Business setup in Mainland
Business Setup in dubai Mainland empowers investors with full control over their enterprises. Securing a Dubai mainland company license through the Department of Economic Development (DED) and UAE Ministry of Economy unlocks 100% foreign ownership, profit repatriation, and government contract eligibility with DHA and KHDA. Unlike free-zone entities, a mainland company formation allows unrestricted trade across the UAE and international markets. Transparent regulations and streamlined DED approval processes make incorporation efficient. Key entities like the Dubai Chamber and FTA reinforce trust. Optimize your venture with PRO services, Ejari tenancy contracts, and trade name reservations.
How to Setup a Company in Mainland?
Key Benefits of business setup dubai mainland
Gain complete control of your company under the UAE Commercial Companies Law. The updated regulations allow for 100% foreign ownership in most mainland business activities without needing a local sponsor. This structure supports robust business autonomy and decision-making, making it ideal for international entrepreneurs.
Choose any Dubai zone for your office setup Business Bay, Deira, or JLT to suit your operational needs. Register your tenancy contract through Ejari registration to secure investor visas. This flexibility enhances your business presence and accessibility in prime commercial areas.
Operate your business across the UAE and internationally without restrictions typically associated with free zones. Sell goods and services globally, leveraging mainland’s unrestricted access to both local and foreign markets.
Mainland companies can tender for lucrative DED, DHA, KHDA, and Dubai Municipality projects. Access to these contracts can significantly enhance revenue opportunities and market credibility. Secure your company’s financial growth by participating in public sector tenders.
Business Activities for mainland company formation in dubai
Types of legal forms in Dubai Mainland
Limited liability Company for single owners
Civil partnership company
Limited Liability Company
Branch setup
Represntative office
Essential Documents for Business Setup In Mainland
Passport Copies
A clear copy of the passport is required for all business activities.
Visa Copy
The type of visa required varies depending on the business activity:
- 2.1 UAE Residence Visa: For this type of visa, an NOC (No Objection Certificate) form is required from the current person.
- 2.2 Tourist Visa: For this type of visa, a copy of the visit visa is required.
- 2.3 Cancel Visa: For this type of visa, a copy of the canceled visa is required.
- 2.4 On Arrival Visa: This type of visa is for British people, such as those from the USA, UK, and other countries. A copy of the on-arrival visit visa is required.
- 2.5 Golden Visa: For this type of visa, no NOC is required. Only a copy of the Golden Visa is required.
Essential And Additional Doocuments
- 3.1 Business Plan:
A business plan is not mandatory for some business activities, but it is required for certain activities, such as Ministry of Health and KHDA “Dubai Health Authority” to set up any pharmacy, institute, or other related activities. - 3.2 Goods Standard Certificate, Resume, Personal Profile, and Education Certificate:
These documents may be required for certain business activities.- Military trade (Good Standing Certificate and Education Certificate)
- Education institute setup (Resume and Education Certificate)
- Chemical activity (Goods Standard Certificate and Personal Profile)
- Sports academy setup (Resume and Personal Profile)
- Military trade (Good Standing Certificate and Education Certificate)
Proposed Company Name
- A unique company name is required as per the company government guidelines.
- The proposed company name should be checked for availability and approved by the relevant authorities.
Cost of business setup in mainland
Business Setup In Mainland Services include:
DED PRO assistance for streamlined business setup, including ICA document attestation, visa stamping, and government liaison. Efficient handling of DED e-services ensures quick approvals and compliance with UAE regulations.
Apply for your mainland trade licence through the DED portal, ensuring your business activity aligns with the NAICS classification as mandated by the UAE Ministry of Economy. Comprehensive guidance for choosing the appropriate licence type (commercial, professional, or industrial).
Our experts assist in obtaining the official DED trade licence, handling documentation and compliance, including business activity verification, licence fee calculation, and processing through DED e-services.
Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA), ensuring adherence to the UAE Commercial Companies Law. Secure notarization, shareholder agreements, and legal compliance with DED requirements for company formation.
Annual DED licence renewal, activity amendments, and Ejari lease registration for maintaining investor visa quota. Ensures uninterrupted business operations by complying with UAE Commercial Companies Law
Corporate bank account setup with leading UAE banks like Emirates NBD, ADCB, and Mashreq. Assistance with AML/KYC compliance to meet UAE banking regulations.
Register with FTA for UAE Corporate Tax compliance, CIT filings, and Ministry of Finance reporting. Ensure proper documentation and adherence to the new corporate tax regime.
FTA-compliant VAT registration, invoicing setup, and quarterly VAT return filing. Support for maintaining accurate financial records and meeting statutory obligations.
DED deregistration, debt settlement, clearance certificates, and ICA approvals for orderly company dissolution. Complete compliance with UAE company closure protocols.
IFRS compliant financial statements, VAT return preparation, audit ready documentation, and FTA liaison for maintaining financial accuracy and compliance. Ensures businesses meet UAE’s tax and financial reporting standards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business setup In Mainland
Start by selecting a DED-approved activity (wholesale, IT services, F&B) and choosing your legal structure under the UAE Commercial Companies Law. Reserve your trade name via the DED portal, then submit your trade license application with a notarized Memorandum of Association (MOA), ICA-attested passport/visa copies, and Ejari tenancy contract. Once the Dubai mainland trade licence is issued, finalize PRO services to handle visa stamping and government liaison.
Mainland business Setup Owners can opt for an LLC (Limited Liability Company), Sole Establishment, Civil Company, or Branch Office. Each falls under the Department of Economic Development (DED) and has distinct shareholding, liability, and VAT registration requirements with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
Under the recent UAE Commercial Companies Law, you can obtain 100% foreign ownership in most mainland activities—no local sponsor required. However, certain professional licences may still mandate a local service agent to comply with DED regulations.
Typical turnaround is 5–10 working days if all documents (MOA, Ejari lease, ICA-attested passport/visa copies) are ready. Complex activities regulated by DHA or KHDA (health, education) may extend processing by an additional 3–5 days.
Visa quota depends on your Ejari-registered office space:
Flexi-desk: 1–3 visas
Small office: 3–5 visas
Commercial showroom: 5+ visas
Additional visas require higher office square footage, per DED and ICA guidelines.
Yes—an Ejari tenancy contract is required for visa quotas and licence activation. You can choose a flexi-desk, private office, or commercial showroom in any approved Dubai zone (Business Bay, Deira, JLT).
ICA-attested passport copies
Valid residence visa/entry permit copies
Detailed business plan (for DHA/KHDA-regulated activities)
Goods Standard & Good Standing certificates (if applicable)
DED trade name approval certificate
Notarized MOA and Ejari contract for visa registration
