Dubai DET (Mainland) Business Licence – 2025 Guide
Entrepreneurs planning to trade on Dubai’s mainland in 2025 will almost certainly find themselves dealing with the Department of Economy & Tourism (DET), the authority that issues commercial licences outside the free zones. While paperwork is lighter than before, confusion around categories, fees, and new portals still delays many launches. This guide consolidates the latest DET rules, costs, and processing times so you can budget accurately and get to market faster. At Arabian Business Center, we assist entrepreneurs in navigating DET requirements with ease.Arabian Business Center makes it simple to access DET Sheikh Zayed Road services with expert guidance for your business needs
What Exactly Is a DET Business Licence?
A DET (formerly DED) business licence is the legal document that allows a company to operate in Dubai’s non-free-zone territory. The permit records your registered trade name, activity group, legal structure, and licence number. Without it, you cannot sign leases, invoice customers, or obtain employee visas on the mainland.We specialize in providing comprehensive DET services in Dubai, from trade license issuance to seamless business setup support
DET licence families
| Licence Family | Typical Activities | Foreign Ownership * |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Trading, retail, general trading, e-commerce | Up to 100% (subject to negative list) |
| Professional | Consultancy, IT services, design, training | 100% possible; UAE service agent required in some cases |
| Industrial | Manufacturing, packaging, processing | 100% possible; local agent for customs |
| Tourism | Travel agency, tour operator, events | 100% foreign allowed with tour guide certificates |
| Agriculture / Fisheries | Hydroponics, aquaculture, farm management | Approval from Ministry of Climate Change & Environment |
*As of Cabinet Decision (16) of 2020 and subsequent DET circulars, most mainland activities can be wholly foreign-owned. Some strategic activities still require a UAE national shareholder.
Why Choose a DET Licence Over a Free-Zone Licence?
- Direct access to the UAE market – sell to mainland customers without a distributor.
- Fewer visa restrictions – employee quota is linked to office size, not a free-zone cap.
- Government tenders — many Dubai contracts require a mainland trade licence.
- Physical retail freedom – rent shops or warehouses anywhere in Dubai.
- Competitive fees for 2025 – DET reduced Innovation & Knowledge Fees for small businesses.
Core Requirements (2025 Edition)
- At least one shareholder (individual or corporate)
- UAE-approved trade name (Arabic and English)
- Valid lease or Ejari for office/shop (virtual offices not accepted)
- Initial approval from DET Smart Desk
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) notarised in Arabic
- Share capital declaration (no minimum for most activities)
- For regulated sectors: external approvals (DHA, KHDA, SCA, etc.)
Document Checklist
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- NOC from current sponsor (for residents)
- Proposed business plan (industrial & tourism only)
- Attested corporate documents if a foreign company is a shareholder
DET Fee Breakdown – Standard Commercial Licence (Single Activity)
| Cost Component | AED (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Trade Name Reservation | 620 |
| Initial Approval | 120 |
| Market Fee (2.5% of annual rent) | Variable |
| Innovation Fee | 300 |
| Knowledge Fee | 10 |
| Licence Issuance | 600 |
| Dubai Chamber Membership | 1,200 |
| Corporate Service Charge (Government) | 3,000 |
| Estimated Total (excluding rent) | ≈ 5,850 + Market Fee |
For multi-activity or industrial licences, add: Additional Activity Fee (AED 100 per extra activity). Industrial clearance: AED 1,000–3,000 depending on facility size.
Hidden Costs to Watch
Examples
- Office rent: minimum nine-month Ejari contract is mandatory.
- Foreign name add-on: AED 2,000 if your trade name is not Arabic.
- UBO attestation: AED 750 if shareholders are corporate entities.
Payments & Portal
DET updated its eService portal in February 2025 -payments can now be made by corporate card or direct debit. Cash counters are being phased out.
Application Timeline: From Idea to Licence
| Step | Action | Working Days * |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trade name search & reservation | 0–1 |
| 2 | Initial approval request | 1 |
| 3 | MOA drafting & notarisation | 1–2 |
| 4 | Lease signing & Ejari registration | 1 |
| 5 | Final submission & payment | 1 |
| 6 | Licence issuance | Same day |
| Total: 4–6 days (calendar days if using smart services and pre-prepared documents) | ||
During Ramadan or major public holidays, DET counters often work reduced hours. Build a 2-day buffer if your launch falls in April or December.
Renewal & Compliance
- Annual renewal fee equals Licence Issuance + Market Fee.
- File Economic Substance and UBO returns within 90 days of licence anniversary.
- VAT registration required if turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
- Late renewal fine: AED 200 per month (after 30-day grace period).
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
- Incorrect activity selection – match the exact HS/customs code.
- Short Ejari term – insist on at least nine months.
- Unattested foreign documents – legalise through the relevant UAE embassy.
- Delayed name objection – perform a trademark search before finalising a trade name.
DET vs eTrader Licence
The eTrader permit (issued by DET) costs AED 1,070 and lets home-based sellers trade online. It does not allow you to rent an office or warehouse, does not support employee visas, and restricts sales to the UAE only. For brick-and-mortar retail, staff, or overseas clients, the full DET licence is recommended.
How Arabian Business Center Accelerates Your Licence
Arabian Business Center is an authorised DET partner with on-premise Smart Desk accreditation. Key advantages include:
- Account manager who vets your activity list and draft MOA
- Real-time application tracking via our online dashboard
- 24/7 support for overseas shareholders
- Bundled PRO service to secure Emirates ID and residence visas
Our average DET processing time in 2024–25 is 3.8 working days, compared with the market average of 7–10.
