Dubai mainland company: trade anywhere in the UAE
A mainland licence from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism lets you serve customers across the UAE, open shops and offices anywhere, and work with government clients. We plan it, price it openly and handle every step.
Mainland or free zone?
Both allow 100% ownership for most activities. The difference is where you can trade and how you grow.
| Mainland | Free zone | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can trade | Anywhere in the UAE and abroad | Inside the zone and abroad. Selling goods to the UAE market usually needs a distributor or a mainland licence. |
| Government contracts | Yes | Generally no |
| Office | Flexi-desk or a physical office anywhere, with Ejari | Flexi-desk or office inside the zone, often in the package |
| Visas | Linked to office size, no fixed package limit | Fixed by the package you choose |
| Licensing authority | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) | The free zone authority |
| Best for | Shops, restaurants, contracting, local services, trading in the UAE | Consulting, e-commerce, international trading, holding activity |
Not sure? See free zone options or try the cost calculator to compare both.
Choose the right structure
How a mainland company is set up
We choose your activities and reserve the trade name, then obtain initial approval from DET.
We draft and notarise your Memorandum of Association and register your office lease (Ejari).
We obtain any external approvals your activity needs, then your trade licence is issued.
Establishment card, labour file and residency visas for you, your team and your family.
Simple activities can often be licensed within one to two weeks. Activities needing external approvals take longer. Your quotation includes a realistic timeline.
Typical government fees
Approximate authority fees for a Dubai mainland LLC. Your exact figures depend on your activity, approvals and visas, and are confirmed in your written quotation.
| Item | Approximate fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Initial approval | 120 |
| Trade name reservation | 620 |
| Trade licence (LLC, depends on activity) | from 14,000 |
| Dubai Chamber membership | 1,200 |
| Memorandum of Association notarisation | about 750 |
| Establishment card | 475 |
| Investor or partner visa (outside the UAE) | about 2,813 |
| Change of status (if inside the UAE) | + about 675 |
| Employee visa | about 4,844 |
| Family visa, per member aged 18+ (incl. refundable deposit) | about 6,706 |
Fees are set by the authorities and can change. Office rent, insurance and other third-party costs are added at our partner rates. The Tajnes service fee depends on your plan. See plans and pricing.
How mainland visas work
- One investor or partner visa can be issued at setup
- More partner visas may be possible after approval from immigration (GDRFA)
- Staff join on employee visas through the labour system (MOHRE)
- Your visa quota grows with your office size
- Family members can be sponsored once your residency is issued
With Tajnes
- We compare mainland and free zone before you commit
- Every cost shown in three parts: government, third-party, Tajnes
- One team for licence, office, visas and bank file
- The exact scope is confirmed in your quotation and agreement
Mainland company questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?
Yes, for most commercial and professional activities. A small number of strategic activities still have ownership rules, which we check for your activity before you apply.
Do I need a local sponsor or partner?
Not for most activities. Professional companies owned by foreigners may need a local service agent, who has no ownership. We tell you if this applies.
Do I need a physical office?
You need a registered address with Ejari. A flexi-desk works for many activities, but your visa quota depends on the size of your office.
How long does it take?
Simple activities can often be licensed within one to two weeks after documents are ready. Activities that need approvals from other authorities take longer.
Is there a minimum share capital?
For most activities there is no fixed minimum, but the capital written in your Memorandum of Association should suit your activity and visa plans. We advise the right amount.
How much does a mainland company cost?
Use our cost calculator for an itemised estimate. Your final price comes in a written quotation after a consultation.
Start your mainland company
See your costs line by line, then let one team handle everything.
