Mainland company formation in the UAE’s commercial capital
Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
We specialise in simplifying the Business Setup in Dubai mainland process, providing end-to-end services that cover every stage of company formation. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, our experts guide you through DET licensing, Ejari registration, documentation and approvals — ensuring a smooth, fully compliant launch in the UAE’s most dynamic market.
Licenses that fit your vision
Types of Business Licenses for Dubai Mainland Company Formation
When establishing a business in Dubai mainland, one of the first steps is selecting the right trade licence. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues several licence categories through the Invest in Dubai platform, each matched to a different type of activity. Choosing correctly defines your legal framework and the scope of what you can do — and our team guides you to the right one.
Commercial License
Issued to businesses engaged in trading: import, export, wholesale, retail, distribution and general trading. It is the most common mainland licence and covers the widest range of commercial activities in Dubai.
Professional License
Required for service- and expertise-based businesses such as consultancy, IT, engineering, accounting, legal and marketing. Professional activities generally allow full foreign ownership, with a non-equity Local Service Agent used only where specific activities require it.
Industrial License
Necessary for manufacturing, production, processing and assembly. It requires physical industrial premises and additional approvals, and aligns with Dubai’s industrial zones such as Dubai Industrial City.
Tourism License
Covers hospitality, travel agencies, tour operators and tourism-related activities. It requires prior approval from DET’s tourism arm alongside the trade licence.
Clear and transparent pricing
Costs Involved in Dubai Mainland Company Formation
The cost of business setup in Dubai mainland depends mainly on your activity, licence type and office needs. Typical costs include:
- Trade Name Reservation: AED 600–AED 1,000
- Initial Approval Fees: AED 1,000–AED 2,000
- Trade License Fees: AED 12,000–AED 25,000 (depending on the business activity)
- Notarization of MOA: AED 1,000–AED 3,000
- Office Rent / Ejari Lease: from AED 20,000 per year, depending on size and location
- Visa Costs: AED 3,000–AED 5,000 per visa
For lighter budgets, DET’s Instant Licence and low-cost packages offer a fast entry route for eligible activities. At Business Setup Dubai, we offer transparent, fixed-cost packages so you know your full Dubai setup budget upfront.
We handle it, you grow it
How Business Setup Dubai Can Help with Your Dubai Mainland Business
At Business Setup Dubai, we provide a comprehensive range of services to manage your business setup in Dubai mainland from start to finish. Our team delivers tailored solutions for every stage of company formation, so you can focus on building your business.
Our consultants advise on the right legal structure, licence type and activity for your goals, ensuring your Dubai setup is compliant with DET requirements and built for growth.
We handle the full documentation process — trade name reservation, MOA drafting and notarisation, and submission through Invest in Dubai — making sure everything is accurate and complete.
With established relationships across DET and other Dubai authorities, we expedite approvals and manage all communication with the government on your behalf.
We help you secure the right premises and register your Ejari tenancy contract so your licence application and visa quota are fully supported.
Beyond formation, we manage licence renewals, visa processing, corporate tax and VAT registration, and ongoing compliance so your business stays in good standing.
Start Your Business in Dubai Mainland Today
Setting up in Dubai mainland gives your company a base in the UAE’s commercial capital, direct access to the region’s largest market and a stable, diversified economy. At Business Setup Dubai, we make the process seamless from licence to visas.
Contact Business Setup Dubai today to take the first step toward establishing your business in Dubai mainland.
FAQs
Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Yes. Most activities on DET’s list allow full foreign ownership with no Emirati partner since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reform. A small number of strategic-sector activities still require local participation or special approval.
Once documents and approvals are ready, a standard mainland licence is often issued within a few working days — and immediately for eligible activities via DET’s Instant Licence. Activities needing external regulatory approval can take a little longer.
Ejari is Dubai’s official tenancy registration system. A valid Ejari contract for your office is mandatory — DET will not issue or renew a trade licence without it.
Yes. A mainland licence lets you trade throughout the UAE, open branches in any emirate, deal directly with the local market and bid for government tenders — without the restrictions free-zone companies face onshore.
Renewal is annual through DET and typically costs around 80–100% of the original licensing cost, plus a small service fee and a valid, renewed Ejari contract.
UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000 (0% below). VAT is 5%, with mandatory registration once taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 and voluntary registration from AED 187,500. There is no personal income tax.
