Guide
Dubai Mainland Business Setup – An Overview
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Types Of Dubai Mainland Licenses
Commercial License
For businesses involved in trading goods and commodities, such as import, export, distribution, and retail.
Professional License
Required for businesses offering professional services like consultancy, engineering, design, and IT services.
Industrial License
Necessary for manufacturing, production, and assembly activities.
Other license options based on business activities include Tourism License, Real Estate License, Restaurant License, Contracting License, Healthcare License, Logistics and Transport License, and Educational License.
Obtaining requires steps like selecting a business activity, choosing a legal structure, reserving a trade name, securing a Local Service Agent (LSA) if required, and applying for Initial Approval. After receiving Initial Approval, you must gather the necessary documents and submit them to the relevant authorities to complete the registration process. Additionally, understanding the specific regulations and requirements for business setup in Dubai can significantly streamline your journey. With the right guidance and resources, you can ensure a smooth and efficient establishment of your business in this vibrant economic hub.
Benefits of Company Formation in Dubai Mainland
Dubai’s Strategic Location: Dubai’s strategic location at Europe, Asia, and Africa’s crossroads makes it a hub for diverse markets, offering access to 2 billion people within a 4-hour flight radius – the current epicenter of global trade.
1. Access to Local Market
- Companies in the Mainland also enjoy access to the local market, which allows them to engage with a large customer base.
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2. Tap into the Thriving Local Market
- Setting up on Dubai’s mainland gives direct access to its vast consumer base with high incomes.
- UAE’s GDP per capita was $43,103.73 in 2022, indicating strong purchasing power.
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3. Competitive Tax rates
- Dubai is globally renowned for its business-friendly, low-tax environment.
- Mainland businesses enjoy zero personal income tax, zero capital gains tax, and a recently revised 9% corporate tax rate.
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4. No Currency Restrictions
- Businesses set up in Dubai Mainland can facilitate transactions in any currency without restrictions.
- This provides the business with flexibility in financial operations.
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5. Easy Visa Process
- Dubai offers investors a relatively easy process, providing an opportunity to attract global talent to grow businesses.
- In 2023, it ranked as a top expat destination by The National News. Mainland companies leverage this to build robust, innovative teams driving success.
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6. Promoting Entrepreneurship
- Dubai actively promotes entrepreneurship through financial incentives, business support services, and training programs.
- Companies can take government contracts and work with authorities with a mainland license.
- The Dubai SME initiative exemplifies offering funding and mentorship.
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7. Ease Of Doing Business
- Dubai’s mainland setup allows a straightforward, efficient business environment.
- Mainland companies can establish a physical presence anywhere in the UAE, not confined to free zones.
- They operate without local sponsorship or service agents, enjoying greater freedom
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8. Saving Money and Time
- Registering a company in the UAE mainland involves less bureaucracy and paperwork to start business activities.
- The 100% foreign ownership provision allows significant cost savings.
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- Companies in the Mainland also enjoy access to the local market, which allows them to engage with a large customer base.
- Companies in the Mainland also enjoy access to the local market, which allows them to engage with a large customer base.
- Dubai is globally renowned for its business-friendly, low-tax environment.
- Mainland businesses enjoy zero personal income tax, zero capital gains tax, and a recently revised 9% corporate tax rate.
- Businesses set up in Dubai Mainland can facilitate transactions in any currency without restrictions.
- This provides the business with flexibility in financial operations.
- Dubai offers investors a relatively easy process, providing an opportunity to attract global talent to grow businesses.
- In 2023, it ranked as a top expat destination by The National News. Mainland companies leverage this to build robust, innovative teams driving success.
- Dubai actively promotes entrepreneurship through financial incentives, business support services, and training programs.
- Companies can take government contracts and work with authorities with a mainland license.
- The Dubai SME initiative exemplifies offering funding and mentorship.
- Dubai’s mainland setup allows a straightforward, efficient business environment.
- Mainland companies can establish a physical presence anywhere in the UAE, not confined to free zones.
- They operate without local sponsorship or service agents, enjoying greater freedom
- Registering a company in the UAE mainland involves less bureaucracy and paperwork to start business activities.
- The 100% foreign ownership provision allows significant cost savings.
Mainland Business Setup
How To Set Up A Business In Dubai Mainland?
1. Choose a Business Activity
According to the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai (DET), you can select from 2000
available business activities. These Dubai mainland business licenses are
1. Commercial License:
These licenses allow companies to engage in trading activities such as buying, selling, and distributing goods within the UAE market.
