Company Formation in Dubai Mainland: Guide to Start Business in UAE

7 min read

Dec 27, 2025

Jan 6, 2026

Company Formation in Dubai Mainland: Guide to Start Business in UAE

Are you thinking of expanding your business to Dubai? Company formation in the Dubai Mainland could be the perfect option. Dubai’s strategic location and business-friendly environment make it a top choice for entrepreneurs seeking to further scale their businesses.

When you form a company in Dubai, especially on the mainland, you gain full access to the local market. Unlike other setups, a Dubai Mainland company allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE. You can deal directly with clients and even participate in government contracts.

This blog will help you understand the steps involved and the key benefits of forming a company in the Dubai Mainland. For instance, if you plan to open a consultancy firm, the Dubai Mainland setup is necessary to operate freely within the UAE market.

What is Dubai Mainland and Why is it a Good Choice for Businesses?

Dubai Mainland is a prime economic zone regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It lets businesses trade anywhere in the UAE, giving them a key advantage over other setups like free zones or offshore companies. While business setup in the Dubai Freezone offers specialized environments, it limits trading to within the zone or requires local distributors. Offshore companies, on the other hand, cannot operate within the UAE market.

Why Mainland Company Formation Matters in Dubai?

Opting for mainland company formation in Dubai offers several advantages:

Full Market Access: Operate anywhere within the UAE, including government contracts.
Global Reach: Trade and establish connections with international markets.
Flexibility: No restrictions on business activities or locations.
Ownership: Owns 100% of the company in most sectors.

Read more: Click here to know more, Can You Own 100% of a Company in the UAE?

In short, whether launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, Dubai Mainland company formation offers a platform for success locally and globally.

With the potential to access lucrative opportunities, form partnerships, and increase your visibility, a business setup in the Dubai Mainland opens doors to endless possibilities. It is also worth noting that the business environment in Dubai is continually evolving. This makes it even easier to start a company in Dubai and take full advantage of the region’s strategic positioning.

How to Set Up a Dubai Mainland Business? Step-by-Step Guide

By following this clear process, you can efficiently establish your business and start operating in Dubai Mainland. Here’s a detailed guide on how to proceed:

Choose Your Business Name: Before applying for your license, select a unique business name that complies with Dubai regulations. You must reserve this name with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Submit Initial Approval Application: After reserving your business name, submit the initial approval application to the DET. This approval allows you to proceed with setting up your Dubai Mainland company.
Apply for Your Business License: Once you have initial approval, apply for your trade license.
Register Office Space (Ejari): After obtaining your trade license, secure a physical office for your business. Register your office lease with the Ejari system.
Draft Legal Documents (MOA): Next, draft and notarize the Memorandum of Association (MOA). This document outlines the structure and operations of your company.
Pay Local Service Agent (LSA) Fee (if applicable): If your business requires a professional license, hire a Local Service Agent (LSA). The LSA is a UAE national who assists with the legal aspects of your company setup.
Submit Visa Applications: Once your license and office space are in place, submit visa applications for yourself and your employees. This step ensures that you and your staff have the necessary work permits.
Obtain Chamber Membership: After securing your visas, join the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Membership of the chamber is mandatory for operating a Dubai Mainland company and grants your business access to essential resources and networking opportunities.
Renew Your License Annually: Each year, you must renew the trade license, office lease, and employee visas.

By following these steps, you can easily navigate the business setup in Dubai, UAE.

Documents Required for Company Formation in the Dubai Mainland

The following documents are essential to complete your mainland business setup:

Completed DED Application Form: Submit this form to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for approval.
Passport Copies: Provide valid passport copies for all shareholders and directors involved in the company.
Initial Approval Certificate: Include the certificate you received from DED, confirming initial approval for your business.
Emirates ID or Residence Visa: For shareholders and directors, submit copies of the Emirates ID or UAE residence visa (if applicable).
Ejari Tenancy Contract: Register your office space and provide a copy of the official Ejari tenancy contract.
Government Approvals (if needed): If your business requires additional permits, ensure you include relevant approval copies from government ministries.

