Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Mainland Company in Dubai

Thinking of expanding your business footprint to one of the fastest-growing global hubs? Setting up a mainland company in Dubai has become a smart move for entrepreneurs, startups, and investors across the globe. While Dubai offers a pro-business ecosystem, the process requires proper planning, compliance, and clarity.

If you’re unsure where to start or wondering how complex Dubai mainland business setup might be, don’t worry. This guide is tailored to take you through every critical step of how to set up a mainland company in Dubai.

Table of Contents

• Why Set Up a Company in Dubai?
• Advantages of Launching a Dubai Mainland Company
• Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up a Mainland Company in Dubai
• Traditional vs Online Setup: How UAE Government Simplifies the Process
• Mainland Business Activity Types and Licensing
• Legal Structures for Dubai Mainland Company
• UAE Trade Name Registration Rules You Must Know
• Approvals for Dubai Mainland Business from Additional Authorities
• Key Documentation for Dubai Mainland Business Setup
• Cost Calculator for Company Setup in Dubai
• Company Setup in Dubai with Resident Visa
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Set Up a Company in Dubai?

Dubai is not just about luxurious lifestyles or futuristic skylines. It’s a globally recognized economic powerhouse, offering:

• 100% foreign ownership for most business activities in mainland
• Strategic location between East and West
• Robust legal framework and investor protection
• A tax-friendly environment (0% personal income tax)
• High demand for business services in sectors like tech, retail, finance, logistics, and hospitality

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or representing a corporate group, Dubai mainland opens doors to both local and international markets.

Advantages of Launching a Dubai Mainland Company

Let’s cut to what really matters – why Dubai mainland for business setup?

1. Access to the Entire UAE Market

Mainland companies can do business anywhere in the UAE as there is no limit to related to geographical boundaries.

2. No Currency Restrictions

You’re free to trade, transact, and transfer profits in any currency.

3. Government Projects Eligibility

Mainland firms can bid for lucrative government contracts, which free zone companies usually cannot.

4. Visa Benefits for Employees & Family

Mainland company owners can apply for resident visas for themselves and their family, along with staff visas.

5. No Limit on Number of Visas (Based on Office Size)

The more office space you lease, the more employee visas you can secure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setup a Mainland Company in Dubai

It’s time to decode the company setup in Dubai step by step.

Step 1: Define Your Business Activity

The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) offers over 2,000 business activities to choose from. Pick one that aligns with your core services/products.

Step 2: Select a Legal Structure

Your structure depends on your ownership model:

• LLC (Limited Liability Company) – Most popular
• Sole Establishment
• Civil Company
• Branch of a Foreign Company

Want full ownership? It’s now possible under UAE’s new commercial laws for most activities.

Step 3: Choose a Trade Name

Your trade name should:

• Reflect your business
• Follow UAE naming rules
• Be unique and available

Use DED’s trade name reservation portal here

Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval

Submit application to DED to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC), the green signal to move forward.

Step 5: Draft the MOA and LSA Agreement

• MOA (Memorandum of Association): Outlines company roles, shareholding, capital structure
• LSA (Local Service Agent) Agreement: Only needed if you are setting up as a sole proprietor

Step 6: Lease Office Space

You’ll need to submit an Ejari (tenancy contract) as proof of address.

Step 7: Final License Application

Attach all documents and submit the final application to DED. After approval, the Mainland Trade License will be sent to you.

Step 8: Apply for Resident Visas

After company registration, you can apply for:

• Investor visa for yourself
• Employment visas for staff
• Family visas for dependents

Traditional vs Online Setup: How UAE Government Simplifies the Process

Setting up a business in Dubai, UAE has never been more seamless, thanks to the digital push by the government. While we’ve already covered the traditional process for setting up a mainland company in Dubai, you can set up certain businesses in Dubai online.

Option 1: Traditional Setup

This involves:

• Multiple visits to DED and other authorities
• Drafting and notarizing agreements
• Ejari and office lease procedures
• MOA or LSA document prep

But what if you’re tech-savvy and want to go digital?

Option 2: Instant Online Business Setup via Bashr

Bashr is an eService platform launched by the UAE government that allows investors to start their companies in just 15 minutes. It’s integrated with both federal and local entities, so you don’t need to run around departments.

Use Bashr to:

• Reserve trade names
• Register business activities
• Get instant commercial licenses
• Connect with other systems like MoE, MOHRE, and GDRFA automatically

This is particularly ideal for:

• Entrepreneurs starting consultancies or small commercial businesses
• Freelancers and professionals launching as sole establishments
• UAE nationals and residents who want no-paper, no-queue licensing

Mainland Business Activity Types and Licensing

Another often-overlooked detail is understanding what kind of license your company needs.

