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Establishing a Mainland company in Dubai opens doors to both the UAE's thriving local market and international trade opportunities. Unlike Free Zone companies,
Mainland businesses enjoy:
movingo streamlines the company formation process, providing expert guidance on licensing requirements, optimal corporate structures, and ongoing legal compliance.
Mainland businesses enjoy:
- complete freedom to operate across the UAE
- compete for lucrative government contracts
- scale their operations without limitations
movingo streamlines the company formation process, providing expert guidance on licensing requirements, optimal corporate structures, and ongoing legal compliance.
Mainland business setup in Dubai, UAE
What to choose:
Mainland vs Free Zone
Mainland vs Free Zone
The key benefits of
Mainland business
setup in Dubai
Mainland business
setup in Dubai
- 100% Business OwnershipComplete foreign ownership without local sponsorship.
- Low taxes0-9% Corporate Tax, 0% personal income tax, 0% dividends tax with many tax exemptions.
- Access to the local UAE marketFreedom of trade within the UAE and internationally without restrictions.
- Government contractsEligibility to bid on lucrative government tenders.
- Flexible business expansionEasy to open branches and expand operations.
- Long-term visa optionsYou can get a UAE residency for 2 to 10 years for yourself and your family.
If you're curious about Free Zones, reach out to us! We're here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect one for your business needs.
Dubai Mainland
business setup cost
The cost of starting a business in Dubai depends on many things, like what you're doing, how much space you need, and any government fees. movingo has customized pricing options to fit your business's needs, so you know exactly what you're getting and how much it'll cost. We make the setup process easy and transparent.
Why don’t you give it a try?
Why don’t you give it a try?
Typically, the setup cost ranges from
depending on the company structure and trade license type.
AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 ($4,100 - $8,200)
💡
How to open a Mainland
company in Dubai?
When you work with us, you don't have to worry about doing everything manually. We'll take care of all the paperwork.
Create a business description
Write a detailed business description or business plan for your future company in Mainland and send it to us by email.
Send business description to movingo
Send business description to movingo
2. We’ll schedule a call
Our expert consultants will review your business plan and schedule a call with you. We will understand your needs and create the best solution for your e-commerce business. Our goal is to help you save time and money during busines setup in Mainland. We always give you at least two good options to choose from, so you can pick what works best for your business goals and budget.
3. You’re license will be ready within a week
Good planning is key — when we know what to do, things are done really efficiently.
Passport copy
Passport photo 33 x 44 mm
Portrait picture with passport
Documents needed for Mainland company formation in Dubai
Every shareholder’s mother’s & father’s full names
Every shareholder’s home country full address
Every shareholder’s phone number
Every shareholder’s marital status
Last visit arrival stamp
3 potential company names in the order of priority
NOC (if required from current employer)
Ejari (office lease agreement)
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Every shareholder’s educational qualification (profession & country of diploma issuance)
Every shareholder’s religion
Best UAE Mainland locations
There are over 40 different jurisdictions in which to do business in the UAE, so it can be difficult to know which one is best without experience. That's why we offer a free consultation. We'll help you figure out which option is best for you.
Then we'll walk you through the rest of the process using our platform. It won't take long at all.
Register on movingo platform
How to set up business in Mainland with movingo?
Get access to our platform with a seamless registration process.
Complete your online application
Choose the best options for your Mainland company formation, submit the application and track the process in real time.
Step 1
Start your new life in the UAE!
With movingo starting anew is a personalized experience tailored to make relocation smooth and exciting.
Step 2
Step 3
Congratulations!
Your Freelance License has been approved! Welcome to the UAE!
Create an account
Email
Password
Sign up
Application
Form Submission
Documents upload
Fee Payment
Application Review
Success!
The best Business Licenses
in the UAE Mainland
-
Commercial License
For trading and general business activities. -
Service License
Ideal for consulting, marketing, and professional services. -
Industrial License
Required for manufacturing and production businesses. -
Freelancer Permit
For independent professionals in in creative fields such as media, IT, and tech.
The most popular business
legal structures for Mainland
legal structures for Mainland
-
Sole Establishment
Single-owner business with full liability. -
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Most common structure, offering liability protection. -
Branch Office
Expansion of an existing foreign company. -
Civil Company
For professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and consultants.
UAE Mainland company
formation requirements
Minimum one shareholder and one director
A physical office lease agreement (Ejari)
Approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED)
Compliance with UAE business regulations
There are some visa options for starting a business in the UAE Mainland:
UAE Free Zone residence visas
Investor Visa
Golden Visa (Talent)
Golden Visa (Property Investor)
Talented freelancer visa
Dependent Visa – For family members of the business owner.
