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Business Incorporation

Choose your emirate to see local pricing, licensing notes and your team.

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Accounting & Bookkeeping

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VAT Compliance

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Corporate Tax

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Transfer Pricing

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Business Advisory

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Transaction Advisory

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Audit & Assurance

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Fixed monthly fee

Unlimited transactions, no surprises

Every accounting plan includes unlimited transactions and a dedicated accountant.

from AED 1,250View packages
Not sure which service you need?Talk to an expert

UAE business setup

Not sure where to start? Compare mainland and free zones side by side, then let us recommend the right structure.

Free zone company formation

27 prominent free zones across all seven emirates, each with its own licensing framework and industry focus.

Ras Al Khaimah2
Umm Al Quwain1
Start a company

Licensed in as little as 3 days

Mainland or free zone. We handle licence, visas, bank account and accounting.

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Not sure which jurisdiction fits your business?Find the right jurisdiction
Resources
Free tools

Calculators built for UAE rules

VAT, Corporate Tax, gratuity and more — free to use, no sign-up.

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Company setup

Mainland Dubai company formation

Trade directly in the local market in Dubai, bid for government contracts and operate from any location with a mainland licence. We handle approvals, licence, visas and the bank account.

Mainland snapshot
  • OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
  • Licensing bodyDET
  • Timeline5–10 working days
  • Starting fromAED 14,500
100%Foreign ownership on most activities
5–10Working days to licence
UnlimitedTrade across UAE and abroad
Gov.Eligible for government contracts
Why mainland

The case for a mainland licence

Trade anywhere

Sell directly to customers across the UAE without a distributor.

Government contracts

Eligible for tenders and public-sector supply that free-zone companies cannot access directly.

Flexible premises

Operate from offices, shops or warehouses across the emirate.

Wide activity range

Professional, commercial, industrial and tourism activities, each with clear approvals.

Visa quota

Visa allowance scales with office size, giving room to grow.

Banking

Often the easiest profile for UAE bank onboarding.

Legal forms

Choose the right structure

The most common mainland vehicle is the limited liability company (LLC), regulated by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Sole establishments and civil companies are available for professionals, and foreign companies can open a branch.

  • LLCLimited liability, 2 to 50 shareholders, up to 100% foreign ownership on most activities.
  • Sole establishmentOne owner with unlimited liability, suited to individuals and professionals.
  • Civil companyFor licensed professionals such as consultants, lawyers and engineers.
  • Branch of a foreign companyExtends an existing overseas company into the UAE.
Process

Mainland setup in five steps

Choose activity

Pick the licence activity and legal form.

Name & approvals

Reserve a trade name and obtain initial approval.

Lease & Ejari

Secure premises and register the lease.

Licence issuance

Pay fees and receive your trade licence.

Visas & bank

Establishment card, visas and bank account.

FAQ

Questions we hear most

Can’t find your answer? Our team replies within one business day.

Ask an expert

Can a foreigner own 100% of a mainland company?–

Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities. A few strategic activities still need a UAE national partner or special approval.

Do I need a physical office?+

Yes, mainland licences need a registered address with an Ejari tenancy contract. Flexible and shared options exist.

How many visas can I get?+

The visa quota depends on your office size. A typical small office supports 2–6 visas.

Is VAT registration mandatory?+

Only above AED 375,000 of taxable supplies, but Corporate Tax registration is mandatory for most mainland companies.

Ready to launch your mainland company?

Free consultation and a fixed-fee quote within one working day.