Key Takeaways
- Dubai mainland company setup suits businesses operating in the UAE market, invoicing local clients and building onshore presence.
- Business activity, licence type and legal structure should precede trade name reservation, and the name must carry the correct legal-form suffix (LLC, EST, PJSC or PrJSC).
- Mainland licences can be applied for through the conventional DET route or, for eligible low-risk activities, through the Basher/Invest in Dubai instant licensing channel.
- Foreign investors need GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) clearance before DET issues initial approval.
- Mainland setup cost depends on activity, legal form, office and government fees.
- After issuance, plan for the establishment card, visas, bank account and tax registration, and know which post-licence steps are mandatory versus optional.
- BCL Globiz is a compliance-led mainland setup partner, handling formation, accounting, VAT and post-licence readiness together.
What Is a Mainland Company in Dubai?
Mainland refers to the licensing jurisdiction, not a business type. It means the company is registered directly with Dubai’s economic authority, not a free zone authority, which sits within its own economic zone and typically needs a branch or dual licence to trade with mainland clients. An offshore company is not licensed to maintain a UAE operating presence at all.
Dubai mainland businesses are licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), still widely known by its legacy name, the Department of Economic Development (DED). Once licensed, a company can operate from a physical location, employ staff, open a bank account and invoice UAE clients.
Licence issuance is only one stage in the journey. Founders still need the immigration file, visas, a bank account, accounting, VAT assessment and corporate tax registration, none of which the licence activates automatically.
Quick answer: Dubai mainland company meaning
A Dubai mainland company is an onshore UAE business licensed to conduct approved activities in Dubai and, where permitted, across the UAE mainland market. It suits businesses that need local UAE clients, a physical office, visas and bank account access, subject to the rules for their activity.
Who issues a Dubai mainland trade licence?
DET (also known as DED) is the competent authority for mainland trade licence issuance, activity approval and commercial regulation in Dubai. Certain activities also need sector-specific authority approval before DET issues the final licence.
Mainland company vs trade licence: what is the difference?
A mainland company is the legal entity registered with DET. A trade licence is the permission to conduct specific activities. Registration means forming the structure and preparing the MOA. Licence issuance follows once name reservation, initial approval and Ejari are complete.
Official Online Setup Path and Government Portal Flow
The UAE offers two connected digital routes into mainland licensing, and founders should know which one applies before they start.
Basher is the federal e-service on u.ae, the official UAE Government portal, connecting company formation with 18 federal and local government departments. Basher directly issues mainland licences for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah, with Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain coverage in progress. For Dubai, selecting the emirate on Basher redirects the applicant to Invest in Dubai, DET’s own online licensing portal, which remains the system of record for Dubai mainland applications.
Within DET’s own systems, eligible low-risk activities, mainly standard commercial, trading and consultancy activities without external approvals, can use the DET Instant Licence (also referred to by the platform name Bashr, not to be confused with the federal Basher service). Where the activity qualifies, a mainland trade licence can be issued in minutes once documents, trade name and Ejari or an approved address are in order. Activities needing external approvals such as healthcare, education, real estate brokerage, tourism operations, security services, financial services, industrial and manufacturing activities, or restricted commodity trading, fall outside instant licensing and follow the conventional DET route described in the step-by-step process below.
Confirm with BCL which route your activity qualifies for before committing to a timeline, since eligibility changes as DET periodically updates its approved activity list.
Who Should Choose Mainland Business Setup in Dubai?
Mainland setup is not right for every founder. It is worth evaluating first for businesses needing ongoing UAE mainland clients, a physical presence, government or local B2B contracts, and the credibility an onshore licence brings with banks and suppliers.
Business types that commonly benefit from a Dubai mainland licence include:
- UAE-facing consultants and professional service firms billing UAE clients.
- IT and digital service businesses, including software development and IT consultancy.
- Ecommerce-support businesses needing onshore invoicing capability or UAE-facing commercial presence.
