How to Get a UAE Mainland Trade Licence 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide
UAE mainland trade licences are issued by the Department of Economy (DED) in each emirate. Here is the 2026 step-by-step guide to getting a UAE mainland trade licence.
In this guide:
UAE Mainland vs. Free Zone Trade Licence
- Mainland: Issued by DED; allows trading directly with UAE market; physical office required
- Free zone: Issued by free zone authority; 100% foreign ownership; cannot trade directly with UAE mainland
Step-by-Step UAE Mainland Trade Licence Process (Dubai DED)
- Choose business activity: Select from DED approved activity list; choose the most specific activity that matches your business
- Reserve trade name: Apply for name reservation on DED website; AED 620 fee
- Obtain initial approval: Submit application for initial DED approval; AED 100-1,000 depending on activity
- Lease office space: Sign Ejari-registered tenancy contract (minimum 200 sqm for many commercial activities)
- Register tenancy on Ejari: Dubai Land Department Ejari system; AED 160-200
- Submit final DED application: Include Ejari, shareholder details, NOC letters if needed
- Pay DED licence fees: AED 10,000-50,000 depending on activity and office size
- Trade licence issued: Digital licence via DED website; physical copy available for collection
Local Sponsor Requirement for Mainland
- Since 2021 UAE Commercial Companies Law amendment: 100% foreign ownership permitted for most commercial activities
- Restricted activities still require UAE national partner (51%+): Military, weapons, certain strategic sectors
- Professional licences: Can be 100% foreign-owned
Dubai Mainland Licence Cost 2026
- DED licence fee: AED 8,000-50,000 depending on activity
- Office rent (mandatory): AED 30,000-200,000/year in Dubai
- Total year 1 cost: AED 40,000-250,000+ (significantly more than most free zones)