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Mainland Business Setup in Dubai | Start Your Company Formation in Dubai with Ease

100% Foreign Ownership | Full UAE Market Access | Company Setup in Dubai Mainland Made Simple

Want to do business anywhere in the UAE? Mainland company formation in Dubai gives you complete freedom to trade across all 7 emirates, win government contracts, and access international markets.

At Setupzo, we make Dubai mainland company setup simple, affordable, and fully compliant with UAE laws.


Why Choose Mainland Business Setup in Dubai?

 Trade Freedom Across the UAE with Setupzo

Trade Freedom Across the UAE

Business setup in the Dubai mainland allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE.

Government contract Access with setupzo

Government Contracts Access

Only mainland companies can bid for government projects in Dubai.

 No Office Location limits with our team

No Office Location Limits

Open your office anywhere in Dubai or across the UAE.

Apply for unlimited employee visas as your business grows with setupzo.

Unlimited Visa Quotas

Apply for unlimited employee visas as your business grows.

Dubai mainland company setup allows international trade without barriers. Full access to local and global markets.

Global Business Opportunities

Dubai mainland company setup allows international trade without barriers. Full access to local and global markets.

Recent UAE laws now allow 100% foreign ownership for most business activities in mainland company formation in Dubai.

100% Foreign Ownership

Recent UAE laws now allow 100% foreign ownership for most business activities in mainland company formation in Dubai.

For entrepreneurs who want to scale globally, mainland company formation in Dubai is the most versatile option.

Advantages of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

  • Full access to the UAE and global markets
  • No restrictions on business activities (except regulated industries)
  • Trade directly with UAE residents and companies
  • Eligible for government contracts and tenders
  • Unlimited employee visas (based on office space)
  • Flexible office locations across Dubai and the UAE
  • 100% foreign ownership for most activities
  • Enhanced brand reputation in the local market
  • Access to a local customer base
  • Prime business locations available
  • Corporate tax: 9% above AED 375,000, 0% below

This makes business setup in the Dubai mainland the most powerful option for long-term growth.


Mainland Company Formation in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide

01

Select Jurisdiction & Choose Business Activity

Collect all necessary documents and make sure they are accurate and up-to-date. Choose from 2,000+ permitted activities listed by DED.

02

Document Preparation & Trade License

Obtain a business license according to UAE legal requirements. We handle all paperwork and approvals with DED.

03

Visa Process

Begin the visa process to obtain necessary documentation for legally residing and working in UAE. We manage immigration procedures.

04

Corporate Bank Account

Open a UAE bank account to establish financial credibility and conduct business transactions with local and international partners.

05

Office Space Setup

Secure physical office space with Ejari registration as required for mainland operations. We help find suitable locations.

06

Local Sponsorship

Arrange for UAE national sponsorship if required for your business activity. We connect you with reliable local partners.

07

Final Approvals & Completion

Complete all government approvals and receive your official company establishment certificate. Ready to start operations!

Timeline: 5 to 20 business days for complete mainland company formation in Dubai.


Mainland Business Setup Consultation in Dubai, UAE

Looking to start a mainland company in Dubai? Our experienced consultants provide end-to-end guidance for mainland business setup, licensing, approvals, visas, and compliance. We simplify the process and ensure a smooth, fast, and fully compliant company formation experience.

AED 15,000 to AED 25,000

Average cost for complete mainland setup

Everything Included

Trade License

DED fees & registration

Office Setup

Lease & Ejari registration

Visa Processing

Employee residency visas

Bank Account

Corporate account opening

All Approvals

Initial & final approvals

Full Support

End-to-end assistance

Cost Factors

Business Activity

Different activities have varying license fees

Visa Requirements

Number of employee visas needed

Office Space

Location, size, and facilities

Complete setup typically takes 5-20 business days

Mainland Business Setup Dubai vs Free Zone

Feature Mainland Company Setup in Dubai Free Zone
Market Access UAE + International Limited to Free Zone + Overseas
Office Location Anywhere in the UAE Restricted to the Free Zone area
Visa Eligibility Unlimited (based on office size) Limited (based on package)
Government Contracts Eligible Not Eligible
Ownership Rules 100% foreign ownership allowed 100% foreign ownership allowed
Local Trading Direct trade with UAE residents Need a local distributor

If you want full flexibility and unrestricted growth, mainland company formation in Dubai with Setupzo is the right choice.