- Trading businesses, including general trading, import/export and distribution with UAE mainland customers.
- Businesses seeking government or local B2B contracts, often a formal requirement.
- Foreign companies establishing a Dubai presence, an onshore footprint, not a free zone.
BCL Globiz regularly supports founders in management consultancy, IT, ecommerce, trading, and international founders from Europe, the US and India, profiles that benefit from combining a mainland licence with integrated accounting, VAT and tax readiness.
Mainland is usually a better fit if
- You need to invoice UAE mainland clients directly under an onshore entity.
- You want a stronger local operating presence with a physical business address.
- You need a dedicated office, warehouse, shop or service location in Dubai.
- You plan to hire locally or apply for visas under your own company.
- Your clients or partners expect to contract with an onshore UAE entity.
- Your business activity is better supported or approved under a mainland structure.
- You are considering government or B2B contracts where mainland standing may be expected.
Mainland may not be the best option if
Reconsider mainland if your business is fully international with no UAE clients or revenue, and no need for an office or local staff.
Mainland vs Free Zone in Dubai: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between mainland and free zone is one of the most important early decisions for any Dubai founder, depending on where your clients are, what you sell and how you operate.
| Factor | Dubai mainland | Dubai free zone | What founders should consider |
| Best for | UAE-facing operations, local clients, onshore contracts | International trade, remote services, sector-specific ecosystems | Match jurisdiction to revenue source and operating model |
| Market access | Full UAE mainland access subject to licensed activity | Typically within the free zone; mainland access needs extra steps | If most clients are UAE-based, mainland is a practical advantage |
| Office requirement | Physical office and Ejari generally required | Flexi-desk or virtual options often available at lower cost | Free zone desks reduce cost but may limit visas and bank comfort |
| Government contract suitability | Generally better suited where a mainland entity is expected | May not meet government or local B2B contract requirements | Verify contract requirements with the client or procurement authority |
| Cost structure | Licence, office and Ejari (before visas) typically AED 15,000 to 40,000; with visas, often AED 30,000 to 60,000 – confirm with BCL for a firm quote | Often packaged as all-in bundles; costs rise with visas and office | Compare total first-year cost, not just the licence fee |
| Corporate tax and VAT planning | Same UAE federal rules apply; activity affects treatment | Same federal rules; some free zones may qualify for QFZP status | Get a tax view before choosing; structure affects effective tax |
Mainland vs free zone cost comparison
Neither mainland nor free zone is universally cheaper. Free zone packages often advertise lower entry prices, but those typically reflect minimal visa and office allocations, and the gap narrows with a dedicated office and more visas.
Benefits of Mainland Company Setup in Dubai
The benefits of a Dubai mainland licence are most meaningful when viewed through a specific business model, not generic claims about unlimited market access.
Benefits for consultants and professional service firms
Management consultants, IT consultants, marketing advisors and professional service providers billing UAE clients benefit directly from a mainland professional licence: local invoicing, DET registration and VAT registration all support client credibility and bank comfort.
Benefits for trading and ecommerce businesses
Trading of goods, general trading, import/export and ecommerce-support activities are well supported under a mainland commercial licence. Activity wording must be precise, since vague descriptions cause problems at the bank and in VAT filings.
Benefits for international founders
International founders benefit from a structured, document-led process from an advisor who understands their home-country context.
100% Foreign Ownership in Dubai Mainland: What Founders Should Know
Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020, which amended the former Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies, removed the general requirement for 51% UAE national ownership of mainland companies with effect from 2021. This position is now consolidated under the current Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies. As a result, most mainland commercial, professional and trading activities allow 100% foreign ownership without a UAE national shareholder or local service agent.
100% foreign ownership should not be assumed for every activity. Cabinet Resolution No. 55 of 2021 sets out the activities of strategic impact, covering sectors such as security, defence-related activities, certain banking and financial services, and other nationally sensitive fields, which remain subject to specific ownership conditions, additional approvals or a requirement for UAE national participation.
