Setting up a business in Dubai is now faster than ever. The Dubai Mainland Instant License allows entrepreneurs to start a company within one day even without office space during the first year. This makes it one of the easiest and fastest ways to enter the UAE market.
This guide explains everything in clear, simple steps so you can understand how it works and what you need.
Table of Contents
1. What Is a Dubai Mainland Instant License?
A Dubai Mainland Instant License is a fast-track business license issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It allows you to start your company immediately, even if you don’t have an office ready yet.
You can begin operations, sign contracts, hire staff, and open a bank account after receiving the license.
2. Who Can Apply for the Instant License?
The license is suitable for:
1. First-time entrepreneurs
2. Freelancers and small business owners
3. Investors living inside or outside the UAE
4. Businesses that want to start operations quickly
5. Companies that don’t need a physical office in the first year
There is no education requirement to apply. Anyone above 18 years old can start the process.
3. Key Benefits of the Instant License
- One-day approval – complete setup within 24 hours
- No office required for the first year
- Start operating immediately
- Up to 4 business activities allowed
- Full access to the UAE mainland market
- Hire employees after the license is issued
- Foreigners can own 100% (for allowed activities)
This license is ideal for people who want a quick and easy start.
4. Types of Businesses Allowed
You can get an Instant License for many activities, including:
- Consultancy
- Marketing services
- E-commerce
- Technical services
- Trading activities
- General services
- Management services
Regulated Activities – Need Extra Approvals
Some business activities fall under regulated categories, such as legal advisory, medical services, engineering, real estate brokerage, financial services, and education-related activities.
These activities may require additional approvals from external authorities (for example: Dubai Municipality, KHDA, DHA, RERA, etc.).
Once these approvals are completed, you can proceed with the Instant License.
5. Documents Required
You only need a few basic documents:
- Passport copy of all shareholders
- UAE residence visa copy (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
- Proposed business name
- Contact details and address
No tenancy contract (Ejari) is needed during the first year.
6. Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Choose your business activities
Select up to 4 activities allowed under the Instant License.
Step 2: Pick a trade name
Choose a name that follows Dubai’s naming rules.
Step 3: Submit your documents
Upload basic documents to DET’s system.
Step 4: Make the final submission
Confirm all shareholder details.
Step 5: Receive your license
The license is issued within a few hours.
Step 6: Apply for immigration and labour files
After the license, you can open your labour and immigration files.
Step 7: Open a corporate bank account
Banks will accept your license and shareholder documents.
7. Validity, Renewals & Office Space Rules
- The license is valid for 1 year.
- No office is required in the first year.
- From the second year, you must add a tenancy contract (Ejari).
- Renewal is simple and can be done online.
7. Rights & Protections for Domestic Workers
UAE law ensures:
- Worker keeps their passport
- No recruitment fee charged to workers
- Right to a safe working environment
- Right to fair wages
- Legal protection in case of disputes
8. Salary Guidelines
Salary varies based on:
- Nationality
- Experience
- Skills
- Embassy regulations
Employers must follow the minimum salary rules set by the worker’s home country and UAE regulations.
9. Visa Cost Factors
The final cost depends on:
- Tadbeer service package
- Worker’s nationality
- Insurance category
- Number of years on the visa
- Additional approvals (if needed)
- Medical test and Emirates ID steps
