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Accredited by Department of Economy and Tourism
Accredited by Department of Economy and Tourism

Mainland Company Setup in Dubai

Establish a mainland business in Dubai through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) with full market access. Company types include LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Works Company, and Professional Licence. Process covers trade name reservation, initial approvals, MOA drafting, and licence issuance.

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BUSINESS SETUP WIZARD

What do you want to do in the UAE?

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Process Timeline

  1. 1

    Choose company structure

    Select between LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Works, or Professional Licence based on your business activity.

    Same day

  2. 2

    Reserve trade name

    Submit trade name reservation request to DET and receive initial approval.

    1–2 business days

  3. 3

    Draft MOA and submit

    Amer MBS prepares your Memorandum of Association and submits to DET with all supporting documents.

    2–3 business days

  4. 4

    Licence issued

    DET issues the trade licence. Establishment card and visa quota follow.

    3–5 business days

Google Reviews — Amer MBS Centre

Amer MBS centre exterior, Ras Al Khor, Dubai

Google Reviews

4.9/5

Based on 102 reviews

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J

Jaz Mie C.

My entire experience with Amer Center is absolutely awesome. The staff are incredibly kind and courteous especially Ma'am Hessa she has a lot of personality, bubbly and a positive vibes that lighten up my day.

a year ago

M

Mohamad M.

I was in urgent need of the establishment card. Miss. Umara answered and helped me immediately in less than a minute. She is kind, fast, and wonderful, and I see her as the perfect example of the best customer service.

a year ago

Compare Your Options

See key differences to choose the best fit for your situation

You’re viewing thisBest for full market accessMainland LicenceDepartment of Economy and Tourism
Setup time2–4 weeks
DocumentsHigh
Govt. feesAED 15,000–35,000
  • Trade anywhere in the UAE — no geographic restriction
  • Most activities — 100% foreign ownership
  • Direct access to UAE government contracts
  • Full PRO, Tasheel, and legal support included
Best for 100% foreign ownershipFree Zone Licence
Setup time1–2 weeks
DocumentsMedium
Govt. feesAED 12,000–25,000
  • 100% foreign ownership — no local partner required
  • Corporate and personal income tax exemptions
  • Simplified setup with zone-specific regulations
  • Visa processing and legal support from zone authority
Best for international holdingOffshore CompanyJebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Setup time1–2 weeks
DocumentsLow
Govt. feesAED 10,000–18,000
  • No physical office required in the UAE
  • Asset protection under UAE legal framework
  • Tax-efficient structure for international operations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mainland company in Dubai?

A mainland company is registered with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), allowing you to trade freely anywhere within the UAE and internationally.

Do I need a local UAE sponsor to setup a Mainland company?

No, recent regulatory changes allow 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities in the mainland.

How much does a mainland trade license cost?

Government fees for a mainland DED license vary widely depending on the business activity, starting from around AED 10,000 to over AED 30,000 including market fees.

Do I need physical office space for a mainland license?

In most cases, yes. A registered tenancy contract (Ejari) is typically required, though some freelancer or e-trader licenses have different rules.

How many visas can I get with a mainland license?

Depends on the business activity and MoHRE digital quota approvals. Traditional office space guidelines suggest approximately 1 visa per 80–100 sq. ft., but activity-based quotas are increasingly common.

Can a mainland company trade with free zones?

Yes, a mainland company can trade directly with both local UAE markets and free zones without restrictions.

What is the difference between LLC and Establishment?

An LLC limits personal liability to the company's capital, while a Sole Establishment holds the owner personally liable for business debts.

What documents are needed to start?

You'll need passport copies of shareholders, proposed trade names, and a description of your intended business activities to begin initial approval.

Information sourced from DED.gov.ae (DET), and MOHRE.gov.ae — verified 2026-03-19

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