Before reserving a trade name, verify your activity is eligible for 100% foreign ownership under current DET rules and that your structure supports it.
When might a local service agent be required?
A local service agent (LSA) is a UAE national appointed to liaise with government authorities for a mainland business. In 2026 this is tied to specific legal structures, not applied universally. The LSA does not hold ownership but may receive an annual fee.
Verify, for your specific activity and legal form, whether an LSA is required under current DET rules. This is not universal, but should not be assumed away either.
What should foreign shareholders verify before setup?
- Activity ownership eligibility for their specific DET activity code.
- Legal form and whether it supports 100% foreign ownership in their case.
- Passport validity, since a minimum validity period is generally required.
- UAE visa or non-resident status and how it affects the setup process.
- NOC requirement if currently employed or resident under a UAE sponsor.
- GDRFA clearance requirements that apply specifically to foreign investors before initial approval.
- Corporate shareholder documentation and attestation, if the investor is a company.
- Banking and KYC readiness, including source of funds and business plan, before issuance.
Dubai Mainland Licence Types and Business Activities
DET determines the licence type based on the approved activity. Getting the wording right is one of the most consequential decisions in setup, since it affects ownership eligibility, external approvals, office requirements, bank KYC and renewal.
| Licence type | Suitable activities | Common legal structures | Notes for founders |
| Commercial licence | Trading, buying and selling goods, import and export, distribution, general commerce | LLC, sole establishment | Activity wording must reflect actual trading operations |
| Professional licence | Consultancy, IT services, management advisory, marketing, technical services | Sole establishment, civil company, LLC | Popular for service-based founders |
| Industrial licence | Manufacturing, production, industrial activities | LLC, branch | Often requires municipal and environmental approvals |
| Tourism licence | Tourism operators, travel agencies, hospitality-related activities | LLC, sole establishment | DET tourism section may be involved |
| E-commerce and digital activities | Online retail, portal services, digital platforms, IT consultancy | LLC, sole establishment | Usually selected under a commercial or professional licence, not a separate category |
How to choose the right business activity
Activity selection is a compliance decision, not a formality, since a broad description creates downstream problems with bank onboarding, VAT classification and renewal. BCL reviews the actual business model first before recommending an activity.
Legal Structures for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
The legal structure of a Dubai mainland company determines ownership, liability, shareholder requirements and long-term flexibility. Getting it wrong can complicate banking, tax filing and later restructuring.
| Legal structure | Best for | Liability | Shareholder requirements |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | Multi-shareholder commercial or professional operations | Generally limited to share capital | One or more shareholders |
| Sole establishment (EST) | Individual professionals or solo commercial operators | Unlimited personal liability | Single owner |
| Civil company | Professional partnerships (for example, two or more professionals in the same field) | Joint liability depending on structure | Two or more professionals |
| Branch of foreign company | Established overseas companies entering Dubai | Parent bears liability for branch activities | Parent company is the sole entity |
| Branch of UAE or free zone company | UAE or free zone entities expanding into mainland | Parent entity bears liability | One UAE entity as parent |
| Public/Private Joint Stock Company (PJSC/PrJSC) | Large-scale or capital-intensive ventures, or IPO-track businesses | Limited to share capital | Minimum capital thresholds apply; PJSC AED 30 million, PrJSC AED 5 million under the Commercial Companies Law |
LLC in Dubai mainland
The LLC is the most commonly used mainland structure, supporting multiple shareholders, limiting liability to share capital and well understood by UAE banks. It is typically the first structure to evaluate for multi-partner ventures.
Sole establishment or professional structure
A sole establishment is registered to one individual, often used by solo consultants, who bear personal liability. Certain professional sole establishments may require an LSA agreement.
Branch of a foreign company
A branch of a foreign company lets an overseas corporation operate in Dubai under its existing brand, with the parent retaining ownership and liability. Setup needs attested copies of its incorporation certificate and a board resolution naming a local manager, typically requiring notarisation and Arabic translation.