The Dubai mainland issues six major types of business licenses, depending on your core activity:

License Type	Example Activities
Commercial	Trading, general trading, import/export
Industrial	Manufacturing, production
Professional	Consulting, IT, legal, marketing
Tourism	Travel agency, tour operations
Agricultural	Farming, fisheries
Occupational	Craft work, labor-intensive services

Note: You can add multiple business activities under one license as long as they fall under the same license category.

Before applying, verify your desired activity is listed among the 2,000+ official activities registered with DED.

Legal Structures for Dubai Mainland Company

The legal form you choose affects:

• Your ownership rights
• Required documents
• Visa eligibility
• Tax and liability exposure

Here’s a snapshot of major structures allowed in Dubai Mainland:

Legal Structure	Who It’s For	Key Traits
LLC	Most entrepreneurs, SMEs	Requires MOA; allows multiple partners
Sole Establishment	Individual professionals	100% personal ownership
Civil Company	Professionals in same field (law, accounting)	Requires LSA if foreign-owned
Branch of Foreign Co.	Multinational expansion	Parent bears full liability
PJSC / PrJSC	Large corporations	Higher capital, more compliance

 

UAE Trade Name Registration Rules You Must Know

Your Dubai business identity starts with a unique trade name. But in the UAE, you can’t just name your business anything.

Follow these mandatory rules when naming your Dubai mainland business:

• Trade name must match the business activity
• No offensive or religious words
• No names of government authorities
• Acronyms like LLC, PJSC, EST must be added
• Must not duplicate existing registered names

Apply for your trade name on the official DED portal and get a payment voucher for further steps.

Approvals for Dubai Mainland Business from Additional Authorities (If Required)

Depending on your business activity, you might need more than just a DED license.

Here’s a quick view of which ministry to approach:

Authority	Activities Covered
Ministry of Interior	Driving schools, car rentals, fire and safety
Ministry of Justice	Legal consultancy
Ministry of Economy	Insurance services
Local Municipality / Planning Dept	Engineering, construction
Telecommunications Regulatory	Telecom, digital services
Supreme Petroleum Council	Oil & gas activities
Department of Health	Clinics, medical centers

Not sure if your activity requires approval? Socialite Consultancy Services can guide you before application, saving you time, money, and rejections.

Key Documentation for Dubai Mainland Business Setup

When you’re done with all steps, the final submission includes:

• Initial approval copy
• MOA or LSA agreement (attested)
• Office lease and Ejari certificate
• External approvals, if any
• Emirates ID
• Residency info (if applying for visa)

Don’t delay payment after getting the payment slip if not paid within 30 days, your application gets automatically cancelled.

Cost Calculator for Company Setup in Dubai

The cost to setup a mainland company in Dubai can vary depending on multiple factors:

Expense Category	Estimated Range (AED)
Trade Name Registration	620 – 2,000
Initial Approval	120 – 300
MOA & Notarization	2,000 – 5,000
Office Rent (Ejari approved)	28,000 – 65,000+
Mainland License Fee	Varies based on business activity
Investor/Partner Visa	4,000 – 10,000 per visa

Tip: Use the cost calculator to get more accurate estimates based on your business activity.

Company Setup in Dubai with Resident Visa

Securing a resident visa is one of the biggest advantages of setting up a company in Dubai.

Here’s how it works:

• Once your company is registered, apply for an Establishment Card from GDRFA
• Under this license, you can sponsor yourself (as investor) and your employees
• You’ll need to undergo a medical test, Emirates ID, and health insurance

Residency visas are valid for 2–3 years and renewable.

Key Takeaways

• Dubai mainland offers unmatched access to the UAE market, with no location restrictions
• Business setup is now more flexible with 100% foreign ownership for most activities
• Always refer to official portals like DED, MOHRE, and GDRFA for the latest rules

Ready to launch your mainland company in Dubai mainland?

Let Socialite Consultancy Services guide you, from paperwork to post-license compliance.

Contact us now for a FREE consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to setup a mainland company in Dubai?

It takes  5–10 working days to set up a mainland company in Dubai, depending on the type of business activity and documentation.

2. Can I have 100% of my Dubai mainland company?

Yes, most professional and commercial activities now allow 100% foreign ownership as per the UAE’s updated Commercial Companies Law.

3. Do I need a local sponsor for setting up in mainland Dubai?

You need a local sponsor only for certain activities. Many business setups no longer require a local sponsor or agent due to updated laws.

4. What is the minimum capital requirement?

There is no minimum limit for most mainland companies under the latest DED rules.

5. Can I operate anywhere in Dubai with a mainland license?

Yes, mainland licenses allow full freedom to operate across Dubai and UAE.

6. What visa to apply for a company license?

You can apply for investor, employee, and dependent (family) visas.

7. What’s the role of the MOA?

It’s the legal document that defines shareholding, management responsibilities, and capital investment.

8. Where can I get accurate costs for company setup?

Use the DED cost calculator or consult with Socialite Consultancy Services for a custom breakdown.