Mainland Company Setup in Dubai2025-08-06T08:39:11+00:00
  • Mainland Company Setup in Dubai

Mainland Company Setup in Dubai

Start your mainland business in Dubai with 100% ownership and full access to the UAE market. We handle your license, visa, and bank account—all in one place.

✅ DED Approved Business License ✅ 100% Foreign Ownership ✅ Trade License Within 3–5 Days
✅ Free Consultation & Document Pickup

What is Mainland Company Setup in Dubai?

Mainland Company Setup in Dubai refers to forming a business with a license issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). This allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally. It’s ideal for businesses looking for full ownership, local office space, and the ability to bid for government projects.

If you’re planning to start a business, choosing a Mainland Company Setup in Dubai offers flexibility and unlimited potential. Want to understand the total cost involved? Check our full guide on Dubai Business Setup Cost.

Mainland Company Setup in Dubai
Benefits of starting a mainland company in Dubai with DED license

Benefits of Mainland Business in Dubai

Starting a mainland business in Dubai offers numerous advantages for entrepreneurs and investors. With a license from the Dubai Economic Department (DED), you can operate your company across the UAE and globally, giving you unrestricted market access. Mainland companies also allow unlimited visa quotas, flexibility in office locations, and eligibility to work with government and private sector clients.

Unlike free zone companies, a mainland business setup gives you direct access to the UAE economy without any limitations. Want to compare it with free zone setup options? Visit our detailed guide on Free Zone Business Setup Dubai to see what fits your goals best.

Step-by-Step Process to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai

Setting up a mainland company in Dubai is a straightforward process when handled by professionals. The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) oversees the procedure, which involves legal approvals, license registration, and office selection. Here’s a clear step-by-step breakdown. Once completed, you’ll be eligible to apply for your Investor Visa Through Business Setup and open a business bank account.

How to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide

Icon representing choosing a business activity in Dubai

1. Choose Your Business Activity

Pick the activity from the DED list that matches your services.

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2. Reserve a Trade Name

Select a unique business name and register it with DED.

Icon showing approval or checkmark for DED process

3. Apply for Initial Approval

Submit required documents for pre-approval from DED.

Icon of office or location pin for Ejari/office rental in Dubai

4. Secure Office Space

Get a tenancy contract (Ejari) in a commercial area.

Icon of a clipboard, file, or payment card for DED submission

5. Submit Final Documents & Pay Fees

Submit MOA, approvals, and make payments to DED.

Icon of certificate or legal document for business license

6. Receive Mainland Trade License

Get your official license and start operations.

Investor Visa Through Business Setup — Get a residency visa after registering your business.

Cost of Mainland Company Setup in Dubai

What is the Cost of Mainland Company Setup in Dubai in 2025?

The cost of setting up a mainland company in Dubai starts from AED 14,500 and can vary depending on factors such as business activity, visa requirements, office rent, and government approvals. For companies needing office space and staff visas, the total investment can be higher.

To get an accurate estimate for your business type, refer to our full cost breakdown on Dubai Business Setup Cost. This guide includes license fees, visa charges, and optional add-ons like PRO services and Ejari fees.

Item Estimated Cost (AED)
DED License Fee 8,000 – 12,000
Trade Name & Initial Approval 1,000 – 1,500
Ejari (Office Rent Registration) 4,000 – 8,000
Investor/Partner Visa 3,500 – 4,500
Starting Cost From AED 14,500 

Documents Required for Mainland Business Setup in Dubai

o start your mainland business in Dubai, you must prepare the following documents for submission to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). These documents ensure your application process is smooth and legally compliant.