- a. Retail: General trade of goods and products.
- b. E-commerce: Online Sales Platforms.
2. Industrial License:
Granted to companies involved in manufacturing and industrial activities within the UAE.
- a. Pharma: Manufacturing of drugs or medical equipment.
- b. Manufacturing: Production of consumable goods.
- c. Renewable Energy: Manufacturing or installing renewable energy systems.
3. Professional License:
As an individual or a group focusing on professional service provisions, this license enables professionals, artisans, and service providers to conduct business activities in their respective fields, including consultancy, legal services, and healthcare.
- a. Tourism and hospitality: Hotels, tour operators, travel agencies (needs additional licenses from the tourism ministry).
- b. Some sectors of healthcare: Clinics, medical consultations, and specific health-related services
- c. Financial Services: Consulting, investment advisory (sometimes requires additional permits or specialized licensing)
- d. Technology & Innovation: Software development and IT services (depending on specific activity)
- e. Logistics and transportation services: Offering services in Freight forwarding companies, warehousing services, transportation consultants, and delivery services.
These licenses allow companies to engage in trading activities such as buying, selling, and distributing goods within the UAE market.
- a. Retail: General trade of goods and products.
- b. E-commerce: Online Sales Platforms.
As an individual or a group focusing on professional service provisions, this license enables professionals, artisans, and service providers to conduct business activities in their respective fields, including consultancy, legal services, and healthcare.
- a. Tourism and hospitality: Hotels, tour operators, travel agencies (needs additional licenses from the tourism ministry).
- b. Some sectors of healthcare: Clinics, medical consultations, and specific health-related services
- c. Financial Services: Consulting, investment advisory (sometimes requires additional permits or specialized licensing)
- d. Technology & Innovation: Software development and IT services (depending on specific activity)
- e. Logistics and transportation services: Offering services in Freight forwarding companies, warehousing services, transportation consultants, and delivery services.
Granted to companies involved in manufacturing and industrial activities within the UAE.
- a. Pharma: Manufacturing of drugs or medical equipment.
- b. Manufacturing: Production of consumable goods.
- c. Renewable Energy: Manufacturing or installing renewable energy systems.
- You can obtain a trade license from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism ( DET ) within 3-5 working days.
2. Different Types of Mainland Legal Structures: Company Legal Structures in the UAE
Legal Structures of Commercial Companies in the UAE are defined under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 and regulate company ownership, liability, governance, and profit distribution. Each structure affects licensing, taxation, and foreign ownership rights.
Mainland businesses can be set up as partnerships, LLCs, joint stock companies, civil companies, or sole proprietorships. LLCs suit SMEs due to limited liability and foreign ownership options, while public joint stock companies support large-scale capital raising.
Choosing the right structure shapes compliance, ownership limits, tax exposure, and growth potential under UAE law.
Here are some types of legal structures available in the Dubai Mainland. :
a. General partnership
A General Partnership is formed between two or more partners who share full, joint, and several liability for the company’s obligations using personal assets. This structure is suited for small, closely held businesses built on high trust between partners. Due to unlimited liability, it is less attractive to foreign investors.
b. Simple limited partnership
A simple (Limited) Partnership includes at least one general partner with unlimited liability and one or more limited partners whose liability is restricted to their capital contribution. Limited partners cannot participate in management decisions.
c. Private joint stock company (PJSC)
Private Joint Stock Company (PJSC) requires a minimum of three founders and allows up to 200 shareholders. Shares are privately held and cannot be publicly traded. A single shareholder must register under the name “One-Person Private Joint Stock Company.”
d. Limited liability company (LLC)
Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most widely used structure, limiting each partner’s liability to their capital share. It allows up to 50 shareholders and supports foreign ownership, making it ideal for SMEs seeking legal protection and operational flexibility.
e. Branch and representative office
Branch Office is a registered extension of a foreign parent company. It is permitted to engage in commercial activities in the UAE and is subject to local licensing and taxation regulations.
f. Sole Proprietorship
Sole Proprietorship is a business entirely owned by one individual who assumes full personal liability. It is simple to set up but carries the highest financial risk for the owner.
3. Register a Trade Name Of Your Company
- Apply through the emirate’s Economic Development Department
- Name must have legal structure suffix (LLC, PJSC, etc.)
