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
Table of Contents
- What is Mainland Company Setup in Dubai?
- Benefits of Mainland Business in Dubai
- Step-by-Step Process to Register a Mainland Company in Dubai
- Cost of Mainland Company Setup in Dubai
- Documents Required for Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
- Get Investor Visa Through Mainland Company Setup in Dubai
- How to Open a Business Bank Account in Dubai After Mainland Setup
- Thinking Beyond Mainland Setup in Dubai?
- Start Your Business in UAE Today!
- Related Services for Business Setup in Dubai
- Frequently Asked Questions
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.


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

1. Choose Your Business Activity
Pick the activity from the DED list that matches your services.

2. Reserve a Trade Name
Select a unique business name and register it with DED.

3. Apply for Initial Approval
Submit required documents for pre-approval from DED.

4. Secure Office Space
Get a tenancy contract (Ejari) in a commercial area.

5. Submit Final Documents & Pay Fees
Submit MOA, approvals, and make payments to DED.

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
- Passport copy of shareholder(s)
- Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
- Proposed trade name
- Initial approval from DED
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) for office space
- NOC from sponsor (if currently employed)
- Passport-size photo with white background
Learn more: Documents Required for Business Setup in Dubai 2025-2026

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.

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.

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!
Are you ready to launch your business in the UAE? Ideas Business Setup is here to make the process seamless and stress-free.
📞 Call us now:
Tel: +971-42-658-333
Mobile: +971-50-786-5300
+971-50-633-3647
📧 Email us: ideas121@gmail.com
🌍 Visit our website: https://ideasuae.com/
Let’s bring your business idea to life in the UAE! 🚀
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.
- Low Cost Business Setup in Dubai
- Mainland Company Setup in Dubai
- Free Zone Business Setup in Dubai
- Investor Visa Through Business Setup in Dubai
- Open Business Bank Account in Dubai
- Documents Required for Business Setup in Dubai 2025-2026
- Why Dubai for Business?
- Start Business as a Foreigner in Dubai
- Dubai Business Setup Cost in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.