Dubai has become one of the world’s leading business destinations, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and multinational companies alike. Among the many options available, a mainland business setup in Dubai is one of the most popular choices for investors who want full access to the UAE market and international trade opportunities.
At Setupzo, we specialize in making the process of company formation in Dubai mainland simple, affordable, and fully compliant with UAE laws. Whether you are launching a new business setup in Dubai, UAE, or expanding an existing company, we provide end-to-end support to ensure your business is established smoothly and successfully.
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Choosing the mainland for starting up a business in Dubai offers unmatched flexibility and growth potential compared to free zones or offshore setups. Here’s why:
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai involves a few steps. With Setupzo, the process of mainland company formation in Dubai becomes simple and hassle-free:
The first step in forming a company in Dubai is to determine the type of business you wish to operate. The Department of Economic Development (DED) lists over 2,000 permitted activities.
The most common structure is a Limited Liability Company (LLC), but you can also establish a branch office, sole proprietorship, or partnership.
Your trade name should be unique and compliant with UAE naming guidelines. This step is crucial for setting up a business in Dubai, UAE.
Before registering, you need approvals from the DED and sometimes external authorities (depending on your activity).
A physical office lease (Ejari) is required for mainland licenses. At Setupzo, we help you find cost-effective office spaces.
Once all documents are approved, the DED issues your mainland trade license—the official proof of your company’s existence.
At Setupzo, we assist with residency visas, investor visas, and corporate bank account opening, so you can begin operations smoothly.
The cost of mainland business setup in Dubai varies depending on your business activity, the number of visas required, and the office space size.
On average, starting a new company in Dubai, UAE, for a small to medium-sized company can cost between AED 15,000 – AED 25,000 (approximate). At Setupzo, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
When planning your start a company in Dubai, you must decide between the mainland and the free zone.
| Feature | Feature Mainland | 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 (for most activities) | 100% foreign ownership allowed |
If you want full flexibility and unrestricted growth for your company setup in Dubai, a mainland is the right choice.
A mainland company formation in Dubai provides benefits that go beyond just market access:
This makes the mainland the most powerful option for starting a business in Dubai, UAE, with long-term growth potential.
To get started, you’ll need:
At Setupzo, we ensure that your paperwork is handled smoothly, saving you time and effort.
To complete your mainland company formation in Dubai, you’ll need to provide a few essential documents. These may vary depending on your business activity and structure, but generally include:
At Setupzo, we ensure all your documents are prepared, verified, and submitted correctly to avoid delays in your company setup in Dubai mainland.
At Setupzo, we simplify company setup in Dubai mainland by handling the entire process for you:
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
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.