Mainland Company Formation in Dubai, UAE
Business Setup in Dubai Mainland / UAE Mainland
20+ Years of Expertise | CLA Emirates (formerly Emirates Chartered Accountants Group – ECAG) – Your Trusted Advisor in Mainland Company Formation
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Mr. Ragesh Mattummal | Partner
M: +971 50 357 8031
E: Ragesh.Mattummal@claemirates.com
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Types of Mainland Licenses in Dubai
Choosing the right license is a key step in your company formation in Dubai mainland. Here are the main categories:
1. Commercial License
Ideal for trading, general trading, real estate, construction, transportation, and more.
2. Professional License
Perfect for service providers like consultants, legal advisors, designers, and other skilled professionals.
3. Industrial License
Mandatory for manufacturing businesses transforming raw materials into finished goods. Requires additional approvals from relevant ministries.
3. Industrial License
Mandatory for manufacturing businesses transforming raw materials into finished goods. Requires additional approvals from relevant ministries.
Mainland Company Setup Process in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose Your Business Activity
Start by selecting the activities you want to engage in. Your selected activities must be approved by the DED.
2. Decide on the Legal Structure
The most common legal form for mainland business license UAE is the Limited Liability Company (LLC), which offers flexibility and legal protection.
3. Register Your Trade Name
Choose a business name that aligns with your activity and complies with UAE naming regulations. Register it with the DED.
4. Apply for Initial Approvals
Initial approvals include submitting business documents, MOA, and identification through a trusted consultancy like CLA Emirates.
5. Apply for Your Mainland License
File for your Dubai mainland company registration through DED. This involves submitting your application, MOA, and other required documents.
6. Lease Office Space
You must secure a physical office and register your lease agreement through EJARI. This is crucial for license issuance and visa eligibility.
7. Submit Documents & Pay Fees
Submit all required documents to the DED and pay the applicable fees. The process typically takes around a week.
8. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Separate your personal and business finances by opening a dedicated corporate account for your mainland company setup UAE.
9. Apply for Visas
Mainland companies can sponsor an unlimited number of visas for employees and dependents, depending on the size of their office space.
Documents Required for Dubai Mainland Registration
1. Passport Copies
Valid passport copies of all shareholders, partners, and managers.
2. Emirates ID (if applicable)
Emirates ID of the local partner or any UAE resident shareholder.
3. Visa Page / Entry Stamp Copy
UAE residence visa or entry stamp copy of foreign shareholders/partners.
4. NOC from Sponsor (for UAE residents only)
If any shareholder holds a UAE residency visa, an NOC from the current sponsor is required.
5. Trade Name Reservation Certificate
Proof of the approved trade name reservation issued by DED.
6. Initial Approval Certificate
Issued by the DED after reviewing your application and selected business activity.
7. Memorandum of Association (MOA)
A legally drafted and notarized MOA that outlines the ownership structure and responsibilities.
8. Tenancy Contract / EJARI Certificate
A registered lease agreement for your physical office space, approved by the EJARI system.
9. External Approvals (if required)
Certain business activities require approvals from external bodies (e.g., Dubai Municipality, KHDA, Civil Defense).
10. Local Service Agent Agreement (if applicable)
Required for professional licenses where a UAE national acts as a service agent (without equity).
Subsidiary Company Formation in the Mainland - The documents required from the Parent Company
- Passport, visa copies, and Emirates ID (if any) of all the shareholders
- Legal documents of the parent company – Trade license, MOA/AOA, Certificate of Formation, Shareholding Structure – to be attested by MOFA, the UAE Embassy, MOJ and legally translated
- Board Resolution - to be attested by MOFA, the UAE Embassy, and legally translated
- Good Standing Certificate / Incumbency Certificate - to be attested by MOFA, the UAE Embassy, and legally translated
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner - to be attested by MOFA, the UAE Embassy, and legally translated
Post Company Incorporation Solutions
Company formation is only the first step - running your business efficiently and staying compliant requires the right post-setup support.
Cost of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
Business setup in Dubai mainland typically costs between AED 12,000 to AED 15,000, inclusive of government fees. The actual cost may vary depending on the business activity, office space, and other specifics. Compared to Free Zone setups, mainland entities often provide greater flexibility and better long-term value.
Timeline for Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Setting up a business in Dubai Mainland usually takes 5 to 10 working days, depending on the business activity and how quickly documents are prepared. Activities requiring external approvals may take longer, but with proper guidance, the process remains efficient and straightforward.
Supporting Multinational Corporations & Foreign Investors to form their Company in UAE or Dubai Mainland
CLA Emirates is a member of CLA Global, a leading international network of independent advisory and accounting firms, providing clients with the advantage of local expertise supported by global reach. As a proud member, CLA Emirates combines local expertise with global insights to deliver seamless company formation services across UAE tailored to your business needs.
With over 20 years of experience, CLA Emirates specializes in helping global enterprises, foreign subsidiaries, and offshore entities establish their presence in Dubai and across the UAE Mainland.
Our Services Include:
- Complete Company Setup – From business consultation to license issuance and visa processing
- Jurisdiction Advisory – Mainland, Freezone, or Offshore—we guide you to the right structure
- Professional PRO Support – Handling all government approvals, paperwork, and documentation
- Clear Costs & Timelines – Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Ongoing Business Support – Banking, accounting, VAT & corporate tax registration, and compliance
We ensure smooth Company formation processes with full transparency, whether you're headquartered in London, Mumbai, New York, or Singapore etc.
