Mainland Business Setup in Dubai & UAE

Q: What is the real difference between a Mainland and Freezone company?

Mainland companies can do business anywhere in the UAE including local markets and government contracts. Free Zone companies focus on the free zone and international markets with 100% foreign ownership and tax perks, but cannot sell directly in UAE local markets without a distributor.

Q: I want 100% foreign ownership. Is a Free Zone still a better option than Mainland?

Both Mainland and Free Zone companies can offer 100% foreign ownership depending on the business activity and sector.

Q: When does a Mainland license become an absolute necessity over a Free Zone one?

Mainland license is necessary for trading with the UAE market, bidding on government contracts, and physical retail or service locations.

Q: What is the legal difference between an LLC, a Sole Establishment, and a Civil Company?

Limited Liability Company (LLC) is for multiple shareholders with limited liability. Sole Establishment is for single owner businesses. Civil Company is for professional partnerships.

Q: What is the official step-by-step process to get a Dubai mainland license?

Step 1: Determine Business Activity and Legal Form. Step 2: Reserve a Trade Name. Step 3: Obtain Initial Approval. Step 4: Draft and Notarize MOA/LSA Agreement. Step 5: Secure a Business Location (Ejari). Step 6: Obtain Additional Government Approvals if applicable. Step 7: Submit Final Documents and Pay.

Q: How does my office size affect the number of employee visas I can get?

Visa quota is typically calculated based on office space, with approximately 1 visa per 9-12 square meters of office space.

Q: When do I have to register for VAT? What is the AED 375,000 threshold?

Mandatory VAT registration is required when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 in a rolling 12-month period. Voluntary registration is available for businesses with revenue between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000.

Steup Your Business in Dubai Mainland with Full Guidance

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a highly attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs from Tier-1 countries and beyond. Its stable economy, strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa, and investor-friendly policies have drawn record foreign investment (FDI). There's a huge demand for Dubai, UAE mainland company from United States of America (USA) aswell. As of mid-2025, the UAE continues to attract strong foreign direct investment (FDI), securing over USD 5.42 billion (as per EmiratesNBD research team) through 613 greenfield projects in the first half of the year alone—led by Dubai, which accounted for 86% of these projects and over USD 3 billion in capital. The largest investment sectors were real estate (USD 1.05 billion), manufacturing (USD 1.06 billion), transport and warehousing (USD 770 million), and business services (USD 690 million), with notable inflows also in communications and IT. These figures reinforce the UAE’s position as a top FDI destination, building on its 2024 inflow of AED 167.6 billion (USD 45.6 billion) and highlighting its strategic appeal across property, industry, finance, and emerging tech sectors.

The government actively promotes high-growth “promising” sectors such as advanced technology (AI, data centers), digital economy, renewable energy (solar, green hydrogen) and R&D. At the same time, traditional industries like tourism, hospitality, logistics and healthcare remain strong FDI magnets (with booming events and resorts driving tourism). Overall, investors choose the UAE for its 100% foreign ownership (in most industries), streamlined licensing, no personal income or property taxes, and world-class infrastructure (healthcare, transport, urban amenities). The UAE’s competitive tax regime (0% personal tax, 0% capital gains on property, and a 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375k) and open economy further strengthen its appeal.

Whether you're opening a trading company, launching a consulting firm, or setting up a manufacturing unit, nearly every type of business in the UAE mainland needs a trade license to operate legally. Each emirate—like Dubai or Abu Dhabi—has its own Department of Economy that publishes an official list of business activities. To start, you’ll choose the activity (or mix of activities) that best matches what your business does. This choice isn’t just a formality—it determines what type of license you’ll need, whether it's commercial, professional, industrial, or tourism-related. Some activities, like transportation or telecom, might also need extra approvals from specific government bodies.

Getting this step right matters, because it affects everything from your legal structure to which visas and approvals you’ll need later. It’s not always obvious—which is why we walk you through it, making sure your activity aligns with your goals from day one.

Business Setup

October 4, 2025

From Idea to Trade License: The Human Guide to Starting a Business in Dubai (2025)

Mainland UAE company advantages that matter. Built for global growth and UAE Full Access

Unlimited Access: Conduct business anywhere in the UAE, with no geographical restrictions.