Organizing these documents carefully helps you complete company formation in Dubai faster.

Cost Breakdown for Dubai Mainland Company Formation

When planning to set up a Dubai Mainland company, costs typically range from AED 20,000 to AED 50,000. The total cost depends on your business needs and the type of setup you choose.

Below is a clear breakdown of the typical costs involved in the process:

Component	Description	Typical Cost Range (AED)
Trade Name Reservation	Fee for reserving your unique company name with DET	600–2,000
Initial Approval Fees	Mandatory fee for initial approval from DED	2,000–5,000+
License Fee	Annual fee for your company’s trade license	10,000–25,000+
Office Rent / Ejari	Costs for registering your office address	5,000–50,000+
Legal Docs / MOA	Cost to draft and notarize the Memorandum of Association	500–2,000+
Local Service Agent (LSA)	Fee for a local agent if required for a professional license	8,000–20,000+ annually
Regulatory Approvals	Fees for industry-specific permits from ministries (e.g., Health, RTA)	1,000–10,000+
Visa Costs	Includes fees for investor/employee visas and processing	2,000–6,000+ per visa
Chamber Membership	Annual membership fee for the Dubai Chamber of Commerce	A few thousand
PRO / Consultant Fees	Fees for professional services to assist with company formation	5,000–15,000
Renewal Fees	Annual cost for renewing your business license and permits	Similar to the initial fee
Misc. Admin / VAT	Additional government service fees, taxes, and administrative charges	Several hundred to a few thousand

Note: Mainland company formation costs vary based on business type, location, and selected services. Many entrepreneurs hire company formation consultants in Dubai, like SafeLedger, to ensure a cost-effective and smooth setup.

Regulatory Bodies Involved in Dubai Mainland Company Formation

Dubai Mainland company formation is regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), previously known as DED. DET oversees the entire business registration process, from trade name reservation to license issuance. The authority ensures businesses follow legal standards by verifying activities against its list of over 2,000 approved options.

Key responsibilities of DET include:

Approves business activities and issues initial approvals.
Coordinates with platforms like Ejari for tenancy contracts and GDRFA for visa services.
Manages external approvals for regulated sectors (e.g., Dubai Municipality for food compliance, DHA for healthcare).

Reforms and Foreign Ownership

Recent updates to the Commercial Companies Law (CCL) allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. This eliminates the previous 51% local sponsor requirement for most business activities. Dubai Mainland company formation now offers more opportunities for foreign investors, including the ability to start businesses like Limited Liability Companies (LLC).

Advantages include:

Full foreign ownership in over 1,000 sectors.
Simplified procedures for retroactive amendments and new applications.
Faster setup times of 1-4 weeks.

This streamlined process makes company formation in Dubai more accessible and efficient for international investors.

Key Differences Between Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore Companies

Here’s a comparison of Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore companies to help you understand their key differences:

Category	Mainland Company	Free Zone Company	Offshore Company
Market Access	You can access both UAE and international markets	You operate within free zones and international markets	You can only operate in international markets (no UAE business)
Ownership	Investors can have full foreign ownership	You can have 100% foreign ownership	You can own 100% of the company
Tax	You pay 9% tax on profits over AED 375,000	You pay no corporate tax on qualifying income	You pay no tax on corporate or personal income
Visas	You have an unlimited visa quota (based on office size)	You have limited visa options (based on package type)	You cannot get visas
Cost	You face higher costs due to office leases and other expenses	You pay lower costs with flexible desk packages	You face the lowest costs due to no office space requirement
Best For	Retail businesses, services, and government contracts	International trade, e-commerce, and freelancers	Asset protection, holding companies, and international investments

By understanding these differences, you can choose the best business structure to suit your needs and goals.

Starting a business can seem challenging, especially with all the regulations and procedures. If you lack experience in navigating the process to start a business in Dubai mainland or any other location in UAE, it can lead to delays or missed opportunities. With SafeLedger’s years of expertise in Dubai Mainland company formation, we offer tailored solutions to streamline the process.

