If you’re an expat living in Dubai and thinking about starting a business, the first thing you’ll run into is the need for a DET business license. This is the license issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism for mainland companies. What this really means is that you’re free to do business anywhere in the UAE and beyond, with no geographic limits. The process sounds bigger than it actually is, so let’s break it down and make it practical.
Why Expats Choose a DET License
Expats often look at free zones first, but a DET license gives you a different level of freedom. You can work directly with UAE clients, operate in any emirate, open multiple branches, and tender for government contracts. You’re not tied to a specific zone, and you’re not restricted to office spaces inside one area. For anyone serious about building in the UAE market, this flexibility matters.
Another point is control. Since 2021, most business activities allow 100 percent foreign ownership. That removes the old concern about needing a local partner to hold majority shares. For many expats, that alone makes the DET route worth it.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
Everything starts with selecting your business activity. The DET has hundreds of approved activities covering commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism sectors. Don’t rush this step. Your activity decides your license type, office requirements, visa quota, and even which approvals you’ll need later.
A small mistake here can create complications when opening a bank account or applying for visas. The safer approach is to match your activity with how you’ll actually operate. For example, there’s a difference between general trading, e-commerce trading, and commercial brokerage. They sound similar but they come with different rules.
Step 2: Pick a Legal Structure
The two most common choices for expats are:
LLC (Limited Liability Company)
Best for commercial and trading activities. You can have multiple partners, and ownership can be fully foreign for most activities.
Sole Establishment
Ideal for individuals offering professional services such as consulting, digital marketing, design, or technical services.
Your structure affects your risk, taxation, and documentation. An LLC is usually more flexible for expansion, while a sole establishment is straightforward and cost-effective.
Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name
Dubai takes trade names seriously. You’ll need to choose a name that fits DET guidelines. It can’t reference religious or political terms, and you can’t use abbreviations for your personal name. You’ll also want something easy to brand and easy to search. Once you submit a few options, DET usually confirms availability within minutes.
Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval
Initial approval is the green light from the government saying your business can legally proceed. It does not allow you to operate yet, but it confirms that your activity and structure meet the regulations. For expats, this is often the moment where things start feeling real.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
The paperwork is not complicated, but accuracy matters. The typical documents include:
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Residence visa copy
- No-objection letter from your current sponsor if you’re on an employment visa
- Trade name certificate
- Initial approval certificate
If you have partners, the same documents are needed for them as well.
Step 6: Sign the MOA or Local Service Agreement
Depending on your structure, you’ll sign either a Memorandum of Association (LLC) or a Local Service Agreement (for professional licenses). This step formalizes your company structure and outlines roles and responsibilities.
The good news for expats is that these documents have become very standardized. In most cases, it’s a quick signing process done either at a service center or through verified digital channels.
Step 7: Secure Your Office Space
Every mainland company must have a physical address. The space can be a flexi desk, a shared office, or a private office. Your activity and visa needs usually determine the minimum requirement.
A DET license won’t be issued until your tenancy contract is registered with Ejari. For many expats, a flexi desk or shared workspace is enough to get started and control costs.
Step 8: Make the Final Payment and Receive Your License
After submitting all documents, the final stage is settling the government fees. Once processed, you get your official business license. From that moment, your company legally exists in the UAE mainland.
After You Receive Your License
A lot of expats think the work ends there, but a few more steps follow:
1. Open a corporate bank account
Different banks have their own qualifying criteria. Your activity, revenue model, and nationality influence the approval timeline.
2. Apply for your investor visa
This is the visa linked to your business ownership. You can also request visas for your staff or dependents depending on your quota.
3. Register for corporate tax if required
Most businesses in the UAE fall under the 9 percent corporate tax framework depending on their revenue and activity.
4. Set up accounting and compliance
Even small companies need organized financial records now. It avoids penalties and builds trust with banks and clients.
Getting a DET license as an expat isn’t complicated once you understand the structure and sequence. The key is choosing the right activity, staying compliant with documentation, and planning your setup realistically. Dubai rewards businesses that operate properly, and once your license is active, the path to scaling becomes much clearer.
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