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Abdul Sami3 months ago
Thank you to the team for supporting us with our company setup. Our case was not straightforward, especially the bank account opening, but they stayed committed and got it done.
DED, now DET
Dubai Economic Department (DED), Now DET
15+ years10,000+ engagements4.8 Google, 163+ reviewsISO certified
The quick answer
What is the Dubai Economic Department?
Dubai's mainland business regulator, established in 1992 as the DED and renamed the Department of Economy and Tourism in 2021.
1992Established as the DED
2021Renamed Department of Economy & Tourism
MainlandWhat it licenses, not free zones
The services
Dubai Economic Department services
Most businesses use these
Lifecycle services
- New trade license: commercial, professional, industrial
- Trade name reservation and approval
- Initial approval for your activity
- Trade license renewal, including Auto Renewal
- License amendments: activity, name, ownership
As needed
One-off transactions
- e-Trader license for online businesses
- Partner removal and shareholding changes
- Memorandum of Association and power of attorney
- Trade license cancellation
- Payment vouchers and fine payment
DET and free zones
DET licenses mainland business only. Free zones have their own authorities, and a mainland company deals with a few other bodies too.
| Authority | What they do | When you meet them | Key output |
|---|---|---|---|
| DET / DBLC | Issues mainland trade licenses and keeps the commercial register. | To register and license | Mainland trade license |
| Free zones | Register and license free-zone companies on their own rules. | If you choose a free zone | Free-zone license |
| DM | Approves premises, food, and activity-specific permits. | For regulated activities | Activity approvals |
| MOHRE | Registers labour contracts and staff quotas. | When you hire | Labour approvals |
| GDRFA | Issues entry permits, residence visas, and status changes. | For visas | Residence visas |
- DET / DBLCThe mainland licensing authority and its registration corporation.You meet them:To register and license
- Free zonesDMCC, DIFC, Meydan and others license within their own zones.You meet them:If you choose a free zone
- DMDubai Municipality handles premises and certain activity approvals.You meet them:For regulated activities
- MOHREThe labour ministry handles staff and employment.You meet them:When you hire
- GDRFAImmigration handles visas and residency.You meet them:For visas
The process
How to get a DED trade license
Getting a mainland trade license follows a set order. A regulated activity adds an external-approval stage that extends the timeline.
Reserve your trade name
Check it against the naming rules and reserve it with DET.
Get initial approval
DET confirms it has no objection to your business activity.
- Critical stage
Prepare your documents
Passports, the Memorandum of Association, and a registered Ejari.
Clear external approvals
Regulated activities need sign-off from the relevant authority.
Pay and collect the license
Once approved, the license issues, often within 3 to 5 working days.
Why DMCS
Handling the DED for you
DMCS deals with DET every day: trade names, initial approvals, licensing, renewals, and amendments, all on the mainland. It has advised UAE businesses since 2009, across 10,000+ engagements, and the mainland is its home ground.
Where DED files stall
We clear the trade name and activity codes before they bounce
The common causes of delay at DET are a trade name that conflicts, an activity code that does not match what you do, or an external approval nobody flagged. DMCS checks all three before filing, not after a rejection.
01
The right activity code, first time
The wrong DET activity code is the most common cause of later amendment fees and bank rejections. DMCS confirms your activity before filing, so the license matches what you actually do.
02
Trade name and approvals cleared
DMCS screens your trade name against DET naming rules and identifies any external approvals up front, sequencing them so your file does not stall at initial approval.
03
One desk, past the license
The team that files your license also handles renewals, amendments, and visas, so nothing falls between departments once you are trading.
Get your DED license handled start to finish
Tell DMCS your activity, and it handles the trade name, the initial approval, and the license with DET, on the mainland, from first application to issued license. No obligation, and a clear answer on what your activity needs.
No obligationTransparent pricing, zero hidden fees100% privacy guaranteed
Real results from our clients
What our clients say about working with us
Real Google reviews from founders we have set up and kept compliant on the Dubai mainland.
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Paolo Chua8 months ago
I had a great experience opening a corporate bank account. The process was smooth and efficient. The staff were friendly, professional, and explained everything clearly.
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Amy Elliott Dunne4 months ago
The accounting and bookkeeping service has been exceptional. Attention to detail is impressive, and communication is always clear. Tasks are handled promptly.
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Rashed Al Falasi5 months ago
They confirmed our activity grouping before filing and flagged an issue the bank would have raised. Licensed in under two weeks with no surprises on the invoice.
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Marwa Khalil2 months ago
We came for a mainland LLC and stayed for renewals and PRO work. The same team answers the phone after the license is issued, which is rare here.
FAQ