Trading Privileges: Direct trading with the local market and eligibility to apply for government contracts.

100% Foreign Ownership: Most activities allow full foreign ownership, with some exceptions in strategic sectors.

Flexible Locations: Set up your office anywhere in Dubai—prime locations boost credibility and facilitate growth

Unrestricted Branch Expansion: Open multiple branches across Emirates to strengthen your network

Visa Ease: Unlimited visa quotas based on office size are available to recruit and sponsor talent and dependents

Banking Facilities: Enjoy robust banking services with easier access to local accounts and financing.

Tax Environment: Corporate tax exemptions for qualifying activities and competitive tax rates for other sectors.

Repatriation and Currency Freedom: Capital and profits can be fully repatriated, and businesses face no currency restrictions.

No Minimum Capital Requirement: Many business activities can be started with little or no minimum capital investment, lowering barriers for bootstrapped founders.

Bid on Government Contracts: Only mainland companies can directly apply for and win UAE government projects and public tenders.

Networking & Growth: Join a thriving ecosystem of global and local firms, benefiting from powerful networking opportunities.

Hello 👋 I’m Aysh, your Mainland business consultant in UAE.

Let me know if you have any questions and doubts for your business setup.

Mainland License Cateogories

Types of Mainland Licenses in the UAE

Each licence is activity-based, meaning your business can only operate within the scope of the activities listed on the license. However, Dubai allows you to combine related activities under a single licence, offering flexibility for businesses with overlapping services. Choosing the right licence is critical, as it determines ownership eligibility, required approvals, and even office space criteria.

Commercial Licence: For trading activities (general trading, retail, import/export). Wide-ranging trading licences (e.g. “general trading”) cover many goods.
Professional Licence: For service providers and skilled professions (consultants, engineers, IT services, etc.), often 100% foreign-owned by law.
Industrial Licence: For manufacturing, processing or assembling products. Requires additional approvals and is tied to production locations.
Tourism Licence: For travel agencies, hotels, tour operators (issued in consultation with Dubai’s tourism authorities).

We're here to help you choosing the right licence type and business acitivities for maxium benefits.

The Difference

Freezone vs Mainland Companies in UAE

Here’s a simple breakdown showing the comparison between Freezone and UAE Mainland companies side by side. This will give you a brief idea of what each option offers, their key benefits, and their limitations — so you can decide which one fits your business needs best.

Freezone

What it does

Free zone companies focus on the free zone and international markets. They offer 100% foreign ownership and tax perks, but cannot sell directly in UAE local markets without a distributor.

Licence

Uses a license from the chosen free zone authority. Each zone offers permitted activities (e.g. consulting, trading, media, IT).

Banking

Free zone companies can also open UAE bank accounts. Required documents are similar, and banks often offer accounts tailored to free zone firms. But Less Priority.

Office

Required (flexi‑desk or physical office, depending on activity). Flexi-desk often included with Freezone registration as its needed for licensing and banking,.

Taxes & compliance

Free zones also follow UAE VAT rules (5%). Corporate Tax is 0% on qualifying income if conditions are met, otherwise 9%.

Best for

Best for export-oriented or specialized ventures. Ideal for startups and foriegn firms wanting 100% ownership, tax perks and easy setup, as long as local UAE market access isn’t required.

Cost (First year)

12,400 AED

Renewal Cost

9,920 AED/year
*80% of the first year cost.

Visa

1 Visa included in this package.
For additional visa it will cost 4000-5000 AED for each visa.

Mainland

What it does

Mainland companies can do business across the entire UAE – local markets, government contracts and beyond. Inshort you'll get Full Market Access and unlimited visas.

Licence

Uses an onshore trade/professional/industrial license issued by the (DED) or economy ministry (for example, a Mainland LLC license).

Banking

Corporate bank account setup requires standard UAE KYC. Many local banks work with mainland companies. They always give priority to Mainland Companies.

Office

A physical office is mandatory (registered by Ejari). For example, Dubai mandates at least ~200sqft per license. This provides proof of local presence and supports visa issuance.

Taxes & compliance

VAT applies (5% on taxable supplies) as usual. Corporate Tax of 9% applies on profits above AED 375k (As of now 2026)

Best for

Best if you need access to the UAE local market, government contracts or broad operations. Good for retail, trading, multiple visa needs and any company targeting customers in the Emirates.

