Start Your Mainland Business in the UAE — Trade License Setup Made Clear
End-to-end support for obtaining a mainland trade license in Dubai, Ajman and across the UAE. We guide you through activity selection, approvals, documentation and coordination with local authorities to help launch your business with confidence.
Overview
AL SAHRAA helps entrepreneurs and companies set up a mainland trade license across the UAE with clear, practical guidance. We assess suitable business activities, advise on legal forms and help reserve company names to meet local requirements. We coordinate initial approvals with relevant government departments, prepare and review application documents, and assist with MOA/AOA drafting coordination (non-legal). Our process minimizes common delays by checking submission requirements specific to Dubai and Ajman. After approvals, we support license issuance steps including tenancy and local sponsorship arrangements when required, and explain ongoing compliance basics such as renewals and amendments. Our goal is to make the setup process transparent and efficient so you can focus on building your business.
What to prepare
- Passport copies of shareholders and manager(s)
- UAE residence visa copy (if applicable)
- Proposed company name and activity list
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsor (if applicable)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or proof of physical office for mainland licensing
- Shareholders’ proof of address and latest CVs
- Power of Attorney (if using a representative)
How the process works
- Initial consultation: discuss business activity, ownership structure and location (Dubai or Ajman)
- Company name reservation and activity classification guidance
- Prepare and submit required documents and initial approvals to the relevant mainland authority
- Coordinate MOA/AOA drafting (non-legal) and tenancy sponsorship arrangements if needed
- Final submission and follow-up until trade license issuance; explain next steps for compliance and renewals
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?
Timelines vary by activity and authority; typical processing is several days to a few weeks once all documents and approvals are in place. Specific timing depends on Dubai or Ajman requirements and any sector approvals needed.
Can I be the sole owner of a mainland company in the UAE?
Ownership depends on the legal form and sector. Some activities allow full foreign ownership under recent UAE reforms, while others may require a local service agent or sponsor. We advise based on your intended activity and structure.
Do I need a physical office to obtain a mainland trade license?
Most mainland licenses require a physical office or a flexi-desk arrangement documented by an Ejari tenancy contract or approved office agreement. Requirements differ by jurisdiction and activity.
What approvals might be required besides the trade license?
Certain activities need sector-specific approvals (healthcare, education, professional services, etc.). We identify required clearances during the initial review and coordinate submissions where possible.
Can you help with MOA/AOA drafting and legal review?
We coordinate MOA/AOA drafting as a non-legal service to ensure documents meet authority requirements. For legal review or advice, we recommend engaging a qualified corporate lawyer and can connect you with partners.
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