: Secure a Physical Office Space
Every mainland business is required to have a physical office or workspace. You’ll need to provide a tenancy contract and Ejari registration (Dubai’s tenancy system) as part of your documentation.
Step 7: Submit Final Documents and Pay Fees
Once all documents are ready, submit them to the DED or the relevant emirate’s economic department.
Step 8: Receive Your Trade License
After approval, you’ll receive your Mainland Trade License, allowing you to officially operate your business in the UAE.
Wrapping Up
Setting up a mainland business in the UAE offers unmatched flexibility, the ability to operate anywhere in the UAE and beyond, and access to a broad customer base. While the process can seem complex, with the right guidance, it’s highly manageable — and the rewards are significant.
