Experess Business Formation Expertise
Dubai Mainland Company Formation
Establish a full-fledged business in Dubai with 100% foreign ownership and unrestricted market access
Choosing The Right Business Structure
Dubai offers entrepreneurs and business owners various company formation options, each with distinct advantages and considerations. Understanding these options is crucial for making an informed decision about the most suitable structure for your business needs.
The three primary business setup options in Dubai are Mainland, Freezone, and Offshore companies. Each structure serves different business purposes and comes with its own set of regulations, benefits, and limitations.
At Express Business Formation, our team of experts provides personalized guidance to help you navigate these options and select the ideal business structure based on your specific requirements, budget, and long-term objectives.

Key Benefits of Mainland Company Formation
Listed below are the benefits you will get with Mainland Company formation.
Unrestricted Business Operations
Trade freely anywhere in the UAE without geographical restrictions or the need for service agents when selling to the local market.
Government Contract Eligibility
Participate in government tenders and establish contracts with government entities across all Emirates.
100% Foreign Ownership
Enjoy complete ownership and control of your business without the need for a local partner in most business activities.
Higher Visa Quota
Obtain more residence visas for employees and dependents based on your office space and business activities.
Multiple Branch Locations
Establish branches across different areas in Dubai and other Emirates under the same commercial license.
Multiple Business Activities
Register multiple and diverse business activities under a single license, even across different sectors.
Our Mainland Company Formation Process
Listed below are the benefits you will get with Mainland Company formation.
1. Initial Consultation & Planning
We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand your business goals, activities, and requirements. This helps us recommend the optimal business structure and locations for your mainland company.
2. Name Reservation & Initial Approval
We check availability and reserve your chosen company name, then proceed to obtain initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
3. Documentation & Legal Requirements
Our team prepares all required documentation including Memorandum of Association (MOA), board resolutions, and shareholder agreements. We ensure all paperwork meets DED requirements.
4. Office Space & Location Approval
We assist in securing suitable office space and obtaining the necessary location approvals and Ejari (tenancy contract) registration required for mainland companies.
5. License Issuance & Registration
Upon approval of all documentation, we proceed with license fee payment and finalize the registration process to obtain your official DED trade license.
6. Post-Setup Support
We provide comprehensive post-setup support including visa processing, bank account opening, accounting setup, tax registration, and other administrative services.
Documents Required for Mainland Setup
For Individual Shareholders:
- Passport copies (valid for at least 6 months)
- UAE visa copy or entry stamp (if available)
- Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
- Passport-sized photographs with white background
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- CV or business profile (for certain activities)
For Corporate Shareholders:
- Board resolution to invest in UAE
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Share Certificate and register
- Passport copies of directors/authorized signatories
Additional Requirements:
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) for office space
- No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant authorities (depending on business activity)
- Professional qualifications (for regulated activities)
Note: All foreign documents must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE. Our team can assist with the attestation process.
Our Mainland Setup Packages
Transparent pricing for Mainland business formation
Standard Package
AED 15,000
- Trade license with 1 business activity
- Name reservation
- Initial approval certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Department of Economic Development (DED) registration
- Immigration establishment card
Premium Package
AED 22,000
Everything in Standard Package, plus:
- Trade license with up to 3 business activities
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce membership
- Corporate bank account opening assistance
- 1 investor visa processing
- Free consultation on tax and accounting
Elite Package
AED 35,000
Everything in Premium Package, plus:
- Trade license with up to 5 business activities
- Flexi-desk facility for 1 year
- Up to 3 investor/employee visa processing
- VAT registration and first return filing
- Dedicated PRO and relationship manager
* Prices are subject to change based on specific business activities and requirements.
Additional government fees and charges may apply.
Ready to Establish Your Dubai Mainland Company?
Contact our business setup specialists for a free consultation to discuss your requirements and get expert guidance on mainland company formation in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about business setup in Dubai
How long does it take to set up a mainland company in Dubai?
The standard timeline for mainland company formation in Dubai is approximately 5-7 working days from the submission of complete documentation. However, this can vary depending on the business activity, requirement for special approvals, and the current processing times at government departments.
Do I need a local sponsor for my Dubai mainland company?
As of the UAE Commercial Companies Law amendments in 2020, most business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership of mainland companies without requiring a local sponsor or service agent. However, certain strategic sectors may still have restrictions. Our consultants can advise on your specific business activity.
What is the minimum capital requirement for a mainland company?
There is no minimum capital requirement stipulated by the Department of Economic Development for most business activities. However, specific activities in sectors like financial services, insurance, or manufacturing may have capital requirements. The capital amount should be reasonable for your business operations.
How many visas can I get with a mainland company?
The number of visas available depends primarily on your office space size and business activity. As a general guideline, each 100 sq. ft. of office space typically allows for 1 visa allocation. However, certain business activities may have different visa quotas. Some mainland companies can obtain dozens or even hundreds of visas with appropriate justification and sufficient space.
Is a physical office mandatory for mainland companies?
Yes, mainland companies in Dubai are required to have a physical office location. This can range from a small office in a business center to a larger commercial space, depending on your business needs. We can assist with finding suitable office solutions that match your budget and requirements.
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