How to Start a Mainland Company in Dubai – Simple Guide (2025)

Dubai has become one of the world’s most attractive business hubs, offering unmatched opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. If you’re planning to expand into the UAE market, establishing a mainland company in Dubai is one of the most effective ways to gain credibility, scale operations, and enjoy access to local and international markets.

At Al Ameer Corporate Business Services, we specialize in helping business owners navigate the company setup process with ease, ensuring compliance with UAE laws while saving time and cost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about starting a mainland company in Dubai in 2025.

👉 Want expert help immediately? Message us on WhatsApp: +971 56 988 3250 for a free consultation today.

What is a Mainland Company in Dubai?

A mainland company is a business entity registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. Unlike free zone companies, which are restricted to their specific zones, a mainland license allows you to:

Trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
Take on government contracts.
Open offices anywhere in Dubai or across the UAE.
Apply for unlimited visas (depending on office size).

This makes mainland companies the most flexible and attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations in the UAE.

Benefits of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

Setting up a mainland business offers several competitive advantages:

100% Foreign Ownership
Since recent reforms, many business activities allow full foreign ownership—eliminating the need for a local sponsor in most cases.
Access to the Local Market
Unlike free zone companies, mainland businesses can operate across Dubai and the UAE without restrictions.
Visa Flexibility
Mainland companies can sponsor multiple visas, making it ideal for growing teams.
Office Space Freedom
No limitations on office location—you can open in prime areas of Dubai for credibility.
Government & Large Contracts
Mainland companies are eligible to bid for lucrative government and semi-government projects.
Strong Banking & Investor Credibility
Banks, suppliers, and clients often prefer mainland companies due to their stronger presence and compliance standards.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Mainland Company in Dubai

Let’s break down the process of mainland company formation into simple steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

Dubai offers over 2,000 licensed business activities under the DED. These range from trading and consulting to real estate, e-commerce, and professional services.

💡 Tip: Choosing the right activity ensures you meet all requirements and avoid delays in approvals.

👉 Not sure which activity suits you best? Chat with our consultants on WhatsApp now.

Step 2: Select the Legal Structure

The most common types of legal structures in Dubai mainland are:

LLC (Limited Liability Company) – Ideal for trading and commercial activities.
Sole Establishment – For individuals providing professional services.
Branch of a Foreign Company – For companies expanding into Dubai.

Each structure has its own benefits, taxation implications, and liability coverage.

Step 3: Register Your Trade Name

Your company’s trade name must be unique and compliant with UAE guidelines. Words related to religion or offensive terms are prohibited.

💡 Pro tip: Register a name that matches your business activity and is easy to remember.

Step 4: Get Initial Approval

This is an official document from the DED stating that the UAE government has no objection to your company starting operations.

Step 5: Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA)

For LLCs, an MOA must be prepared and notarized. This outlines company ownership, activities, and capital distribution.

Step 6: Lease Office Space

You must secure a physical office location and register it with Ejari (Dubai’s tenancy contract system).

Step 7: Submit Documents & Get License Issued

Once all documents are ready and fees are paid, the DED issues your mainland trade license. From here, you can start operations, open a bank account, and apply for visas.

Costs of Mainland Company Formation in Dubai (2025)

The cost of setting up a mainland business in Dubai depends on:

Business activity (trading, professional, industrial).
Number of visas required.
Office space requirements.
Government approvals (if applicable).

On average, the setup can range between AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 for a small to medium-sized business.

👉 Want an exact cost estimate for your business? Get a free cost breakdown via WhatsApp: +971 56 988 3250.

Common Challenges in Mainland Setup (and How to Avoid Them)

Incorrect Business Activity Selection – Can cause license rejection.
Trade Name Rejection – Happens if name rules are not followed.
Delays in Government Approvals – Certain activities (e.g., real estate, healthcare, media) require special permissions.
Unclear Visa Quotas – Many businesses underestimate the number of visas needed.

✅ Working with experts like Al Ameer Corporate Business Services ensures you avoid these mistakes and get your license issued without delays.

Why Choose Al Ameer Corporate Business Services?

We’re more than just a business setup consultancy—we’re your long-term partners in success.

✅ Over 4 years of expertise helping entrepreneurs and corporates in Dubai.
✅ End-to-end support: licensing, visas, PRO services, document clearance.
✅ Affordable packages tailored for startups and SMEs.
✅ Transparent pricing—no hidden charges.
✅ Dedicated WhatsApp support for quick answers.

💬 Get started now: Message us on WhatsApp: +971 56 988 3250

FAQs – Mainland Company Setup in Dubai

1. Can I own 100% of my mainland company in Dubai?
Yes, in most activities you can enjoy full ownership under recent UAE laws.

2. How long does it take to set up a mainland company?
Typically 5–10 working days, depending on activity and approvals.

3. Do I need a physical office?
Yes, office space is mandatory for a mainland license.

4. What is the difference between free zone and mainland company?
Free zone companies are limited to their zones, while mainland companies can trade across the UAE and beyond.

Conclusion

Starting a mainland company in Dubai is one of the smartest investments you can make in 2025. It offers unlimited growth opportunities, credibility, and flexibility for your business.

With Al Ameer Corporate Business Services, you can skip the hassle, cut through red tape, and get your business up and running smoothly.

👉 Take the first step today. Contact us on WhatsApp: +971 56 988 3250 and let our experts guide you toward your Dubai success story.