Golden Visa (Talent)
Golden Visa (Property Investor)
Talented freelancer visa
Dependent Visa – For family members of the business owner.
movingo takes care of all your visa and residency needs, so you can focus on what matters. Our extensive database covers all UAE jurisdictions, saving you the hassle of navigating complex regulations.
Company registration services in the Dubai
Mainlan
Starting a new business venture can be challenging, whether it's a small shop or a large corporation. Taking that first step isn't always easy. movingo is an all-in-one platform for company formation, visas, and everyday legal matters in the UAE. We're here to guide you and prevent any obstacles along the way.
movingo provides comprehensive company formation services, including:
movingo provides comprehensive company formation services, including:
-
Business consultation and structure selection
-
Trade license registration and approvals
-
Corporate bank account assistance
-
UAE residency visa processing
-
Ongoing business compliance support
Company registration services in the Dubai
Mainlan
-
Cost efficiency
movingo's services are up to 3x cheaper than other solutions with the same (or better) service levels — thanks to the movingo platform. This allows you to strategically allocate your resources. -
Get what you really need
Our extensive database covers all UAE jurisdictions, saving you the hassle of navigating complex regulations. -
Transparency and trust
Transparency is central to our ethos. With movingo, there are no hidden fees or fine print — just clear, real-time financial updates, so you’re always informed. -
Speed and agility
Gain access to a seasoned team of accountants who know the UAE market inside and out.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free introductory call with us today.
Why choose Dubai
for your business?
$1.83bn invested in the UAE tech startups in 2022 according to Geo Annual Report: UAE Tech 2023.
According to Numbeo's 2023 Safety Index & World Economic Forum, the UAE is ranked as the second safest country out of 163 nations.
UAE still remains the global transportation hub with Dubai airport being the 2d busiest in the world in 2022 & 2023. The average flight time from Dubai to European, Asian & African capitals is 7 hours.
UAE Freezone company
formation reviews
formation reviews
Dubai Mainland
business setup insights
business setup insights
UAE Golden visa guide 2025: benefits, costs, and rules
Mainland company
formation FAQ
Mainland Business Setup
A Mainland company is a business registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) that allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE without restrictions.
Mainland company formation involves registering a company under the Dubai DED, which allows it to trade freely in the UAE and internationally.
100% foreign ownership in most of the sectors, no trade restrictions within the UAE, access to government contracts and more.
A Mainland setup allows for unrestricted trade across the UAE. JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) companies are limited to Free Zone international operations, but benefit from logistics and tax incentives.
A Dubai Mainland license gives companies the authority to operate throughout the UAE without location restrictions.
The process includes selecting a business activity, choosing a legal structure, obtaining permits, registration with the DED, securing a trade license, and applying for visas.
Taxes and local restrictions: A Mainland company can operate throughout the UAE without restrictions, while a Free Zone company has certain restrictions when operating within the UAE.
Company Ownership & Sponsorship
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is now allowed in most industries.
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is allowed for most activities, except in certain strategic sectors.
Yes, this involves deregistering the Free Zone company and re-registering it under the mainland jurisdiction.
Most commercial and service industries allow full foreign ownership, but some may require local partnering or sponsoring.
You have to select a business activity that allows 100% foreign ownership and register with the DED to establish full ownership.
Licensing & Formation Process
The setup process typically takes 7 to 14 days, but can eventually take longer if additional permits are required.
movingo assists with all types of licenses, including commercial, professional and industrial licenses.
It typically starting from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 ($4,100 - $8,200).
No, DED regulations require a physical office space.
We covered it all in this section.
Sure, we take care of all your paperwork. Let’s talk
Visas, Taxes & Compliance
Visa allocations are based on the size of the office space, typically one visa per 9 square meters.
9% Corporate Tax on net profits exceeding AED 375,000 ($102,100) and 0% if less.
The total cost depends on the business activity, office space and visa requirements, but typically starts from AED 20,000 ($5,500).
Yes, through the DED. You can change your business activities, company shareholders and trade names.
Location-Specific Mainland Company Formation
Setup costs vary, but typically start at AED 15,000 ($4,100), depending on business activity and office space.
Ajman offers lower set-up costs, strategic port access and a simplified registration process.
Sharjah offers lower licensing costs and access to industrial zones, making it ideal for manufacturing and logistics companies.
RAK offers cost-effective licensing options, fast registration, and business-friendly policies for startups and SMEs.
Costs start from AED 20,000 ($5,500) and vary according to business activities and office space requirements.
Consultants handle documentation, licensing, visa processing, and compliance to ensure a smooth setup process.
Yes, experienced consultants (like movingo) assist with end-to-end incorporation, licensing and post incorporation support.