Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
Set up your mainland company in Dubai with Prime Pulse and get the right support at every step.
Mainland Business Setup in UAE - Start Your Dubai Business the Right Way
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai gives you the freedom to trade across the UAE and internationally without restrictions. At Prime Pulse, we guide you through every step of the Dubai mainland business setup process, from securing approvals to getting your trade license, so you can launch your business faster, without unnecessary delays.
We work closely with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), ensuring your company meets all legal, financial, and operational requirements from day one. Whether you’re a new investor or an established entrepreneur, our team makes the setup process smooth, compliant, and cost-effective.
Why Choose a Mainland Company in Dubai?
Forming a mainland company in Dubai offers unmatched flexibility, access to the local UAE market, and the ability to trade without geographical limits. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses planning to expand within the UAE and abroad.
Advantages include:
With Prime Pulse, you’ll understand exactly what your business can achieve under a mainland license, and we’ll make sure you start on the right foot.
Step-by-Step Process for Dubai Mainland Company Setup
Starting your mainland company formation in Dubai can seem complex, but with Prime Pulse, each stage is clear, efficient, and fully compliant with UAE laws. Here’s how we make it happen:
Select Your Business Activity
We help you choose your main and secondary business activities based on the UAE mainland activity list. This ensures your trade license matches what your business actually does, avoiding future compliance issues.
Reserve Your Trade Name
Your company name must be unique, reflect your brand, and comply with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) naming rules. We handle the entire approval process, so your name is secured without delays.
Get Initial Approval
This is the government’s confirmation that your business can proceed with registration. We prepare and submit all required documents to the DET, ensuring your application meets all requirements the first time.
Draft & Notarize the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
The MOA outlines your company’s structure, ownership, and business scope. We work with you to prepare accurate documentation, then arrange for notarization to make it legally binding.
Secure Office Space & Ejari Registration
Mainland companies in Dubai must have a physical office. We assist in finding compliant office space and handle Ejari registration so your tenancy contract is officially recognized.
Submit Final Documents & Pay Fees
Once everything is ready, we submit the final package to the DET, along with applicable fees, for review and license issuance.
Receive Your Mainland Trade License
After approval, you receive your official trade license, allowing you to operate your business in the UAE mainland legally.
Process Visas & Labour Cards (If Required)
We manage the full visa process for owners and employees, as well as labour card setup, so your team can start working immediately.
Benefits of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
Starting a mainland company in Dubai gives you the flexibility to operate anywhere in the UAE and expand internationally without restrictions. It offers unmatched market access and growth opportunities.
Key Advantages:
Our Mainland Company Formation Services in Dubai
We offer a complete suite of mainland company setup services in Dubai, managing everything from documentation to approvals, so you can start your business quickly and with full compliance.
Mainland Company
Registration
Complete end-to-end assistance with preparing documents, obtaining required approvals, and submitting applications to Dubai authorities. We ensure every step complies with UAE laws to avoid delays or rejections.
Trade Name
Reservation
Support in choosing and securing a unique business name that reflects your brand identity and complies with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) guidelines, ensuring smooth approval.
Mainland Trade License
Application
Guidance in selecting and applying for the correct trade license based on your chosen activities, covering commercial, professional, and industrial categories.
Office Space &
Ejari Assistance
Help in finding DET-compliant office space and managing Ejari registration, making your tenancy legally recognized for licensing purposes.
Visa Processing &
Labour Card Setup
Fast and efficient processing of owner and employee visas, plus assistance with labour card applications so your team can start work without delays.
Ongoing PRO
Services
Continuous government liaison for license renewals, amendments, and document clearances, keeping your business operations uninterrupted.
Cost of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
The cost of setting up a mainland company in Dubai depends on factors like business activity, license type, and visa requirements.
Typical expenses include:
We provide transparent quotations upfront, so you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees. With our guidance, you’ll also learn how to optimize costs without compromising compliance.
Types of Mainland Licenses in Dubai
When setting up a mainland company formation in Dubai, you need the right trade license to operate legally. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues three main types of licenses, each covering specific business activities.
Commercial License
Ideal for businesses engaged in trading and commercial activities.
- Covers activities like general trading, retail shops, import/export, and e-commerce.
- Popular among investors who want to trade multiple products under one license.
- Can be combined with warehouse facilities for distribution purposes.
Professional License
Designed for service-based businesses and skilled professionals.
- Suitable for consultancy firms, IT services, marketing agencies, training providers, and artisans.
- Allows 100% foreign ownership for many activities.
- Requires proof of professional qualification or relevant experience.
Industrial License
Required for businesses involved in manufacturing or production.
- Covers industries like food processing, textiles, metal works, and equipment assembly.
- Applicants must have a physical warehouse or factory space in the Dubai mainland.
- Requires additional approvals from relevant government departments.
Before starting the process, it’s important to meet the basic requirements set by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). These include:
- Choosing the Right Business Activity: Select one or more activities from the approved mainland list to ensure your trade license matches your operations.
