Dubai Setup
Full UAE Market Access

Mainland Company Formation Dubai: Complete Guide

Expert business setup in Dubai mainland services. Trade anywhere in UAE, unlimited visa quota, and 100% foreign ownership. Mainland company setup Dubai from AED 28,750.

Trade anywhere in UAE
Unlimited visas
85% banking success

Benefits

Why Choose Dubai Mainland Business Setup?

Mainland company formation Dubai offers unrestricted access to the UAE market.

Trade Anywhere in UAE

No restrictions. Sell to any customer, business, or government entity across all Emirates.

Unlimited Visa Quota

Get as many visas as your office space allows. Scale your team without restrictions.

Physical Presence

Ideal for retail, restaurants, showrooms, and businesses requiring street presence.

Government Contracts

Only mainland companies can bid on UAE government tenders and projects.

100% Foreign Ownership

Since 2021, most activities allow full foreign ownership. No local sponsor needed.

Higher Banking Success

85% banking approval rate vs 65% for free zones. Banks prefer mainland structure.

License Types

Dubai Mainland Business Licence Types

Choose the right license for your business activities.

Commercial License

Activities: Trading, import/export, retail, wholesale, general trading
Examples: E-commerce store, trading company, retail shop

Professional License

Activities: Consulting, services, freelancing, professional services
Examples: IT consulting, marketing agency, legal services

Industrial License

Activities: Manufacturing, production, assembly, industrial activities
Examples: Food production, furniture manufacturing, packaging

Tourism License

Activities: Travel agency, tour operators, hospitality services
Examples: Travel agency, desert safari company, event management

Process

Mainland Company Setup Process

6-step process for mainland company setup Dubai.

1

Initial Approval

Apply to DED (Department of Economic Development) for initial approval of your trade name and business activities.

2

Legal Structure

Choose your legal form: Sole Establishment, Civil Company, or LLC. We recommend based on your needs and ownership structure.

3

Lease Agreement

Secure office space with Ejari-registered tenancy contract. Physical office required for mainland - no virtual options.

4

MOA Drafting

Memorandum of Association drafted and notarized. We handle all legal documentation.

5

License Issuance

Submit final application to DED. License typically issued within 7-12 working days.

6

Post-License Setup

Immigration card, establishment card, and visa processing. Bank account introduction to our partners.

Costs

Mainland Company Formation Costs

Cost ItemAmount
DED License FeeAED 12,000
Trade Name ReservationAED 620
Initial ApprovalAED 1,200
MOA & NotarizationAED 2,500
Office Lease (min.)AED 8,000/year
Establishment CardAED 1,500
Immigration CardAED 2,930
Total Year 1 (Approx.)AED 28,750+

Costs vary based on activities, office location, and visa requirements. Get a personalized quote below.

Comparison

Mainland vs Free Zone: Quick Comparison

FeatureMainlandFree Zone
UAE TradingUnlimitedWith permit
Setup Time7-12 days3-5 days
Starting CostAED 28,750AED 10,890
Visa QuotaUnlimitedLimited
Physical OfficeRequiredVirtual OK
Banking Success85%65%
Corporate Tax9%0% (QFZP)

Not sure which is right for you?

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FAQs

Mainland Company Formation FAQs