How to Get a UAE Mainland Licence After Your Free Zone Licence 2026
When you are ready to sell directly to UAE consumers or participate in UAE government tenders, you need a UAE mainland licence. Here is the 2026 guide to getting one after your free zone company is established.
In this guide:
Why You Might Need a Mainland Licence
- UAE consumer retail: Free zone companies cannot directly retail to UAE consumers in most cases
- Government contracts: UAE government tenders typically require mainland licence
- Office in Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Physical Dubai or Abu Dhabi office requires mainland presence
- Specific activities: Some activities only available via mainland (e.g., medical, legal, real estate brokerage)
Mainland Licence Options
- LLC (Limited Liability Company): 100% foreign ownership now allowed in most sectors; most popular
- Professional licence: Individual professional services; can be 100% foreign-owned
- Branch of foreign company: Branch of your free zone company (same entity)
- Branch of free zone company: Same entity operating in mainland
Cost of UAE Mainland LLC (2026)
- DED (Dubai Economic Department) LLC: AED 10,000-25,000 for licence depending on activity
- Abu Dhabi DED: AED 10,000-20,000
- Other emirates: Ajman, Sharjah, RAK mainland licences are cheaper (AED 5,000-12,000)
- Office: Physical mainland office required; minimum 200 sq ft typically
Free Zone + Mainland Dual Structure
- Dual strategy: Many businesses run both a free zone company (for international business) and a mainland company (for UAE consumer market)
- Separate entities: Free zone company and mainland LLC are separate legal entities
- Intercompany transactions: May trigger TP documentation requirements; get advice