- Selecting a Legal Structure: Decide if you’ll operate as an LLC, sole proprietorship, civil company, or branch office.
- Local Office Space: A physical office address is mandatory, with an Ejari (tenancy contract) registered in Dubai.
Complying with Ownership Rules: Some activities allow 100% foreign ownership, while others require a UAE national as a local sponsor or partner.
To get approval from DET and other authorities, you’ll need to prepare and submit specific documents. These generally include:
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers.
- UAE residence visa or entry stamp (if applicable).
- Proposed trade name approval certificate.
- Initial approval from DET for your chosen activity.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) signed and notarized.
- Tenancy contract and Ejari registration for your office space.
Having these documents ready in advance can significantly reduce your setup time.
The duration of setting up a mainland company in Dubai can vary depending on your chosen activity and documentation readiness. On average:
- Trade Name Reservation: 1–2 working days.
- Initial Approval: 2–3 working days.
- Document Preparation & Notarization: 2–5 working days.
- License Issuance: 3–5 working days after submission.
With our expert team handling the process, many clients receive their mainland trade license within 1–2 weeks.
A mainland license offers flexibility and growth opportunities that other setups may not provide. Key benefits include:
- Wider Market Access: Operate freely across the UAE and internationally without restrictions.
- Unlimited Visa Quota: Apply for more employee visas as your business grows.
- Government Contracts: Mainland companies can bid for and secure government and semi-government projects.
- Flexible Office Locations: Set up your office anywhere in Dubai that meets DET guidelines.
These advantages make mainland company formation in Dubai one of the most popular choices for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.
Why Choose Prime Pulse for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
When it comes to setting up a mainland company in Dubai, the right partner can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s why businesses trust Prime Pulse:
Expert Knowledge of
UAE Laws
Our team stays updated with the latest regulations from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and other government bodies to keep your business compliant from day one.
End-to-End Company
Setup
We manage every stage, from trade name reservation and license application to visa processing, ensuring a seamless experience without unnecessary delays.
Custom Business
Solutions
We adapt our services to your industry and business size, giving you the right support whether you’re launching a startup or expanding a large enterprise.
Strong Government
Network
Our relationships with key UAE government departments help speed up approvals, saving you valuable time in the setup process.
Transparent
Pricing
No hidden costs or surprise fees. We provide clear, upfront pricing so you can budget confidently for your setup.
Dedicated Client
Support
We assign you a dedicated account manager who is available to answer questions, guide you through processes, and provide updates whenever you need them.
Additional Services to Support Your Business
Once your mainland company is registered, our work doesn’t stop there. We provide ongoing services to keep your business compliant and running smoothly.
Business Setup in Dubai
Business Setup in Dubai Launch with confidence using a clear plan for licensing, approvals, and compliance. We map your activity to the right authority, prepare documents for the Department of Economy and Tourism, and coordinate name approval, MOA, office lease, Ejari, and final license so you can start trading fast.
Business Setup LLC
Form a Limited Liability Company that protects shareholders and suits most commercial activities. We structure shareholding, draft and notarize the MOA, secure the correct license category, and handle visas and labour cards so your LLC is ready to operate across the UAE market.
Business Setup for Offshore
Ideal for holding assets and international operations with simple maintenance and strong privacy. We guide you through jurisdictions such as RAK ICC and JAFZA, prepare incorporation documents, coordinate a registered address, and keep statutory records in order without the need for a local office.
Business Setup for Freezone
Get full foreign ownership and a sector focused community with smooth customs and logistics. We help you select the right free zone, match your activity to the license, arrange facilities, and complete all approvals so you can trade globally and connect with partners quickly.
Accounting Services in Dubai
Keep your numbers clean and compliant with monthly bookkeeping, reconciliations, and management reports. Our team prepares VAT-ready records, runs payroll with WPS, and delivers clear financial statements that support audits, bank requests, and growth decisions.
Corporate Tax Services in Dubai
Stay ahead of federal corporate tax requirements with registration, return preparation, and advisory services. We review your chart of accounts, assess tax impact by activity, set up documentation for audits, and provide planning that aligns with current UAE rules and your long-term goals.
FAQs
A mainland company is registered under the UAE Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and can operate across the UAE without restrictions. It allows you to trade with the local market and take on government contracts.
The process can take anywhere from 5 to 10 working days if all documents are in order. Timelines depend on business activity, approvals, and license type.
You’ll need a passport copy, a visa copy, an Emirates ID (if applicable), proof of address, and a tenancy contract. Additional documents may be required based on your chosen activity.
Yes, most business activities now allow 100% foreign ownership in the Dubai mainland. However, some activities may still require a local partner.
Costs vary depending on the type of license, business activity, and office space. On average, setup fees start from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000, excluding visa and other service charges.
Yes. We offer PRO services, visa processing, accounting, and tax compliance so your business remains compliant and operational year-round.
