Expert Guidance for Your UAE Mainland License
Securing the correct mainland trade license is the most critical step in your company formation. Our expert consultants manage the entire application and approval process with the Economic Departments, ensuring a compliant and efficient setup.
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Why You Need an Expert for Your Trade License
A mainland trade license is the legal document that authorizes your business to operate in the UAE's onshore economy. The process involves navigating specific regulations of the Economic Department (DED/ADDED) in your chosen Emirate, which can be complex. Errors in your application or legal structure can lead to significant delays or rejection.
Our service is designed to prevent these issues. We ensure your business activities align perfectly with your chosen license type (e.g., Commercial, Professional) and legal structure (e.g., an LLC). We manage all paperwork, submissions, and government liaison, allowing you to focus on your business plan, not bureaucracy. This is the core of our mainland formation service.
The 3 Primary Types of Mainland Licenses We Process
| License Type | Best For | Ownership Structure | Typical Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial License | Trading, Import/Export, Real Estate, Retail | Allows for 100% foreign ownership for most trading activities. | Buying and selling goods, general trading, e-commerce. |
| Professional License | Consultants, Doctors, Lawyers, Artisans, IT Services | Allows for 100% foreign ownership but requires a Local Service Agent (LSA). | Providing specialized, knowledge-based, and artisanal services. |
| Industrial License | Manufacturing, Production, Assembly, Fabrication | Allows for 100% foreign ownership. Requires a physical factory or workshop. | Converting raw materials into finished products. |
Our Service Covers Every Essential Step
Trade Name Approval
We check the availability of your desired name and secure its reservation with the DED/ADDED.
Tenancy Contract (Ejari)
We guide you in securing a valid tenancy contract for your physical office, a mandatory requirement.
MOA Drafting & Notarization
We draft a compliant Memorandum of Association and manage the entire legal notarization process.
Initial & External Approvals
We secure the DED's initial approval and manage any required approvals from other ministries on your behalf.
Activity & Legal Structuring
Our primary value is advising on the correct activities and legal form to ensure your long-term compliance and success.
Local Service Agent (LSA) Provision
For professional licenses, we provide a reliable and secure corporate LSA to fulfill legal requirements.
Our Licensing Service Process
Define Business Activities
The first step is a consultation where we help you clearly define all your business activities to determine the correct license type.
Secure Trade Name & Initial Approval
We submit your application to the relevant Economic Department to get your company name reserved and obtain the initial go-ahead.
Draft & Notarize MOA
We prepare the Memorandum of Association and manage the notarization process with a public notary in the UAE.
Submit All Documents
We submit the signed MOA, tenancy contract, and all other required documents to the authority for final approval.
Receive License & Begin Post-License Services
Once the payment voucher is settled, your trade license is issued. Our expert PRO team then immediately starts your visa and immigration file processing.
Client Feedback
Understanding the difference between a commercial and professional license was crucial for me. Their consultant explained it perfectly and ensured my commercial LLC was structured correctly from day one.
Hassan Al Jabri, Retail Entrepreneur
Mainland License FAQs
Can I have commercial and professional activities on the same license?
Generally, no. Commercial and professional activities must be on separate licenses because they fall under different legal categories. However, a Dubai mainland company can form a dual-license structure in some cases. It's best to consult with us.
What is the difference between a License and a Legal Form?
The License (e.g., Commercial) defines *what* your business does. The Legal Form (e.g., LLC, Sole Proprietorship) defines *who* owns the business and their liability. For example, you can have a Commercial License under an LLC legal form.
What is a DED?
DED stands for Department of Economic Development. It is the government body in each Emirate (like the DET in Dubai or ADDED in Abu Dhabi) responsible for issuing and regulating all mainland trade licenses.
How do I check a company's trade license in the UAE?
Each Emirate's DED has an online portal where you can conduct a "Trade Name Search" to verify a company's license status and details. This is part of the public record and a good due diligence step.
What is the cost of a mainland trade license?
The cost varies significantly by Emirate and the number of activities. It includes fees for the name, initial approval, and the license itself. A license in Sharjah is generally more affordable than one in Dubai.
Get the Right License for Your Business
Choosing the correct license type is critical for your company's success and compliance. Contact our experts for a free consultation to determine the best structure for you.
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