A Mainland Company in Dubai is a business entity licensed by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED) that allows companies to operate both within the UAE and globally. As of recent reforms, foreign investors can now enjoy 100% ownership in most business activities without needing a local sponsor.
Dubai’s mainland business setup is not just a tax-friendly jurisdiction but also offers complete freedom for businesses to trade, recruit, and establish their headquarters without restrictions on location.
At Regent Consulting, we specialize in providing consultancy and application assistance throughout the business setup process in Dubai mainland, helping make your registration and licensing application as smooth as possible. Our team of experienced consultants guides you every step of the way.
When considering business setup in the UAE mainland, you can choose from various business structures depending on the nature of your operations, the number of shareholders, and the desired ownership model.
Here are the most common options for company formation in Dubai mainland:
Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most popular option when considering mainland business setup in Dubai. This is the most common structure, suitable for trading, manufacturing, and service-oriented businesses. Mainland LLC is owned by one or more shareholders, with limited personal liability.
A business owned and operated by a single individual. Ideal for professionals and consultants who want full control over their business. The owner has unlimited liability, meaning personal assets are not protected.
Civil companies are 100% owned by professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants. Best for service-oriented businesses offering professional consultancy or expertise. Partners are personally liable for the company’s debts and obligations.
A subsidiary of a foreign company operating in Dubai. 100% foreign ownership is allowed. The parent company is responsible for the branch’s liabilities.
1. Passport Copies of All Shareholders – Ensure you have clear, valid copies of the passports for all shareholders involved in the company. These will be needed for identification and verification purposes.
2. Proof of Status of UAE-Based Shareholders – If the shareholders are already UAE-based individuals, a copy of their valid residency documentation is required to demonstrate their legal status in the UAE.
3. Passport-Size Photographs – Recent passport-sized photographs of all shareholders and company directors are mandatory. These should be clear and adhere to UAE standards for official documentation.
4. Proof of Residence (e.g., Utility Bill) – Each shareholder must provide proof of their current residence. A utility bill, bank statement, or official document showing the residential address will usually suffice.
5. Shareholder Agreement – In some cases, particularly when involving local partners, a shareholder agreement is needed. This document outlines the company’s structure, including the distribution of shares and responsibilities between partners.
6. Assistance with the Trade-Name Approval Application – Before proceeding with company formation, your chosen trade name needs approval from the relevant licensing authority. We assist clients in preparing and submitting this application to ensure the name complies with UAE regulations and is not already registered by another entity.
7. Assistance with the Initial-Approval Application for Your Business Activity – After selecting your business activity, we help you prepare and submit the initial-approval application to the relevant licensing authority. This is an important step that allows the company formation process to proceed.
8. Tenancy Contract (Ejari Registration) – All mainland businesses in Dubai are required to have a physical office. You’ll need a registered tenancy contract for your office space, which proves you have a legitimate office in Dubai, meeting the legal requirements for company registration. We can assist with preparing this documentation.
The type of license required for a mainland business setup in Dubai depends on the nature of the business. Common license types include:
Commercial license in Dubai is for companies involved in trading activities such as buying and selling goods, importing/exporting, or operating general trading businesses.
A professional license is issued to businesses providing professional services and expertise. Examples include IT services, marketing consultancy, legal firms, and engineering services.
An industrial license is for businesses involved in manufacturing or any industrial activity that requires the use of machinery and labour to produce goods.
A tourism license is required for businesses operating in the tourism sector, including travel agencies, tour operators, and hotels.
Establishing a business in Dubai mainland is a streamlined process with the right guidance. By following a structured approach and with our consultancy support, the setup can be made simple and efficient.
The first step is to determine the type of business you want to run. This could be trading, consulting, manufacturing, e-commerce, or another activity. Your choice will influence the type of licence application you need to submit.
Next, you’ll need to pick a unique trade name for your company. The name must comply with UAE regulations, which means it can’t contain religious or offensive terms and shouldn’t be a duplicate of an existing company name. We help you check name availability and submit the approval application to the relevant licensing authority.
Once you’ve settled on your business activity and trade name, the next step is to submit an initial-approval application to the relevant licensing authority. We assist with preparing and submitting this application on your behalf. This approval allows you to proceed with the setup process.
All mainland businesses in Dubai need a physical office. We help you find a location that meets your business requirements and assist with submitting the lease agreement as part of your licence application.
Once you have all the required documents — such as your approved business name, shareholder agreement, initial approval, and office lease — we help you prepare and submit them to the relevant licensing authority as part of your business licence application. This licence, once issued by the authority, is the official document that allows you to legally operate your business in Dubai.
Depending on the nature of your business, additional approvals may be required from relevant government bodies, such as healthcare, education, or finance authorities, where industry-specific regulations apply. We can guide you through these application processes.
With your business licence in hand, the next step is opening a corporate bank account. Dubai offers a wide range of banking options, including both local and international banks. We assist with introductions and the account-opening application.
After obtaining your business licence, you can apply for investor and employee visas. We provide application assistance for investor and employee visas, helping you prepare the required documentation for submission to the relevant UAE authorities.
We provide consultancy and application support throughout — from preparing documentation to coordinating with the relevant authorities and helping secure office space — so the process is as efficient as possible, whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a large corporation.
The cost of Mainland company formation in Dubai typically ranges from AED 12,000* to AED 40,000*. This cost varies depending on factors such as the type of business activities, office space requirements, number of visas, and other legal considerations.
At Regent Consulting, we provide customised consultancy packages to meet your specific business requirements, offering an efficient and cost-effective approach to your Dubai mainland company setup.
Get in touch with Regent Consulting for a tailored approach to your company formation application.
Mainland company formation in Dubai refers to the process of setting up a business licensed by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED). Regent Consulting assists clients throughout this application process.