Let our team help you avoid common challenges and ensure a smooth, cost-effective setup. Contact us today for expert guidance and seamless support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Company formation in the Dubai Mainland lets businesses operate freely within the UAE. It provides full access to local markets. Unlike free zones, mainland businesses can trade anywhere. This gives entrepreneurs an edge, allowing them to access government contracts and deal directly with clients across the UAE. The setup offers unmatched growth opportunities.

Dubai Mainland company formation gives you full access to the local market and provides the advantage of securing government contracts. You also enjoy flexibility in your business operations. Additionally, the option for 100% foreign ownership in many sectors makes it an attractive choice if you are looking to expand.

To set up a Dubai Mainland business, you must follow clear steps. First, select a unique business name and get initial approval. Then, apply for a business license. Secure office space and register it with Ejari. Afterward, draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and submit visa applications. Finally, renew your business licenses annually.

Documents for Dubai Mainland company formation include passport copies for shareholders and directors. You need the completed DED application form and an initial approval certificate. Other required documents are an Ejari tenancy contract, Emirates ID or residence visa copies, and government approvals if needed. These documents ensure a smooth formation process.

The costs of setting up a Dubai Mainland company typically range from AED 20,000 to AED 50,000. Fees include trade name reservation, initial approval, and licensing. Additional costs cover office rent, legal document preparation, and visa applications. Extra fees may apply based on your business type and industry.

Dubai Mainland company formation usually takes 1-4 weeks to complete. The timeline depends on your business complexity and required approvals. After reserving a name, applying for a license, and securing office space, the process moves quickly. Dubai’s efficient systems ensure that most businesses are set up in less than a month.

Yes, foreign investors can now own 100% of their Dubai Mainland company. Recent reforms to the Commercial Companies Law allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. Previously, businesses needed a local sponsor to hold 51% ownership. These changes have made Dubai Mainland company formation even more attractive to international entrepreneurs.

The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) regulates Dubai Mainland company formation. DET handles the entire registration process, from trade name approval to issuing business licenses. Other regulatory bodies may be involved, such as the Dubai Health Authority or Dubai Municipality, depending on your business type and industry-specific requirements.

A Local Service Agent (LSA) helps with the legal aspects of Dubai Mainland company formation. The LSA is a UAE national who supports businesses seeking a professional license. They facilitate the legal requirements and ensure compliance with local laws. However, they don’t have ownership in the company and are mainly for administrative support.

To ensure compliance, follow the guidelines set by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Obtain the correct business licenses, secure office space, and submit the required documents. It’s also recommended to consult with local experts to avoid any regulatory issues. Staying updated on legal changes will help maintain your business’s compliance.

Yes, Indians can start a mainland company in Dubai. Recent changes to the law allow full foreign ownership in many sectors. Indians can establish businesses across the UAE without needing a local sponsor. However, they must meet all regulatory requirements and submit the necessary documents for company registration.

No, a local sponsor is no longer required for most Dubai Mainland companies. Recent reforms allow 100% foreign ownership in many sectors. However, some businesses may still require a Local Service Agent for administrative support. This agent does not hold ownership in the company.

Dubai Mainland company registration typically takes 1 to 4 weeks. The timeline varies based on your business type and the necessary approvals. Once you reserve a company name, secure office space, and apply for your business license, the process can be completed relatively quickly due to Dubai’s efficient systems.

Yes, a mainland company can operate across the entire UAE. Unlike free zone companies, mainland businesses can trade freely within all seven emirates. They also have the advantage of being eligible for government contracts, which adds to the business opportunities. This flexibility helps businesses grow faster within the UAE.

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About the Author

Joel Dsouza

Joel Dsouza is a Chartered Accountant and compliance specialist with extensive experience advising over 1,000 startups and SMEs on company registration, tax structuring, and regulatory compliance. As a member of ICAI and Co-Founder of Safe Ledger, Joel combines his deep financial expertise with a global perspective to help entrepreneurs navigate complex business environments. Focused on the UAE market, he is dedicated to empowering international and local business owners with clear, practical guidance on company setup, tax optimization, and ongoing compliance making him a trusted advisor for businesses aiming to succeed in the dynamic UAE economy.

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