Set up your business in Dubai Mainland with professional guidance from JPI Services. A Dubai mainland company setup is licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and can sell to customers across the UAE. From selecting the right business activity and securing initial approval to obtaining your trade licence, we simplify every stage of the company formation process.
Whether you are launching a new venture, expanding your existing business, or entering the UAE market, our team provides support to help you establish your business with confidence.
A Dubai mainland company offers the flexibility to operate across the UAE market, subject to the licensed activities and applicable regulations. Most commercial and industrial activities allow 100% foreign ownership. A smaller set of strategic or regulated activities still needs extra approval. It is a strong option for entrepreneurs and investors who want to serve local customers.
Who should consider a mainland licence?
Businesses targeting the UAE market
A fit for companies that will provide products and services to customers across Dubai and the other emirates.
Companies interested in government contracts
Suitable for businesses that want to participate in government tenders and work with public-sector entities, subject to the eligibility rules of each tender.
Businesses planning to expand
A practical choice for entrepreneurs who plan to hire employees, take a physical office, and grow operations inside the UAE.
Companies that need flexibility
Mainland businesses can operate across the UAE market in line with their licensed activities and the applicable regulations.
Dubai Mainland Company Formation Process
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01
Business activity selection
We confirm the activity with the Department of Economy and Tourism, whether 100% foreign ownership is allowed, and whether another authority must approve it before the application starts.
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02
Trade name reservation and initial approval
Three company name options are reserved with DET. Initial approval confirms that the shareholders and the chosen activity can proceed.
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03
Documentation and office requirements
The legal documents are prepared and signed. Where the activity needs a registered office, the tenancy contract is registered on Ejari.
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04
Trade licence issuance
DET issues the trade licence. The company can then apply for the establishment card.
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05
Visas
Investor, partner, or employment visas follow the licence, subject to immigration rules and the company’s visa eligibility. Opening a bank account is a separate review by the bank and is not part of this filing.
Documents required for Dubai mainland company formation
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the appointed manager
- UAE visa copies or entry stamps, if applicable
- Emirates ID copies for UAE residents, where applicable
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Proposed company names
- Details of the intended business activities
- Tenancy contract and Ejari, where applicable
Certain regulated activities need approval from another government department before the trade licence can be issued. The papers depend on the activity. JPI identifies those requirements and guides you through the documents.
Dubai Mainland Company Formation Cost
JPI’s professional fee for Dubai mainland company formation starts from AED 15,000. Government fees, office rent, and visa charges are extra.
The final cost depends on the business activity, the office, the number of visas, and the government fees for that file.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Activity advice, documents, and DET filing | Included in the professional fee |
| DET licence fee and name reservation | Government fee, quoted separately |
| Office rent and Ejari | Paid to the landlord, quoted separately |
| Establishment card, visa medical, and Emirates ID | Government charges, per person |
How long does it take to establish a mainland company in Dubai?
A Dubai mainland company formation often takes about 5 to 10 working days once the documents, initial approval, and office requirements are complete.
The time can change with the business activity, government approvals, shareholder documents, the tenancy, and any extra approval from another authority. JPI coordinates the filing and keeps you informed.
Dubai mainland or a free zone
Choose Dubai mainland company formation if the business will serve customers across the UAE. Choose a free zone if the business will sell abroad, or only inside that zone, and wants a flexi-desk.
The right option depends on the activity, the customers, and the office you need. The full comparison is on the mainland versus free zone page.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign national own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?
Yes. Most mainland business activities permit 100% foreign ownership, subject to the applicable regulations. Certain strategic or regulated activities may have additional ownership conditions.
What is the cost of setting up a mainland company in Dubai?
JPI’s professional fee for Dubai mainland company formation starts from AED 15,000. Government fees, office rent, visa charges, and other applicable expenses are calculated separately.
How long does mainland company formation take?
A straightforward mainland company formation generally takes about 5 to 10 working days, subject to the documents, approvals, and office requirements.
Is a physical office required for a mainland company?
Office requirements depend on the licensed activity. Most mainland companies need an approved business address and tenancy registration on Ejari. Certain activities may qualify for another office arrangement.
Can a Dubai mainland company operate across all UAE emirates?
Generally, yes. A Dubai mainland company can conduct its licensed activities across the UAE, subject to the applicable regulations, permits, and activity-specific requirements.
Can I obtain a UAE residence visa through my mainland company?
Yes. An eligible mainland company can apply for investor or partner visas for shareholders and employment visas for employees, subject to immigration regulations and the company’s visa eligibility.
Can I open a corporate bank account after obtaining my trade licence?
Yes. After the company is formed, the shareholders can apply for a corporate bank account. Approval is the bank’s decision, after its own due diligence. Bank account opening is not part of the licence filing.
Do all mainland business activities require external approvals?
No. Extra approvals are required only for certain regulated activities. The authority depends on the nature of the business.