(First year) Cost

18,200 AED

Renewal Cost

15,000 AED/year
*80% of the first year cost.

Visa

No visa included in this Package. With 1-Visa Dubai mailand standard business cost AED 26,355. Other State mainland will cost less.

Still unsure? Schedule a call with us

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Mainland Business Setup Cost in 3 Different UAE States

See how RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore, and Ajman Offshore compare on costs and value. Everything upfront with no hidden fees, so you can pick confidently.

Transparent Registration Cost

Sharjah

15,000 AED

Sharjah offers lower setup costs compared to Dubai, making it a popular pick for people starting out or looking to save on office rents. With low government fees and no cap on visas, it’s a smart choice for SMEs, service providers, or businesses hiring multiple staff.

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What’s included?

Trade license from Sharjah Economic Department
Local sponsor arrangement
Activity-based approvals
Basic office setup or flexi-desk
2+ visa slots available on flexi desk or basic office.
Bank Ready
Renewal cost @12,000 AED (Activity depended)

Registration time: 3-5 days if documents get cleared.

Please note: This package is without visa. For Residency visa it will cost additional in a range of 4000-5200 AED

Abu Dhabi

23,500 AED

Abu Dhabi Mainland setup is perfect for those eyeing long-term stability or government-linked opportunities. With 100% ownership and options like the Tajer license (no office needed for 2–3 years), you start strong without overspending.

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What’s included?

Abu Dhabi ADDED license
Name reservation and activity planning
Tajer license eligibility (no office lease)
Local agent/partner support
During this Tajer period, visa eligibility may be limited (typically 1–2), unless a physical office is added.
Once a proper office is leased and added to your file, visa quota expands as per space (similar 9–12 m² per visa standard).
Bank-ready incorporation pack
Renewal Cost @9,500 AED/year (Activity depended)

Registration time: 7-16 Days if documents get cleared.

Please note: This package is without visa. For Residency visa it will cost additional in a range of 4000-5200 AED

Dubai

18,500 AED

Dubai Mainland is for businesses that want reach and recognition. You get full access to the UAE market, the ability to sign government contracts, and a license that holds weight globally. Yes, it costs more—but it delivers where it counts.

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What’s included?

Dubai DET trade license
Company name approval
MOA drafting + notary
Sponsor arrangement (if required)
Basic office/flexi-desk setup
Initial 1-2 visas quota.
For additional 1 visa per 9–12 m² of office space. You can apply unlimited visa based on your office space.
Bank Ready
Renewal cost @13,000 AED/year (Activity depended)

Registration time: 7-12 Days if documents get cleared.

Please note: This package is without visa. For Residency visa it will cost additional in a range of 4000-5200 AED

Downloadable “bank-ready” KYC guide—real docs, instructions, and what banks look at (no more guessing).

Guide

Check what documents required for Mainland business registration in UAE.

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See Mainland Company Checklist.

Helping you run, grow, and stay compliant

Your partners in business, not just incorporation

We don’t just help you start your business - we stick with you as it grows. From renewals and compliance to strategy and everyday challenges, you’ll always have someone to call who actually understands how things work.

Schedule a free meeting

Setup

Fast, clean incorporation

We set up your offshore entity, get the documents in order, and handle filings while you focus on your company and vision.

Post Setup

Post-setup support

Got a question about your first payment, a bank issue, or a confusing email from some government department? You can reach us on WhatsApp, by phone, or through email - whatever works best for you. We’ll guide you through renewals, help with UBO or ESR reporting, and make sure you’re in the loop about rule changes—before they turn into problems.

Research

Market research + practical growth

Ready to get your business moving? We’ll help you understand your market, share useful insights, review your contracts, and point out any risks you should know about.

Growth

Advanced advisory

If you’re growing, we’ll help with share transfers, board updates, or moving your setup to a free zone or onshore, all with a clear plan that makes sense. Need accountants, tax help, legal support, or a notary? You’ll deal with real people who actually listen and understand your query, not a call centre.

Beyond

Beyond: Ongoing partnership

You’ll get reminders before anything expires, small updates to keep you penalty-free, and a yearly check-in to make sure everything’s running smoothly. And if you ever feel stuck or have a new idea you want to talk through, we’re always around for a straight, honest chat—sometimes that’s all you need.

