Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Most popular option for trading, manufacturing, and service-oriented businesses. Owned by one or more shareholders with limited personal liability.
Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
Start Your Business in Dubai Mainland
Establish your company with 100% foreign ownership, complete trading freedom, and access to the entire UAE market. Expert guidance from registration to licensing.
100%
Foreign ownership
500+
Businesses established
3+ years
Industry experience
What is Mainland Business Setup in Dubai?
A Mainland Company in Dubai is a business entity registered under the UAE's Department of Economic Development (DED) that allows companies to operate both within the UAE and globally.
Dubai's mainland business setup is not just a tax-friendly jurisdiction but also offers complete freedom for businesses to trade, recruit, and establish their headquarters without restrictions on location.
At SetupGulf Business Setup, we specialize in streamlining the process of business setup in Dubai mainland to ensure a hassle-free experience from registration to licensing. Our team of experienced consultants, legal experts, and PRO executives is here to guide you every step of the way.
- 100% foreign ownership in most business activities
- No local sponsor required for eligible sectors
- Complete freedom to trade anywhere in the UAE
- Access to both local and international markets
Company Structures
Types of Company Structures for Dubai Mainland
Choose the right business structure based on your operations, shareholders, and ownership model.
Sole Proprietorship
Owned and operated by a single individual. Ideal for professionals and consultants who want full control over their business.
Civil Company
100% owned by professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants. Best for professional consultancy services.
Branch of Foreign Company
A subsidiary of a foreign company operating in Dubai. 100% foreign ownership allowed with parent company liability.
Business Activities
Popular Business Activities for Dubai Mainland
Wide range of business activities allowed under mainland company formation.
Trading
Import, export, wholesale, retail, and distribution of products and services
Manufacturing
Production of goods, assembly of components, and processing of raw materials
Consulting
Management, engineering, legal, financial, and IT consulting services
Creative Services
Architectural, interior design, graphic design, and software development
Hospitality
Hotels, restaurants, cafes, tourism activities, and event management
Professional Services
Healthcare, real estate, media, advertising, financial and educational services
License Types
Types of Mainland Licenses in Dubai
The type of license depends on the nature of your business activities.
Commercial License
For trading activities such as buying/selling goods, importing/exporting, or operating general trading businesses.
Professional License
For businesses providing professional services like IT, marketing consultancy, legal firms, and engineering services.
Industrial License
For manufacturing or industrial activities requiring machinery and labour to produce goods.
Tourism License
For businesses in the tourism sector including travel agencies, tour operators, and hotels.
Benefits of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
Choosing a company setup in Dubai mainland provides numerous strategic and operational advantages.
Dubai mainland offers unparalleled business advantages including world-class infrastructure, 100% ownership in key sectors, and unrestricted flexibility to scale your operations.
Operating in both local and international markets simultaneously gives you access to a global pool of talented professionals and major financial institutions.
- World-class infrastructure for every aspect of your business
- 100% ownership in key sectors without local sponsor
- Unrestricted flexibility to scale up or down as needed
- Stable business climate and regulatory framework
- Operate in both local and international markets
- Easy business dealings through conferences and trade expos
- Major banks and audit services to fuel your growth
- Freedom to choose your office location
- Access to global pool of talented professionals
Formation Process
Key Steps for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
A streamlined process with the right guidance ensures your company is established smoothly and successfully.
1
Step 1
Choose Your Business Activity
Determine the type of business you want to run - trading, consulting, manufacturing, e-commerce, or other activity. This influences your license type.
2
Step 2
Secure a Trade Name
Pick a unique trade name that complies with UAE regulations. Check availability through DED or UAE Ministry of Economy.
3
Step 3
Apply for Initial Approval
Submit your application to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for initial approval to proceed.
4
Step 4
Secure Office Space
Find a physical office location that meets your business requirements and submit the lease agreement to DED.
5
Step 5
Submit Documents & Apply for License
Submit all required documents including trade name certificate, MOA, initial approval, and office lease to DED.
6
Step 6
Obtain Additional Approvals
Get additional approvals from relevant authorities if required for healthcare, education, finance, or other regulated sectors.