Types of Dubai Mainland Company Setup Licenses

Commercial License with setupzo

Commercial License

Import, export, wholesale, retail, distribution, and general trading activities.

Professional License with setupzo

Professional License

Consulting, legal, financial, engineering, IT, marketing, and management services.

Industrial License with setupzo

Industrial License

Manufacturing, production, assembly, and industrial operations.

Tourism License with setupzo

Tourism License

Hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, events, and hospitality services.


Documents Required for Company Setup in Dubai Mainland

Individual Shareholders Passport copies of all shareholders and partnersVisa copies (if applicable Emirates ID copy (for UAE residents), Passport photos, No Objection Certificate (NOC)

Individual Shareholders

  • Passport copies of all shareholders and partners
  • Visa copies (if applicable)
  • Emirates ID copy (for UAE residents)
  • Passport photos
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Trade license or Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MOA), Board resolution for company setup, UBO list.

Corporate Shareholders

  • Trade license or Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Board resolution for company setup
  • UBO list
 Trade name reservation certificate, Initial approval from DED Office, lease agreement (Ejari)

General Documents

  • Trade name reservation certificate
  • Initial approval from DED
  • Office lease agreement (Ejari)

Setupzo ensures all documents are prepared, verified, and submitted correctly for your mainland business setup in Dubai.


Mainland Company Legal Structures in Dubai

Choose the right structure for your business success

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

  • 1-50 shareholders
  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Limited liability protection
  • Trading & services

Sole Proprietorship

  • Single owner setup
  • Professional services
  • Unlimited liability
  • Fastest setup time

Civil Company

  • Professional partnerships
  • Minimum 2 partners
  • Consultancy activities
  • Service-based business

Branch Office

  • Foreign company extension
  • Same business activity
  • 100% ownership
  • Parent company support

How Setupzo Helps with Mainland Business Setup in Dubai

Business Setup Services

  • Business activity & legal structure selection
  • Trade name registration & DED approvals
  • Office space & Ejari assistance
  • Trade license application

Visa & Documentation

  • PRO & government liaison services
  • Visa processing & Emirates ID
  • Corporate bank account opening
  • 24/7 consultancy & compliance support

With years of experience, we ensure your Dubai mainland setup is fast, cost-effective, and 100% compliant.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally, while free zone companies are limited to their zones and overseas markets. Mainland companies can also apply for government contracts.

Yes, 100% foreign ownership is now allowed in most business activities for mainland companies in Dubai.

With proper documentation, the process can take 5–7 working days. At Setupzo, we help expedite the process.

Popular mainland businesses include trading companies, real estate, IT services, consultancies, restaurants, and retail shops.

Setting up a mainland business in Dubai involves choosing a business activity and legal structure, then securing a trade name and initial approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The process also includes acquiring office space, signing a Memorandum of Association, obtaining external approvals if needed, paying fees for the trade license, and finally applying for establishment cards and visas. Recent reforms allow foreign investors to own 100% of mainland companies in most activities.

Steps for Dubai Mainland Business Setup:

  • Choose a Business Activity and Legal Structure
  • Reserve a Trade Name
  • Obtain Initial Approval
  • Secure Office Space
  • Sign the Memorandum of Association (MoA)
  • Get External Approvals
  • Apply for and Receive Your Trade License
  • Obtain Establishment Card and Visas

The cost of registering your limited liability company in Dubai ranges from AED 20,000 to 30,000. However, the costs vary depending on the industry type and services. The investor visa cost is between AED 4,000 to AED 5,500.

In the UAE, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a common structure that offers owners limited liability for business debts, separating personal and business assets.

An LTD (Public Limited Company) is a more formal, publicly traded entity requiring a board of directors, stricter regulations, and often a higher capital investment, making it more suitable for attracting investors and large-scale operations. The primary difference is that LLCs are typically for private, smaller-to-medium enterprises, while LTDs are for larger public entities.