The establishment of a mainland company in Dubai is a business decision that foreign investors in the world should make. It is approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and allows you to conduct local as well as international business with 100 % foreign ownership (no local sponsor required in most of the sectors). No matter what business you are going to put up, retail store, consultancy or large scale company, the structure of the business in the Dubai mainland is allowing you 100% access to the market, area of further development.
Key Benefits:
✅ 100% ownership in most sectors
✅ 0% corporate tax for eligible businesses
✅ Fast license processing (5-7 working days)
✅ Unrestricted UAE market access (unlike free zones)
A business setup in Dubai mainland allows many legal activities. You can choose from several business types. Here are some common options:
Import, export, sell, or buy goods.
Market products or services across the UAE.
Choose another country and represent its company.
Work on raw materials and turn them into products.
Offer help in law, finance, engineering, or business advice.
When you plan a business setup in Dubai mainland, you must choose the right type of company. Like company setup in Dubai mainland. Here are the main types of mainland company formation in Dubai:
For individuals who want full control and work alone.
Best for professionals like doctors or engineers working in a group.
A popular choice for shared ownership and low risk.
Used by foreign firms to study the market without doing direct sales.
Business setup cost in Dubai depends on location, type of work, visas, and office space. Like Freezone, Mainland, or Offshore). On average, Freezone company formation can start from AED 6,000, while Mainland setups may range from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 or more. The cost varies as well depending on the trade license type, approvals and applications for visas. Some packages will include license, visa, and an office address in the one fee.
The cost depends on your business type and setup. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Permission to use a trade name: AED 1,000 - 4,000
DED initial approval: AED 200 - AED 500
Other government fees: Varies
Visa costs
Bank account setup
Local sponsor fee (if needed)
Legal paperwork
Follow these steps for a smooth mainland business setup in Dubai:
Choose what your business will do. This decides your license type.
Choose from LLC, Sole Proprietorship, or other types based on your needs.
Choose the name that has not been used by another business and register it through the DED.
Submit your details to the DED and get a No Objection Certificate.
Lease an office and register your tenancy with Ejari.
Draft and sign the MoA or a service agent agreement.
Yes! With 100 percent foreign ownership permitted in most industries, smooth processes, no taxes (of most businesses), and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Dubai has it all! Most of the investors avail document clearing services in order to have their licenses and approvals quicker.
- No corporate/personal income tax
- Fast registration & global market access
- Mainland or free zone options
Ideal for entrepreneurs and foreign companies expanding to the UAE.
Setting up a business in Dubai can be affordable or premium, depending on your choices. It can cost depending on what license you have. Also how many employees you have. Whether you need a visa or not, and your business activity.
- Trade name & initial approvals: AED 800 – AED 1,200
- Government and legal paperwork: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000
- Visa and immigration fees (if needed): AED 3,000+
- Local service agent fee (for specific licenses)
- Corporate bank account setup
- Additional permits (if your activity requires it)
AED 20,000 to AED 35,000 for most startups in the mainland.
One of the most widely chosen setups for a mainland business in Dubai is the Limited Liability Company (LLC). This option suits many types of businesses, including trading, manufacturing, and services.
An LLC allows one or more partners to share ownership. Each person’s liability is limited to their share in the company.
The most common choice for a mainland business setup in Dubai is the Limited Liability Company LLC. It’s a great choice for people looking to trade, offer services, or run a manufacturing business.
An LLC is flexible and safe. It can have one or more owners, and each owner’s risk is limited to their share in the business. This makes it a smart option for many investors. You can operate freely across the UAE, including in the Abu Dhabi mainland. Also, in some cases, even own the company fully as a foreign investor.
Choosing a company setup in Dubai mainland provides numerous advantages, including:
World-class infrastructure for every aspect of your business
100% ownership in key sectors
Unrestricted flexibility to scale up or down as needed
Stable business climate and regulatory framework
Operate in both local and international markets simultaneously
Easy business dealings through international conferences and trade expos
Major banks and audit services to fuel your growth
Freedom to choose your office location
Access to a global pool of talented professionals
Starting a business can be confusing. But with PureDocs, it becomes easy. We guide you step-by-step, so you don’t feel lost or overwhelmed. From the first form to final approval, we’ve got your back.
Businesses Formed
Industry Leaders From
Award Wining
To start your business in Dubai mainland, you need two basic documents:
Passport Copies
Each shareholder must give a clear copy of their passport. This helps with ID checks.
UAE Visa (if living in Dubai)
If a shareholder resides in the UAE, please include a copy of their valid visa as proof of legal residency.
Here are the tips for the business setting up process:
Pick what you want to do - trade , sell, or offer services.
Think of a name for your business. Make sure it’s not taken.
Send your basic info to the DED to get the go-ahead.
Collect all papers - passport, visa, office address, etc.
Submit your application to the DED.
Once approved, you’re ready to start!
When applying for a Dubai mainland license, you can choose from two main types. Each one fits a different kind of business activity.
Commercial License This is the most widely provided mainland trade license in Dubai.
Professional License This license is made for service providers. It suits IT services, legal advice, consultants, engineers, and similar fields.
+971501154886
+97148843055