7
Step 7
Open Corporate Bank Account
With your business license, open a corporate bank account with local or international banks in Dubai.
8
Step 8
Apply for Visas
Apply for investor and employee visas with no restrictions. Sponsor visas for employees and families based on office size.
Required Documentation
Documents Required for Mainland Company Formation
Having the right documents ready is critical for successful business establishment.
Passport copies of all shareholders
Visa copy of shareholders (if UAE residents)
Passport-size photographs of shareholders and directors
Proof of residence (utility bill or bank statement)
Memorandum of Association (MOA) if applicable
Trade name approval from DED
Initial approval certificate for business activities
Ejari registration (certified tenancy contract)
Our Services
Our Mainland Company Formation Services
Comprehensive end-to-end services for smooth business establishment in Dubai.
Trade Licence Issuance
Facilitate trade license issuance from DED, Chamber of Commerce registration, and lease agreements.
Government Processing
Handle all government processes including labor card, immigration, and establishment card processing.
PRO Services
Expert PRO services for all visa processing - investor and employment visas, medical, stamping, and renewals.
Legal Documentation
Typing services for MOA, translation of legal documents, Dubai Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice notary procedures.
Company Incorporation & Renewal
Smooth company incorporation, license renewal in Dubai, and efficient company liquidation processes.
Bank Account Opening
Assist in opening commercial accounts with leading banks in Dubai for seamless financial operations.
Investment Overview
Cost of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
Transparent pricing with customized packages to meet your specific business requirements.
AED 13,000
Starting from
Basic company formation package
AED 45,000
Premium packages
Includes multiple visas and services
24 hours
Response time
Get tailored quote within 1 day
Plan Your Dubai Market Entry with SetupGulf
Contact our expert team for personalized guidance on your mainland business setup
Get Your Custom Dubai Mainland Proposal
Share your business requirements and we'll provide a tailored quote with pricing and timelines within one business day.
Contact Information
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dubai mainland company formation answered by our experts.
Mainland company formation in Dubai refers to the process of setting up a business that is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED). It allows companies to operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
Yes, foreign investors can have 100% ownership of a mainland company in Dubai for most business activities. This provides complete control over the business without requiring a local sponsor in eligible sectors.
A mainland license in the UAE is an official permit issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), enabling businesses to operate legally within the local UAE market and beyond. Different types include commercial, professional, and industrial licenses.
100% foreign ownership, access to the entire UAE market, opportunity for international trade, stable and diversified economy, favorable tax regime, world-class infrastructure, and no restrictions on office location.
Yes, mainland companies are required to have physical office space in Dubai. SetupGulf can help you find the right office solution and handle the lease agreements to meet the DED's requirements.
Passport copies of shareholders and directors, visa copies (if applicable), proof of address, business plan, proposed company name, activity license application, Ejari registration (tenancy contract), and initial capital deposit if required.
Yes, you can obtain visas for yourself and your employees through your mainland company. Mainland companies have no visa restrictions, allowing you to sponsor visas for employees and their families based on your office size.
Yes, mainland companies can trade freely anywhere within the United Arab Emirates. This gives them access to the entire domestic market and allows them to establish a strong local presence, tender for government contracts, and open retail locations.
The cost typically ranges from AED 13,000 to AED 45,000, depending on factors such as business activities, office space requirements, number of visas, and other legal considerations. SetupGulf provides customized packages to meet your specific needs.
The entire process typically takes 2-3 weeks when all documents are ready. This includes trade name approval, initial approval from DED, license issuance, office lease registration, and visa processing.
For most business activities, a local sponsor is no longer required thanks to recent reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership. However, for certain strategic sectors, a local service agent may still be required to assist with government liaison.
With 3+ years of experience and over 500+ businesses successfully set up, SetupGulf offers dedicated business consultants, hassle-free PRO services, affordable packages, expert guidance, excellent customer support, and strong local presence and network.
Ready to launch your Dubai mainland business?
Get Started with SetupGulf Today
We simplify the entire process—from documentation to licensing and beyond. Contact us for a free consultation and let's bring your business vision to life.