Start Your Mainland Business in the UAE — Practical Trade License Setup Support
AL SAHRAA helps entrepreneurs and businesses obtain mainland trade licenses in Dubai, Ajman and across the UAE. We provide step-by-step administrative support, document coordination, and liaison with government departments to streamline the application process.
Overview
Setting up a mainland trade license requires selecting permissible activities, reserving a company name, preparing constituent documents, and obtaining initial approvals from relevant authorities. We guide you through each administrative step and communicate with government departments to reduce delays. Our service covers business activity review, application preparation, submission to the Department of Economy/DED-equivalent, and follow-up until the license is issued. We also advise on office requirements and local service agent or partner structures where applicable. We focus on practical, people-first support — clarifying requirements, preparing accurate filings, and providing realistic timelines. Whether you are a sole owner or forming a partnership, we tailor the process to your needs and coordinate any additional services required for compliance.
What to prepare
- Passport copies of shareholders and managers
- Emirates ID copy (if available)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsor (if applicable)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or office lease agreement
- Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Local service agent agreement
- Passport-size photos of shareholders/managers
How the process works
- Initial consultation: discuss business activities, legal form, and location
- Name reservation and activity eligibility check with the authority
- Prepare and collect required documents (MOA, passports, tenancy, etc.)
- Submit initial approval and trade license application to the DED/authority
- Follow-up, pay fees, arrange office requirement compliance, and collect license
Why clients choose AL SAHRAA
- Admin-reviewed quotations before you proceed.
- Document coordination and progress tracking in one portal.
- Support for business, compliance, visa, insurance, and IT-related requests.
- Clear request history, updates, and delivery follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a mainland trade license setup typically take?
Processing times vary by activity and authority; typical timelines range from a few days for straightforward cases to several weeks if additional approvals are required. We provide an estimated timeline after the initial consultation.
Do I need a physical office to obtain a mainland license?
Most mainland licenses require proof of a physical office or a flexi-desk agreement. Requirements depend on the business activity and authority; we advise on acceptable office arrangements.
Can a foreign national be a shareholder in a mainland company?
Foreign ownership rules depend on the business activity and legal structure. Recent reforms allow up to 100% foreign ownership in many activities, but some sectors still require a local partner or specific approvals. We assess your case and recommend the appropriate structure.
What costs are involved in setting up a mainland trade license?
Costs include government fees, license issue fees, office rent or flexi-desk fees, and service charges. Exact fees depend on activity, location, and the required approvals. We provide a cost estimate during the scoping stage.
Can you assist with amendments or renewals after the license is issued?
Yes. We offer related services including license renewal, activity or name amendments, and additional license or branch setup to keep your company compliant.
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