Trade Name Naming Rules and Legal-Form Suffix Requirements
Under the Commercial Companies Law framework and DET’s naming rules, every mainland trade name must satisfy a defined set of conditions before reservation is approved.
- The name must carry the legal-form abbreviation matching the entity’s structure: LLC for a limited liability company, EST for a sole establishment, PJSC for a public joint stock company, or PrJSC for a private joint stock company.
- The name must be compatible with the approved business activity and the legal status of the entity.
- The name must not duplicate or closely resemble an existing registered name or trademark.
- The name must not contain offensive language, religious references, or terms contrary to public morals or public order.
- The name must not use the names of rulers, government bodies, or restricted terms such as “Emirates”, “UAE”, “National”, “Gulf” or “International” without specific high-level approval.
- For a sole establishment, some naming conventions expect the owner’s name to appear in the trade name.
DET screens applications against existing registered names, trademark databases and activity classifications before issuing the trade name reservation certificate, which carries limited validity and must be renewed if initial approval is delayed.
Step-By-Step Process for Dubai Mainland Company Setup
The steps for business setup in Dubai mainland follow a defined sequence. Skipping or reordering steps commonly causes delays, rejections or rework.
Step 1: Choose the business activity
Activity selection determines licence type, external approvals, office requirements and VAT/tax treatment. Define what the company will do, sell and invoice before matching it to a DET activity code.
Step 2: Select the legal structure
Based on activity, shareholder count, ownership profile and tax/banking goals, choose the legal form (LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch), each with different documents and approval paths.
Step 3: Reserve the trade name
The trade name must follow DET naming rules and carry the correct legal-form suffix (see the naming rules section above). Reservation produces a certificate with limited validity.
Step 4: Get initial approval, including GDRFA clearance for foreign investors
Initial approval is DET’s acknowledgement that it has no objection to the proposed activity, shareholders and structure proceeding. It is not the final licence: the MOA, office and Ejari still follow.
Per the UAE Government’s official guidance on u.ae, foreign investors must obtain approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) before DET grants initial approval. This GDRFA clearance is a distinct, authority-specific step and is one of the more commonly underestimated causes of delay for non-resident founders.
Step 5: Prepare MOA or legal documents
The MOA sets out shareholder details, share percentages, management authority and business objectives, signed and notarised before licence issuance for an LLC or civil company.
Step 6: Arrange office lease, tenancy contract and Ejari
A physical office is generally mandatory, with the tenancy contract registered through Ejari, the system introduced by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and administered under the Dubai Land Department (DLD), before licence issuance. Office type, size and location affect visa quotas and bank comfort, so confirm requirements before committing.
Step 7: Obtain external approvals, if required
Some regulated activities need approval from sector-specific authorities beyond DET. Check whether your activity needs external approval before applying, since it is a common cause of delay.
Step 8: Pay fees and receive licence issuance
Once all documents, office/Ejari and external approvals are complete, the application goes to DET with the applicable fees. DET issues the licence on approval, valid for one year and renewable, though post-licence registrations still remain.
Step 9: Complete post-licence registrations
Post-licence steps typically include Chamber of Commerce registration, establishment card setup, visas, bank account opening, accounting setup, VAT assessment and corporate tax registration. See the mandatory versus optional breakdown later in this guide.
Authority-Specific References for Initial Approval and Foreign Investor Requirements
The table below consolidates which authority governs each stage so founders and their advisors know exactly where to direct enquiries.
