Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
Launch your mainland business in Dubai with expert support for activity selection, DET approvals, office setup and DET license compliance. We’ve helped 5,000+ founders start confidently across the UAE.
Save up to
AED 20K
Interactive Cost Preview
Your License in seconds
Estimated Total
Includes ecommerce license, 1 visa & virtual office
Choose Your Business Activity
for Mainland Company Formation
Choosing the wrong activity can block approvals, slow down licensing, or limit what your business is legally allowed to do.
Browse by Category
Choose the Right License for Your Mainland Business Setup
Your license is more than a formality — it's the foundation of your business in Dubai. Choose the category that matches your activity, and we'll guide you through the exact requirements, approvals, and next steps.
Commercial License
Setup
5–7 days
Docs
4
Share
45%
Best for
The most common license type in Dubai, allowing you to conduct trading and commercial activities across the UAE.
Professional License
Setup
3–5 days
Docs
4
Share
35%
Best for
Perfect for individuals and firms offering specialized expertise, professional advice, or skilled services.
Industrial License
Setup
10–14 days
Docs
5+
Share
Niche
Best for
For businesses involved in production, manufacturing, or processing of goods in the UAE market.
Not sure which license fits your business?
We offer a free 15-minute consultation to map your business concept directly to the perfect DED activity code.
Choose the Right Business Structure
Your structure determines ownership, liability, visa limits, and long-term expansion potential. Choose the one that matches your ambition.
Sole Establishment / Sole Proprietorship
Best for
Why choose this
- UAE National as LSA required
- 100% ownership
- Complete operational control
- Personally liable for debts
Civil Company
Best for
Why choose this
- 100% foreign ownership
- Shared liability among partners
- Local Service Agent required
- Ideal for professional partnerships
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Best for
Why choose this
- 1 to 50 shareholders
- No minimum capital requirement
- 100% foreign ownership (most activities)
- Full mainland market access
Private Joint Stock Company (PrJSC)
Best for
Why choose this
- Raise private investment
- Attract institutional partners
- Scale aggressively
- Prepares for a future public listing
Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC)
Best for
Why choose this
- Highest level of corporate structure
- Investor-ready governance
- Enterprise-grade compliance
- Public share trading on Dubai markets
Branch Office (Foreign or Local Company)
Best for
Why choose this
- Operate under your existing brand
- Direct access to the UAE market
- 100% owned by parent company
- Quick market entry
Free Structure Finder
Still Not Sure Which Structure Fits You?
Still Not Sure Which Structure Fits You?
We’ll recommend your best option in under 30 seconds
Best Emirate for Your
Mainland Business Setup
Where you set up determines your costs, opportunities, and long-term growth. Explore each Emirate below to find the perfect match for your business goals.
Dubai
Trading • Logistics • GlobalDubai is the commercial capital of the UAE. It boasts the busiest airports and seaports, making it ideal for import/export businesses. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is highly efficient, and the regulations are the most established for international investors.
Trading Hub
Best for import/export businesses
Global Connectivity
Busiest airports & seaports
B2B & Retail
Perfect for trading and retail
Higher Office Rent
Premium prime-location costs
Dubai
Trading • Logistics • Global
Trading, Logistics, Global Connectivity
SelectAbu Dhabi
Government • Energy • Industry
Government Contracts, Energy Sector, Manufacturing
SelectSharjah
Manufacturing • Cost-Effective
Manufacturing, Cost-Effective Operations
SelectOther Northern Emirates
Ajman • UAQ • RAK • Fujairah
SMEs, Low-Cost Startups, Agriculture
SelectQuick Assessment · 30 seconds
Confused about which location is right for you?
Mainland Business Setup Cost
Transparent. No hidden charges.
The cost of a mainland license in Dubai depends on activity, office type, and visa requirements. Get a realistic estimate.
Documents Required for Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
To start a mainland company in UAE applicants usually need passport copies, business activity selection, and office tenancy documents. The documentation requirements vary slightly based on license type and business activity.
After reviewing thousands of applications, we ensure every document is correct for a smooth approval process.
Document Checklist Generator
Answer 3 quick questions to get your personalized document list
Upload Your Documents for Free Review
Our team will review your documents within 24 hours and tell you exactly what’s missing or needs correction.
Mainland Business Setup Process
Our dedicated consultants simplify your Dubai mainland setup by transforming complex government regulations into a streamlined, end-to-end journey — from initial audit to final license issuance.
Phase 1: Foundation
The strategic groundwork — before a single form is filed.
Initial Consultation
We don't just process applications — we understand your business goals first, so your setup is structured for long-term growth in the UAE.
Select Business Activity
Your business activity determines your license. We help you choose the right one from over 2,000 options — ensuring you don't accidentally limit your future growth.
Select a Trade Name
Your brand identity matters. We guide you through Dubai's naming rules, checking availability and ensuring your trade name is unique, compliant, and memorable.
Ready to begin?
Skip straight to the full setup.
All 9 steps handled end-to-end, with one dedicated consultant.
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore
Many founders choose the wrong setup based on low pricing alone. We help you compare Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore options based on market access, ownership, visas, and long-term growth potential.
Mainland
Full UAE Access
Free Zone
Smart Sweet Spot
Offshore
Asset Holding
Not sure which option fits you?
Take our 2-minute quiz or speak to a setup expert — both are free.
Real People. Real Success.
“I'm a surgeon, not a paperwork expert. They handled everything.”
Dr. Ali Khan needed to navigate the complex DHA regulations to open his clinic in Healthcare City. Best Solution took the lead on his DED license, qualification attestation, and Golden Visa. "They didn't just process my file; they guided me like a partner. My clinic was open in weeks, not months."
Identity Verified
Secure Client Data Registry
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about setting up a mainland company in Dubai — answered by our experts.
