Mainland Business Activities
2,000+ commercial, professional, and industrial activities available under a DED mainland licence — we'll help you pick the right one.
About Mainland Business Activities
The Department of Economic Development maintains a structured list of business activities across commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism categories. Choosing the correct activity codes is critical — they determine your licence type, visa eligibility, and tax treatment.
Our consultants advise on the right structure for your activity and visa needs — and handle every step with the Department of Economic Development.
Why this is the right option
2,000+ approved activities
2,000+ approved activities
Multiple activities under one licence
Multiple activities under one licence
Strategic activity advice
Strategic activity advice
Special-approval activity handling
Special-approval activity handling
Activity additions post-licence
Activity additions post-licence
Sector-specific guidance
Sector-specific guidance
Documents required
- List of intended activities (or brief description)
- Existing licence (if amending)
- Any external approvals already obtained
How it works, step by step
- 01
Initial consultation
Tell us your activity, goals, and budget. We recommend the right jurisdiction.
- 02
Document collection
We share a clear document checklist and collect everything via secure upload.
- 03
Application & approvals
Our team files the trade name reservation, initial approval, and licence application.
- 04
Licence issuance
Trade licence + MOA are issued. We hand over originals digitally and by courier.
- 05
Banking & visas
Bank account introduction and visa processing handled in parallel where possible.
Starting from Quoted per scope
Frequently asked questions
Can't find what you need? Our consultants are happy to answer any specific questions.
Ask a ConsultantHow long does the whole process take?+
Typical timelines are 3–10 working days from receipt of complete documents, depending on the jurisdiction and activity.
Do I need to be in the UAE during setup?+
For most setups, no. Many steps can be done remotely. Emirates ID biometrics and bank visits require a short visit.
Can I have 100% foreign ownership?+
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities and is standard across all UAE free zones.
What ongoing costs should I budget for?+
Annual trade licence renewal, office/flexi-desk fee, immigration card renewal, and visa renewals (every 2–3 years).
Do you help with bank account opening?+
Yes — we introduce you to UAE banks and EMI providers and assist with KYC documentation. Final approval rests with the bank.
Ready to start your UAE journey?
Speak with a consultant. No obligation. We respond within 1 business day.