| Stage | Competent authority | What it confirms |
| Trade name reservation | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) | Name availability and compliance with naming rules |
| Initial approval | DET | No objection to proposed activity, shareholders and structure |
| Foreign investor pre-approval | General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai) | Clearance required for foreign investors before DET issues initial approval |
| Tenancy registration | Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), Dubai Land Department (DLD) | Ejari registration of the office or warehouse lease |
| Healthcare activities | Dubai Health Authority (DHA) | Sector-specific licensing approval |
| Education and training activities | Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) | Sector-specific licensing approval |
| Recruitment and HR activities | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) | Sector-specific licensing approval and labour compliance |
| Financial and insurance activities | Relevant federal financial regulator | Sector-specific licensing approval |
| Transport and logistics activities | Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) or relevant authority | Sector-specific licensing approval |
| VAT and corporate tax registration | Federal Tax Authority (FTA) | Tax registration and compliance obligations |
Documents Required for Mainland Company Setup in Dubai
Document requirements vary by shareholder type, legal structure and activity. The table below covers the common requirements across shareholder categories, from individual founders to corporate and branch shareholders.
| Document | Individual | UAE resident | Non-resident | Corporate / branch |
| Shareholder passport copy | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Authorised signatory passport |
| UAE visa copy | – | Mandatory | – | – |
| Emirates ID | – | Mandatory | – | – |
| Entry stamp or visit visa | – | – | Conditional | – |
| NOC from employer or sponsor | – | Conditional | – | – |
| Trade name reservation certificate | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Initial approval (with GDRFA clearance for foreign investors) | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| MOA or LSA agreement | Mandatory for LLC/civil | Mandatory for LLC/civil | Mandatory for LLC/civil | Mandatory |
| Office lease and Ejari | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Certificate of incorporation / board resolution / attested constitutional documents | – | – | – | Mandatory, with attestation and Arabic translation |
| Power of attorney | – | – | Conditional | Conditional |
| Certificate of good standing | – | – | – | Conditional |
Documents people often miss
- NOC, overlooked by UAE resident founders who assume it is not required.
- Ejari, since some founders sign a lease but skip RERA registration before submitting to DET.
- Attested corporate documents, since apostille, legalisation and translation are separate steps and missing one delays submission.
- Notarised MOA, since unsigned or un-notarised MOA drafts cannot be submitted.
- GDRFA clearance for foreign investors, since this is a distinct step ahead of initial approval, not a formality bundled into it.
- External approvals, since these are not always identified until after initial approval, causing delay.
- Establishment card, since it must be obtained post-issuance before visa applications can proceed.
- Bank KYC supporting documents, since missing business plan or source-of-funds evidence delays onboarding.
Dubai Mainland Business Setup Cost in 2026
Dubai mainland setup cost depends on government fees, third-party costs, office and Ejari expenses, visa fees and advisory support.
| Cost item | Mandatory or conditional | What affects the amount |
| Trade name reservation | Mandatory | Activity type; minor DET fee component |
| Initial approval | Mandatory | Activity and legal form |
| Mainland trade licence issuance | Mandatory | Activity code, legal form and number of activities |
| MOA or legal document drafting | Mandatory for LLC and civil company | Legal structure complexity and number of shareholders |
| Office lease and Ejari | Mandatory | Location, size and type (flexi-desk vs dedicated office) |
| External approvals | Conditional | Activity type and sector authority fee schedule |
| Immigration file and establishment card | Mandatory for visa sponsorship | Standard government fee; varies by channel |
| Investor / employee visa | Conditional on plans | Number of applicants; medical, Emirates ID included |
| Corporate bank account support | Conditional | Bank choice, KYC complexity and document preparation |
| VAT registration support | Conditional on turnover threshold | Whether mandatory or voluntary registration applies |
| Corporate tax registration and readiness | Mandatory where applicable under current tax rules | Business model, activity and related-party structure |
| Annual licence renewal | Mandatory | Activity, legal form and any additions since issuance |
For a standard commercial or professional mainland licence, core setup costs (government fees, office, Ejari and initial advisory support, before any visa) typically sit in the AED 15,000 to 40,000 range. Adding a visa, a regulated activity or a complex shareholder structure commonly pushes the realistic total higher, into AED 30,000 to 60,000.
These figures are indicative only and change with DET fee updates, activity and provider. They are not a final quote. Confirm with BCL for a firm, itemised quote before budgeting.
How Long Does Mainland Company Setup in Dubai Take?
