Mainland Dubai Company Setup 

Start Your Business with 100% Foreign Ownership and Full UAE Market Access

100% Foreign Ownership

100% control for most activities under the UAE’s updated investment law.

Unlimited Local Market Access

Trade directly across all 7 emirates and bid for government contracts.

Scalable Visa Quotas

Sponsor visas for your team and family based on your office space.

Achieve Your Goals with Our Mainland Dubai Company Setup Strategy

Why Choose Mainland Dubai for Your Company Setup?

A successful Mainland Dubai company setup requires a strategic partner who understands both opportunity and regulation. At Aventys, we combine our deep knowledge of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) with a practical focus on your business goals. We don't just process your license; we build a compliant, scalable foundation for your long-term growth in the UAE's most dynamic market.

100% Foreign Ownership

Full control and profit repatriation for most commercial & industrial activities.

Direct UAE Market Access

Operate and invoice clients anywhere in the UAE, a key advantage over free zones.

Government Contract Eligibility

Qualify to bid for lucrative federal and local government tenders.

Strategic Office Location

Choose your commercial office anywhere in Dubai to suit your brand and clients.

Generous Visa Allocations

Sponsor employees and family members, with quotas linked to your office size.

Enhanced Corporate Credibility

A Mainland (DED) license is often perceived as more established for local B2B dealings.

Business Activities for Mainland Dubai Company Setup

The Department of Economic Development (DED) licenses a vast range of activities, including:

Aerial view of Dubai

General Trading

Import, export, and local distribution of goods.

Professional Services

Consultancy, management, marketing, engineering, and accounting.

E-commerce & Retail

Online sales platforms and physical retail store operations.

Construction & Contracting

Civil, MEP, and interior design services.

Healthcare & Education

Clinics, training centers, and educational consultancy.

Hospitality & Tourism

Restaurant management, travel agencies, and event planning.

250,000+ New companies established across the UAE in 2025 alone
7–14 Days Average processing time for a standard DED license
100% Foreign ownership available for most activities

Choose Your Mainland Dubai Company Setup Package

Your Business, Your Package. Start with one of our value-driven foundation plans — then let's customize it together for a perfect fit.

Starter Market Entry package

Starter Market Entry

Commercial License

From AED 24,500

0 Investor Visa · Timeline 5–10 Days

Best for new entrepreneurs seeking the most affordable path to a 100% foreign-owned mainland commercial licence and full UAE market access — visa quotas can be activated later based on office size.

  • DED Commercial Trade Licence (1 Year)
  • Initial Approval & Trade Name Registration
  • Office Space Sourcing & Ejari Registration (mandatory for mainland)
  • MOA Drafting Support for LLCs
  • Company Incorporation Certificate & Establishment Card
  • Full PRO Services for all government submissions
  • 100% Foreign Ownership for eligible activities
  • Visa Quota Eligibility based on office space
Start Your UAE Company
🏆 Premium Premium Market Leader package

Premium Market Leader

Commercial License + Multi-Visa

From AED 49,900

2 Investor Visas · Timeline 7–15 Days

Best for established entrepreneurs, partnerships & international companies needing premium, fast-track service for a multi-person setup.

  • Everything in Advanced, plus VIP:
  • 2 Full Investor Residency Visas (Primary + Partner/Employee)
  • Priority Government Processing & Dedicated PRO Concierge
  • Premium Office Sourcing (200+ sq. ft.)
  • VIP Medical & Fast-Track Emirates ID
  • Digital Ecosystem Launch: Custom Website + 3-Month SEO Plan
  • Premium Bank Introductions to Relationship Managers
  • Annual Compliance & VAT Consultation Support
  • Personal Account Manager
Start Your UAE Company

Professional License Option: A Professional License package is available starting from AED 17,900 for service-based businesses.

Office & Visas: Visa eligibility is tied to office square footage (approx. 80–120 sq. ft. per visa). We ensure your office meets DED requirements for your desired team size.

Government & Third-Party Fees: Listed starting prices cover the core service package. Final total cost includes government fees (DED licence, visas) and third-party costs (office rent, notary fees), provided as a transparent, fixed quote after consultation.

Processing Times: Timelines are estimates for standard applications with complete documents and can vary by activity and client responsiveness.

Step-by-Step Mainland Dubai Company Setup Process

Consultation and planning
Step 1

Consultation & Planning

We analyze your goals and recommend the optimal business activity and legal structure (e.g., LLC, Sole Establishment) for your Mainland Dubai company setup.

Documentation and approvals
Step 2

Documentation & Approvals

We handle the DED application, trade name reservation, and secure initial approvals for your Mainland Dubai company setup.

License issuance and activation
Step 3

License Issuance & Activation

We obtain your DED license, arrange the office lease (Ejari), and initiate your visa applications.

FAQs: Mainland Dubai Company Setup

Do I need a local sponsor for a Mainland Dubai company setup?

No. For most commercial and industrial activities, you can have 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor. Some professional activities may require a Local Service Agent (LSA), who is a facilitator, not an owner.

What is the main advantage of a Mainland (DED) license?

Full UAE market access. Unlike a free zone license, a DED license allows you to trade directly with clients anywhere in the UAE and qualify for government contracts.

Do I need a physical office?

Yes. A physical commercial office with a lease registered in the Ejari system is mandatory. Your employee visa quota is directly linked to the square footage of your office space.

How long does the setup process take?

For standard activities with complete documents, the process typically takes 7 to 14 working days to receive your DED trade license. Visa processing adds additional time.

What are the corporate tax implications?

Mainland companies are subject to the UAE's standard 9% corporate tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. This differs from some Free Zones, which may offer a 0% rate on qualifying income.

Documents Required for Mainland Dubai Company Setup

Below is a checklist of documents required to establish a mainland company with the Dubai DED.

Passport Copies
Required for: All Shareholders & Director

Clear, colored copies. Must be valid for at least 6 months.

Passport-Sized Photos
Required for: All Applicants

Recent white-background photos (digital or physical).

No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Required for: UAE Residents

Issued by your current sponsor if you are employed in the UAE.

Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Required for: Multi-Shareholder LLCs

Drafted and notarized by a UAE legal notary. Not required for a one-person LLC.

Tenancy Contract & Ejari
Required for: All Companies

Commercial office lease contract registered with Dubai's Ejari system.

Local Service Agent Contract
Required for: Professional License Holders

Required for 100% foreign-owned companies in certain professional sectors (e.g., legal, engineering).

Additional Government Approvals
Required for: Specific Activities

E.g., approval from the Ministry of Health for a clinic or the Ministry of Justice for legal consultancy.

Note: All documents should be in Arabic or English. Certified translations may be required for other languages. Specific requirements can vary based on business activity and shareholder nationality.