- Avoid inappropriate/offensive words
- Match chosen business activities
- No rulers’, agencies’, or government bodies’ names/logos
- Not already registered
- Get approvals from the Economic Development Dept. and Ministry of Economy
- Trade name certificates require renewal
Approval Process
4. Obtain Initial Approval From DET
You are required to obtain initial approval from the relevant government authorities. The approvals might vary as it depends on your business activity.
Approval from the Dubai Municipality
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Approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
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Approval from the Dubai Civil Defense
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Approval from the Dubai Economic Department
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5. Draft Your Legal Documents
1. Memorandum of Association (MoA)
This foundational document defines the company’s purpose, ownership structure, and agreements between shareholders.
2. Local Service Agent (LSA)
Agreement
Foreign companies without a UAE national as the majority owner must appoint a Local Service Agent. The LSA provides sponsorship services to enable company formation and licensing without granting them ownership rights.
6. Find a Business Location
A physical business premises is mandatory in the UAE, complying with zoning and regulatory requirements set by the Economic Department and local authorities. In Dubai specifically, the office or warehouse tenancy contract must be registered through the Ejari system under the Land Department.
- Ministry of Interior: Transport, security services, used vehicles/parts
- Ministry of Justice: Legal activities/consultancy
- Municipal Depts: Architecture, engineering
- TDRA: Telecommunications activities
- Executive Council: Tourism, trading, maritime, aviation, foreign branches
- Ministry of Economy: Insurance
- Health Depts: Health-related activities
- Supreme Petroleum Council: Oil/gas field services, drilling operations
Check if your business activities need extra approvals from relevant authorities.
- Initial approval receipt
- Copies of previously submitted docs
- Attested copy of lease contract
- Memorandum/s of Association
- Approvals from other relevant govt. entities (if required)
- Pay all required fees
- Collect business license from the economic department’s service centers or website
Register in the same emirate where the company is incorporated:
- Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry
- Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- RAK Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- UAQ Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Checklist
11. Additional Considerations
In some cases, you might need additional approvals from government departments
- Ministry of Justice
- Executive Council
- Local Municipal Department
- Local Health departments
- Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TRDA)
- Ministry of Economy
- Petroleum Council
After submitting the documents and approvals, you must collect the License. Common trade licenses
consist of :
- Commercial Licenses
- Professional Licenses
- Industrial Licenses
- Tourism Licenses
Dubai mainland company formation cost
| Dubai Mainland License With Visa | Dubai Mainland License Without Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal for | Business Needing Visas For Employees | Business Not Requiring Visas |
| Price | Starting With AED 18,000 | Starting From AED 11,000 |
| Get Started | Get Started | |
| Services Included | ||
| Company Registration |  |
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| License Application | |
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| Trade Name Reservation | |
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| Initial Approval | |
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| Local Sponsor Arrangement | |
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| Visa Eligibility & Processing (If Applicable) |
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| Market Free | |
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Our Comprehensive Professional Services:
Accounting
Accurate and timely financial reporting to support your decision-making.
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Taxation
Expert guidance on UAE tax laws and regulations to optimize your tax position.
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VAT, ESR, and IFRS Advisories
Stay compliant with the latest accounting standards and regulations.
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Trademark Registration
Protect your brand identity and intellectual property
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Golden Visa Services
Guidance on eligibility and application procedures for long-term residency visas.
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Setup
Dubai Mainland Company Setup with Juriszone
Establish your business in Dubai Mainland seamlessly with Juriszone. Our transparent and straightforward company formation process guides you through each step.
Streamedlined Process
- Assist in selecting business activities and naming
- Handle paperwork and obtain DET business license
- One-stop-shop for complete formation management
Enhanced Growth
- Enable growth via risk management, informed decisions, optimal business models
Marketing Wizard
- Extensive market analysis experience
- Tailored marketing strategies
Competitive Edge
- In-depth market insight
- Strategies to outperform competitors
Prompt Service
- Quick solutions for businesses, startups, SMEs
- Prioritize prompt responses
Cost-Effective
- Reduced operational costs
- Improve revenue, efficiency, optimize capital
Expert Guidance
- Free consultations for informed decisions
- Clarify doubts before the company formation process
We Help You To Build Your Business Startup In Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
Juriszone is a business setup consultancy firm that offers comprehensive services for setting up businesses in Dubai Mainland. It assists with choosing the right business activity, registration, obtaining licenses, and provides tailored marketing strategies and financial advice for business growth.