Timeline depends on activity complexity, document readiness, office availability and whether external approvals apply.
Fastest-case setup timeline
For a straightforward activity with a single shareholder, pre-arranged office and complete documents, DET licensing stages, including instant licensing where eligible, can take as little as a few minutes to ten business days depending on the route. The full journey, including bank account opening and visas, typically takes several more weeks.
Common causes of delay
- Activity mismatch that does not match business model; DET flags it.
- Trade name rejection for restricted terms, missing legal-form suffix, or duplication of an existing registration.
- Missing NOC, discovered mid-process by a UAE resident founder.
- Missing or delayed GDRFA clearance for foreign investors ahead of initial approval.
- Incomplete corporate shareholder documents, with attestation or translation incomplete before submission.
- Office or Ejari issues, such as a lease signed but unregistered, or space that does not meet specs.
- External approval delays from an unanticipated sector authority review.
- Bank KYC gaps, where missing documents stall onboarding post-licence.
What Happens After Your Dubai Mainland Trade Licence Is Issued?
Licence issuance is the start of operations, not the finish line, since founders who treat it as the end often cannot open a bank account or sponsor visas correctly.
Mandatory versus optional post-licence registrations
Not every post-licence step carries the same legal weight. The distinction matters for planning and budgeting.
| Post-licence step | Status | Trigger or threshold |
| Establishment card / immigration file | Mandatory for visa sponsorship | Required before any visa application |
| Investor and employee visas | Conditional | Required only where sponsorship or hiring is planned |
| Corporate bank account opening | Practically essential, not legally mandated by DET | Needed to operate, invoice and pay suppliers |
| Accounting system and invoice template setup | Recommended, and a practical FTA compliance requirement | Supports VAT and record-keeping obligations |
| VAT registration | Mandatory above AED 375,000 turnover; voluntary from AED 187,500 | Based on taxable turnover thresholds |
| Corporate tax registration | Mandatory for UAE businesses under current FTA rules | New mainland entities must register within 3 months of incorporation per FTA Decision No. 3 of 2024; applies regardless of profit level |
| Transfer pricing documentation | Conditional | Applies where related-party transactions exist |
| WPS registration and payroll setup | Mandatory once hiring UAE-resident staff | Triggered by employment of staff |
| Chamber of Commerce registration | Conditional by activity | Some activities and contracts require membership |
| Document retention policy | Mandatory | Records retained for prescribed periods under FTA guidelines |
Establishment card, immigration file and visas
The establishment card, also called the immigration card, is a prerequisite for visa sponsorship, obtained by registering with immigration after licence issuance. The investor visa process then covers entry permit, medical exam, biometrics and Emirates ID, taking several weeks per applicant.
Corporate bank account readiness
A UAE corporate bank account needs more than a trade licence. Banks run a thorough KYC review, and founders who do not prepare documents in advance face delays.
The typical bank KYC document checklist includes:
- Trade licence and DET registration documents.
- MOA or LSA agreement showing shareholder structure.
- Passport, Emirates ID and visa copies of shareholders and signatories.
- Office lease and Ejari as proof of physical business presence.
- Business plan describing the business model and revenue sources.
- Expected transaction volumes and counterparties.
- Supplier or client contracts where available.
- Company website or marketing material.
- Source-of-funds documentation for initial capital.
- Corporate tax readiness status where applicable.
Common causes of bank KYC rejection or delay
- Vague or overly broad activity wording that does not match the licence or the business plan submitted.
- Missing or incomplete source-of-funds documentation for the initial share capital.
- Inconsistent shareholder information across the licence, MOA and passport copies.
- No verifiable business address, website or trading history to support the stated activity.
- Unexplained expected transaction volumes or counterparties that do not match the business profile.
- Politically exposed person (PEP) status or nationality-related enhanced due diligence that was not flagged in advance.
- Incomplete corporate shareholder attestation for holding companies or foreign parent entities.