Required Documents

  1. Passport copy of shareholder(s)
  2. Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
  3. Proposed trade name
  4. Initial approval from DED
  5. Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  6. Tenancy contract (Ejari) for office space
  7. NOC from sponsor (if currently employed)
  8. Passport-size photo with white background

Learn more: Documents Required for Business Setup in Dubai 2025-2026

Checklist of documents required to open a mainland company in Dubai

Get Investor Visa Through Mainland Company Setup in Dubai

When you register a mainland company in Dubai, you become eligible to apply for an Investor Visa, which allows you to legally live, work, and sponsor your family in the UAE. This visa is typically valid for 2 or 10 years depending on the investment amount and company structure.

Setting up a company is one of the most reliable ways to obtain long-term residency in the UAE. After you receive your trade license, you can apply for the Investor Visa Through Business Setup with full documentation support from our team.

This visa also allows you to open bank accounts, lease property, travel easily in and out of the country, and apply for dependent visas for your spouse, children, or domestic staff.

Get investor visa through mainland business setup in Dubai

How to Open a Business Bank Account in Dubai After Mainland Setup

Once your mainland company setup in Dubai is complete and your trade license is issued, you can proceed to open a business bank account. Having a UAE corporate bank account allows your company to receive payments, manage finances, and operate legally within the country.

Steps to open a business bank account in Dubai after mainland company setup

Each bank has its own requirements, but most will request your trade license, Memorandum of Association (MOA), shareholder documents, and a physical office address. You may also need to attend a short interview with the bank’s compliance team.

We provide full support for documentation and bank coordination. To simplify your process, check our complete guide on Open Business Bank Account in Dubai for steps, required documents, and bank options.

Thinking Beyond Mainland Setup in Dubai?

Starting a Mainland Company in Dubai gives you access to local markets, office space flexibility, and full ownership in certain activities.
If you're looking for budget-friendly options, our page on Low Cost Business Setup in Dubai shares ways to reduce initial expenses without compromising on compliance.  To understand the benefits of choosing Dubai as your business location, check Why Dubai for Business? where we explain its growing economy, global connectivity, and investor-friendly regulations.  If you're a foreign national, our guide on
Start Business as a Foreigner in Dubai provides simple steps to begin your venture without local sponsorship in many cases.

Start Your Business in UAE Today!

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Are you ready to launch your business in the UAE? Ideas Business Setup is here to make the process seamless and stress-free.

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Related Services for Business Setup in Dubai

If you are planning to start a company in the UAE, we offer a wide range of support services to make your business setup process smooth and efficient. Explore the links below to learn more about each service and how it can help you move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mainland company in Dubai?2025-08-05T10:27:36+00:00

A Mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and allows businesses to operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally. It offers flexibility, no currency restrictions, and eligibility to bid on government projects, making it ideal for companies planning to expand within the UAE.

Can foreigners fully own a Mainland company in Dubai?2025-08-05T10:27:32+00:00

Yes, as of recent legal reforms, foreign investors can own 100% of many types of Mainland businesses in Dubai without needing a local partner. However, some strategic sectors may still require Emirati involvement. It’s advisable to confirm ownership requirements based on your business activity.

What are the main advantages of Mainland setup over Free Zone?2025-08-05T10:27:28+00:00

Mainland setup offers more operational flexibility, including freedom to trade across the UAE, take government contracts, and open branches nationwide. Unlike Free Zones, there are no limitations on the number of visas or office location. It’s best for businesses targeting a wider UAE customer base.

What are the main benefits of choosing a mainland company over a free zone?2025-07-22T08:39:29+00:00

A mainland company gives you freedom to trade anywhere in the UAE, unlimited visa options, and the ability to work with government projects. Unlike free zones, you’re not restricted to one area or type of business.

Do I need a physical office to start a mainland business?2025-07-22T08:38:13+00:00

Yes, a physical office is mandatory for mainland businesses. You’ll need a tenancy contract (Ejari) to get your trade license approved by the Dubai Economic Department (DED).

Can I fully own a mainland company in Dubai as a foreigner?2025-07-22T08:37:31+00:00

Yes, under the latest UAE regulations, many business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership in mainland companies. However, some regulated sectors may still require a local service agent. It’s best to check with a business consultant based on your activity.

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