How to Set Up a Mainland Company in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Setting up a Mainland company in Dubai gives you the most flexible and unrestricted business structure in the UAE. A Mainland company, licensed by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), allows you to trade directly with the UAE market, bid on government contracts, and operate from any location in Dubai without zone restrictions.

This step-by-step guide by Valorea Advisory walks you through the complete process of setting up a Mainland company in Dubai in 2026.

What Is a Dubai Mainland Company?

A Dubai Mainland company is a business entity licensed by the DED and registered under UAE Commercial Companies Law. Unlike free zone companies, Mainland businesses can operate anywhere in the UAE, trade directly with local consumers and businesses, and engage with federal and emirate-level government entities.

Since the UAE's landmark 2021 commercial law amendment, most Mainland business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, removing the historic requirement for a UAE national partner holding 51% of shares.

Types of Mainland Business Licences in Dubai

Commercial Licence

Issued for trading activities including import, export, distribution, retail, and wholesale. This is the most common licence type for product-based businesses.

Professional Licence

Issued for service-based businesses including consulting, IT services, marketing, legal services, education, and other professional activities. Sole proprietorships and civil companies typically hold professional licences.

Industrial Licence

Issued for manufacturing, processing, and industrial businesses that require a physical production facility in Dubai.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Mainland Company in Dubai

Step 1: Define Your Business Activity

The first step is identifying the exact business activity or activities you want to conduct. The DED maintains a list of over 2,000 approved business activities. Selecting the correct activities from the start is critical, as your licence type, approvals required, and office requirements all flow from this decision.

Some activities are restricted and require additional approvals from relevant government ministries or regulatory bodies before a licence can be issued.

Step 2: Choose Your Legal Structure

Dubai Mainland companies can be structured in several ways depending on ownership and business type.

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most common structure for commercial activities. Allows up to 50 shareholders and is suitable for most trading and service businesses.

• Sole Proprietorship: Owned and operated by a single individual. Available to UAE and GCC nationals, or to foreign nationals for certain professional activities.

• Civil Company: Used by professionals such as lawyers, accountants, engineers, and doctors. Can be 100% foreign owned for licensed professional activities.

• Branch of a Foreign Company: Allows an overseas company to establish a presence in Dubai under its existing brand and legal identity.

Step 3: Reserve Your Trade Name

Once your activity and structure are confirmed, you need to reserve a trade name with the DED. The name must comply with UAE naming regulations, meaning it cannot include offensive language, religious references, or names of existing registered companies. Names of individuals can be used only if the person is a shareholder in the company.

Trade name reservation is done online through the DED portal or the Dubai Now app and typically takes 1 to 2 working days.

Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval

Initial approval from the DED confirms that the government has no objection to you conducting the chosen business activity in Dubai. This is a preliminary clearance and does not yet constitute a licence.

For restricted activities, you will need to obtain approvals from additional regulatory bodies such as the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Central Bank of the UAE, or relevant ministries before proceeding.

Step 5: Draft and Notarise Your Memorandum of Association

For an LLC, you are required to prepare a Memorandum of Association (MOA) that outlines the company structure, shareholder details, share capital, and activity scope. The MOA must be drafted by a registered legal drafting office and notarised at a Dubai Notary Public.

For a sole proprietorship or civil company, a simpler service agreement or partnership agreement may be required instead.

Step 6: Secure a Physical Office

All Dubai Mainland companies are required to have a physical office address. Unlike free zone companies, a flexi-desk or virtual office is not sufficient for most Mainland licences. You will need a tenancy contract registered with Ejari, Dubai's official rental contract registration system.

The size of your office also determines the number of work visas you can apply for. The standard formula is one visa per 9 square metres of office space for most activities.

Step 7: Pay Licence Fees and Collect Your Trade Licence

Once all approvals are in place, the MOA is notarised, and the office tenancy is registered with Ejari, you pay the final DED licence fees and receive your Dubai trade licence.

DED licence fees vary depending on the business activity, number of activities on the licence, and company structure. Total government fees for a standard Mainland LLC typically range from AED 10,000 to 25,000 excluding office costs.

Step 8: Apply for Your Investor Visa

With your trade licence issued, you can now apply for your UAE investor or partner visa. The standard Mainland investor visa is valid for 3 years and is renewable as long as the company remains active.

The visa process includes obtaining an entry permit, completing a medical fitness test, registering for Emirates ID, and stamping the residency visa in your passport. Total visa costs including government fees typically range from AED 3,500 to 5,500 per person.

Step 9: Open a Corporate Bank Account

The final step is opening a UAE corporate bank account in your company name. With a Mainland trade licence, you will have access to all major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, Mashreq, and RAKBANK.

Mainland companies generally have stronger banking acceptance rates than free zone entities, making this process more straightforward for compliant businesses with clear documentation.

Dubai Mainland Setup Costs 2026

Total estimated cost for a standard Mainland LLC with one investor visa and a small office ranges from AED 35,000 to 55,000 in the first year.

How Long Does Mainland Setup Take?

A standard Dubai Mainland company can be set up in 5 to 15 working days, assuming all documents are in order and no restricted activity approvals are required. Activities requiring additional ministry approvals can extend the timeline to 3 to 6 weeks.

100% Foreign Ownership on the Mainland: What You Need to Know

Following the 2021 amendment to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, the majority of business activities on the DED activity list are now open to 100% foreign ownership. This means foreign entrepreneurs can own their Mainland company outright without a UAE national shareholder.

A small number of strategic activities remain restricted to UAE nationals or require a minimum UAE national ownership percentage. Your business setup consultant can confirm ownership eligibility for your specific activity before you begin the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a UAE national partner for a Dubai Mainland company?

No, for most activities. Since 2021, the majority of Mainland business activities allow 100% foreign ownership. A small number of strategic or restricted activities still require UAE national involvement.

What is the minimum share capital for a Dubai Mainland LLC?

There is no mandatory minimum share capital for most Mainland LLCs in Dubai. However, some activities and bank account opening processes may require evidence of paid-up capital.

Can a Mainland company hire employees?

Yes. Mainland companies can hire employees under Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) work permits. The number of work visas available is based on your office space.

How long is a Dubai Mainland trade licence valid?

Dubai Mainland trade licences are valid for one year and must be renewed annually before the expiry date to avoid fines and visa complications.

Can I set up a Mainland company remotely?

Certain steps such as initial approval and name reservation can be done online. However, MOA notarisation and visa stamping typically require physical presence in Dubai at some stage of the process.

How Valorea Advisory Can Help

At Valorea Advisory, we handle the complete Dubai Mainland company setup process for our clients. From activity selection and name reservation to DED approvals, MOA drafting, Ejari registration, visa processing, and bank account opening, we manage every step so you can focus on launching your business.

Our PRO team has extensive experience with DED, MOHRE, GDRFA, and all relevant Dubai government authorities, ensuring your setup is completed correctly and efficiently.

• Email: info@valoreaadvisory.com

• WhatsApp: +971 50 927 4399

• Website: www.valoreaadvisory.com

Book a free consultation and get a clear timeline and cost estimate for your Dubai Mainland company setup today.