BCL treats bank account preparation as a formal step, not an afterthought. A well-described activity and clean records from day one reduce onboarding friction.
Accounting, VAT and corporate tax from day one
This is where BCL’s approach differs most from a setup-only service: starting accounting from the first transaction prevents unclassified expenses and unrecorded invoices from piling up. The specific steps include:
- Configuring the chart of accounts to match the business activity.
- Setting up compliant UAE VAT invoice templates with all required fields.
- Establishing a bookkeeping process for income, expenses and supplier payments.
- Assessing mandatory (AED 375,000+) or voluntary (AED 187,500+) VAT registration with the FTA.
- Registering for corporate tax with the FTA within three months of incorporation, per FTA Decision No. 3 of 2024, since late registration carries a fixed AED 10,000 penalty regardless of profit.
- Identifying related-party transactions that may require transfer pricing documentation.
- Setting a compliance calendar for VAT, tax, licence and visa renewal.
WPS, payroll and employee onboarding
Mainland employers hiring UAE-resident staff must register with the Wage Protection System (WPS) and pay salaries through approved channels, with contracts complying with MOHRE and health insurance provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dubai mainland company?
A Dubai mainland company is a business licensed by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to operate within Dubai and, where permitted, the wider UAE market. It differs from a free zone company, registered within a designated economic zone, and an offshore company, which has no UAE operating presence.
How much does it cost to set up a mainland company in Dubai?
Core setup costs (government fees, office, Ejari and initial advisory, before any visa) typically range from AED 15,000 to AED 40,000. Adding a visa or a complex shareholder structure commonly raises the realistic total to AED 30,000 to AED 60,000. These figures are indicative only; confirm with BCL for a firm quote.
Can foreigners own 100% of a mainland company in Dubai?
Yes, in most cases. Since the 2021 ownership reforms under Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020 and the consolidated Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021, most commercial and professional mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership without a UAE national sponsor. Activities on the strategic impact list under Cabinet Resolution No. 55 of 2021 may still carry ownership conditions, so eligibility should be confirmed before reserving a trade name.
How long does it take to set up a mainland company in Dubai?
For a straightforward, instant-licence-eligible activity with a single shareholder, pre-arranged office and complete documents, DET can issue a licence in minutes to a few days. Conventional-route applications typically take seven to ten business days for licensing stages. The full journey, including bank account and visas, takes several more weeks.
Do I need a local service agent for a mainland company?
Not always. In 2026, an LSA requirement is tied to specific legal structures rather than applied universally. Certain professional category sole establishments and civil companies may need one, while trading sole establishments and LLCs generally do not. Verify this for your specific activity under current DET rules.
What is Basher, and is it the same as DET’s Invest in Dubai portal?
Basher is the federal UAE Government e-service on u.ae that issues licences directly for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah. For Dubai, Basher redirects applicants to Invest in Dubai, DET’s own portal, which is the actual system used for Dubai mainland applications, including DET’s own instant licensing option for eligible activities.
Do foreign investors need GDRFA approval before setting up a mainland company?
Yes. Foreign investors must obtain approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) before DET issues initial approval. This is a distinct authority-specific step and a common source of delay if not planned for in advance.
What suffix does a Dubai mainland trade name need?
The trade name must carry the legal-form abbreviation matching the entity, such as LLC for a limited liability company, EST for a sole establishment, PJSC for a public joint stock company, or PrJSC for a private joint stock company, alongside compliance with DET’s broader naming rules.
Setting Up on the Dubai Mainland, Done Right the First Time
A Dubai mainland licence is only as good as the structure behind it. Get the activity, legal form and ownership eligibility right at the start, and the licence, visas, bank account and tax registration follow smoothly.
That is the gap BCL Globiz is built to close, bringing company formation, accounting, VAT and corporate tax together, so the business is operationally ready, not just legally incorporated.
Ready to set up your Dubai mainland company? Contact BCL Globiz at info@bcl.ae for a firm, itemised quote and a setup plan built around your activity, structure and timeline.
