📌UAE Mainland License Registration Process: Step-by-Step Timeline

Introduction

Registering a mainland company in the UAE allows your business to operate across the entire Emirates and engage directly with clients in the local market. The process is handled primarily through the Department of Economic Development (DED) of each emirate. This guide outlines the timeline and stages involved in acquiring a UAE mainland license — from initial approval to final issuance.

Step-by-Step Timeline for Mainland Business Registration

📝 Step 1: Initial Planning and Activity Selection

Timeframe: 1–2 days

• Choose your legal structure (e.g., LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Company)

• Determine your business activity from the DED-approved list

• Check for any special activity approvals required (e.g., for education, healthcare, real estate)

Tip: The choice of activity affects your office requirements, visa eligibility, and regulatory body.

🔤 Step 2: Trade Name Reservation

Timeframe: 1 working day

• Reserve a unique trade name with DED

• Ensure the name complies with UAE naming rules (no offensive terms, public figures, or religious references)

• Pay the reservation fee (AED 620+ in most emirates)

✅ Step 3: Initial Approval from DED

Timeframe: 1–2 working days

• Submit a preliminary application with:

  • Shareholder passport copies

  • Visa page or Emirates ID (if UAE resident)

  • Business activity and structure

• Receive the Initial Approval Certificate, allowing you to proceed with legal documentation

🏢 Step 4: Office Space and Ejari Registration

Timeframe: 2–5 working days

• Secure a commercial office or shop lease

• Register the lease through Ejari (Dubai) or the relevant tenancy registration system (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.)

• Ensure the office size meets activity-based requirements (e.g., 100–200 sq. ft. minimum)

Note: An Ejari is mandatory to activate most mainland trade licenses and process employee visas.

📃 Step 5: MOA and LSA Agreement Drafting

Timeframe: 1–2 working days

• Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) for LLCs

• If needed, prepare a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement for Sole Establishments with foreign ownership

• Get documents notarized at a UAE Notary Public

🧾 Step 6: Final Submission and Payment

Timeframe: 1–2 working days

• Submit all documents to DED or your PRO/consultant:

  • Initial Approval

  • Ejari

  • MOA / LSA

  • Passport copies

  • Trade name reservation

• Pay the license fee (ranges from AED 8,000 to AED 25,000+ depending on business activity and visa quota)

📜 Step 7: Trade License Issuance

Timeframe: 1 day Once approved, you’ll receive your DED trade license. You can now:

• Apply for company bank accounts

• Sponsor employee visas

• Register for VAT or corporate tax

• Begin full business operations

Total Estimated Timeline:

5 to 10 working days, depending on document readiness and external approvals.

Optional Steps After License Issuance

• Corporate bank account setup (5–15 days)

• Immigration card issuance & visa processing (5–10 days)

• Chamber of Commerce registration (if applicable)

• Customs code (for import/export activities)

Conclusion

The UAE mainland license process is straightforward but structured, requiring careful attention to legal steps and documentation. With proper planning and support, your license can be issued in under two weeks.

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