Arnifi

Arni AI

Arnifi HR

What do you want to start?

Company

Global business incorporation

Fund

Alternative investment structuring

Explore Countries

UAE

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saudi Arabia

British Virgin Islands

Cayman Island

Singapore

Mauritius

Ireland

Malaysia

Cyprus

Puerto Rico

Hong Kong

Popular locations

Guernsey

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

UAE

Saudi Arabia

British Virgin Islands

Cayman Island

Singapore

Mauritius

Cyprus

Hong Kong

Ireland

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Puerto Rico

United Kingdom

What services do you need?

Post- Setup Compliance

Hassle-free compliance solutions

Attestation

Seamless document verification

Legal Services

Trusted partner in law & compliance

Liquidation

Simplified liquidation process

Will Drafting Services

New

Secure your Legacy with Expert Wills

Visa Services

Popular

Smooth & reliable visa assistance

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Simplified financial management

Product Registration & Certification

Simplified registration process

Banking Services

New

Simplified banking solutions

Smart Business Tools

Arni Organogram

Smart Org Tool

Visualise company structure instantly

Arni Cost Calculator

Calculate the cost of company setup

Arni Assistant

AI powered

Smart AI Assistant for seamless setup

Arni AML Checker

New

Instant sanctions screening

Arni Docs

Get expert-quality agreements

Pricing Master List

New

Explore Transparent Service Pricing

Latest from Arnifi

Blogs

Insights for smarter business growth

Business Guides

Practical guides for every product

Events

Latest from Arnifi Events

Press Releases

Top media coverage on Arnifi

Careers

We’re Hiring!

Explore open roles and join us

Case Studies

New

How businesses succeed with Arnifi

Blogs

Step-by-step guides and essential tips for setting up your business.

Start your Business

Locations

Services

Tools

Partner

Resources

Contact

Blogs

article

SPV vs Holding Company in UAE | Which Structure Offers Better Asset Protection?

1 Aug 2026 | 7 minutes read.

article

Steps to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Dubai, UAE

30 Jul 2026 | 6 minutes read.

article

DUNS Number in Dubai | How to Apply, Verify, and Understand the Costs

22 Jun 2026 | 5 minutes read.

article

RAKEZ vs Mainland UAE | Which is Better for Your Tax Position?

12 Jun 2026 | 6 minutes read.

article

Import and Re-Export from UAE Designated Free Zones | How VAT and Corporate Tax Work Together

11 Jun 2026 | 6 minutes read.

View all

Dubai Mainland

Dubai - Mainland License (Standard Professional Activity)

UAE

1831 activities available in Dubai Mainland

Mainland License

Professional Setup

DET Registration

UAE Incorporation

Service License

Mainland License

Professional Setup

DET Registration

UAE Incorporation

Service License

Introduction

A Dubai Mainland License (Standard Professional Activity) is one that enables the provision of servi
... Read more

Introduction

A Dubai Mainland License (Standard Professional Activity) is one that enables the provision of services and consultations to operate in the UAE local
... Read more

Guides & Resources

Get your Compliance Calendar

View Compliance calendar

Access ready-madeCompliance Checklists

View Checklist

Select Business activity

All

Highlights & benefits

Full Ownership

Enjoy 100% foreign business ownership for standard professional activities.

Market Access

Operate freely across the UAE mainland and take on government contracts.

Physical Presence

Requires a valid tenancy contract (Ejari) for office or desk space

Visa Eligibility

Sponsor multiple investor and employee residency visas easily.

Capital Protection

Benefit from tax efficiency and 100% repatriation of profits and capital.

Documents from the Authority

Business setup m...

Business setup r...

Business setup c...

PROCESS FLOW

Business Activity Selection (Immediate)

Identify the most suitable professional activity based on your services and commercial goals

Trade Name Reservation (Same Day)

Reserve the proposed company name with the relevant mainland authority

Initial Approval Application (1~2 Days)

Submit shareholder details and obtain preliminary approval to proceed with setup

Legal Document Preparation (1~2 Days)

Prepare incorporation documents, shareholder records, and license application forms

Office & Address Registration (1~3 Days)

Arrange office lease or address requirements based on the selected setup model

License Issuance (3~5 Working Days)

Receive the trade license and official company formation documents after approval

Post-Setup Support (As Needed)

Proceed with bank account support, visa processing, tax registration, and compliance setup

FAQs

What are the main steps to get a mainland license?

Apply via Invest in Dubai or DED. Steps include name reservation, initial approval, MOA signing, Ejari lease, and license issuance.

How long does license issuance take?

It typically takes 3 to 5 business days, depending on your company structure and selected business activities.

Is physical presence required in the UAE?

Required only if shareholders lack a UAE Visa/EID. Otherwise, MOA signing can be completed online via notary.

Do we need an office space in the UAE?

Yes, all Dubai mainland companies must maintain a registered physical office space or virtual desk agreement with Ejari.

Terms & Conditions

Arnifi does not guarantee approval of any license, visa, or registration; decisions rest solely with the relevant Authority.
Professional fees are non-refundable once services commence; government and third‑party fees are non‑refundable once paid.
The Client is solely responsible for the accuracy, genuineness, and legality of all documents and information provided.

Country Overview

UAE