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The Other Business Setup Options

The Right Setup for your Business in Dubai, UAE.

Explore Free Zone, offshore, and Holding Company routes built for Dubai and the UAE, with clear steps and a steady hand from start to license.

Schedule a free meeting

Freezone Business Setup. Launch fast with cost‑efficient licensing and 100% foreign ownership in leading UAE free zones.

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Offshore Business Setup. Operate globally with a tax-efficient structure that boosts privacy and protects assets with full ownership.

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Holding Company Setup. Own assets, shares, and IP under one roof with a clean, investor‑friendly structure

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Frequently asked questions

What is the real difference between a Mainland and Freezone company?

Understanding the fundamental differences between these three jurisdictions is the most important first step, as the choice dictates legal limitations and market access.

‍Mainland Company: This is an "onshore" company licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in the specific emirate (e.g., Dubai DET). Its defining feature is its legal right to operate and trade anywhere within the UAE, including servicing all local markets, private clients, and government bodies without restriction. A mainland license also requires a mandatory physical office space registered with Ejari (the official lease registry).

‍Free Zone Company: This is a company licensed by a specific Free Zone Authority (e.g., DMCC, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Meydan). While it allows 100% foreign ownership by default , its operations are legally restricted. A free zone company can trade freely within its designated free zone and internationally. However, it is not permitted to trade directly with the UAE mainland market. To do so, it must appoint a local distributor or agent, which adds cost and complexity

I want 100% foreign ownership. Is a Free Zone still a better option than Mainland?

Historically, the primary advantage of a free zone was that it was the only jurisdiction offering 100% foreign ownership. Mainland setups traditionally required a foreign investor to give 51% of the company's shares to a UAE national (a "local sponsor").

However, the UAE Federal Decree-Law no. 26 of 2020 on Commercial Companies effectively abolished this requirement for most mainland activities. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) now permits 100% foreign ownership for more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities. This includes the vast majority of business types, such as trade, retail, hospitality, tech, and services.

With this change, the main unique selling point of free zones has been neutralized for most entrepreneurs. A mainland license now offers both 100% foreign ownership and unrestricted access to the entire UAE market.

This has reframed the decision:
• A Mainland license is now the default, strategic choice for businesses focused on the UAE market.
‍
• A Free Zone license is now a more niche choice, best suited for specific cases:Businesses trading exclusively with international clients.Startups seeking the absolute lowest-cost, flexi-desk package (and who fully understand the trade restrictions). Companies that benefit from a specific, highly-specialized industrial cluster (e.g., Dubai Media City).

When does a Mainland license become an absolute necessity over a Free Zone one?

A mainland license is not just a preference; it is a legal necessity in several common business scenarios. An entrepreneur must choose a mainland license if their business model involves any of the following:

1. Trading with the UAE Market: If the primary target customers are individuals or businesses located within the UAE (outside of a free zone), a mainland license is the "stronger choice". A free zone company is legally prohibited from this direct trade.

2. Bidding on Government Contracts: Mainland companies can "work with government and private entities without restrictions". This is a critical factor for consultants or contractors who plan to engage with federal or municipal government bodies.

3. Physical Retail or Service Locations: If the business requires a physical storefront, clinic, restaurant, or showroom in a specific part of the city (e.g., a mall, a high street, or a residential community), it must have a mainland license.

Choosing a free zone license to save on initial setup costs when the business plan clearly requires mainland access is one of the most frequent and costly mistakes. It often forces the entrepreneur to establish a second, expensive mainland branch later, effectively doubling the cost and administrative burden.

What is the legal difference between an LLC, a Sole Establishment, and a Civil Company?

The choice of legal structure is not arbitrary; it is determined by the type of business activity selected from the official DET list.

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is the most common structure for entrepreneurs. An LLC is a separate legal entity from its owners, formed by one to 50 shareholders. This structure is mandatory for businesses engaged in Commercial activities (like trading, import-export, retail) or Industrial activities (like manufacturing).

• Sole Establishment (or Proprietorship): This structure is owned by a single individual. Critically, the business is not legally separate from its owner. This structure is used for Professional activities (e.g., management consultancy, IT services, design, education). (Note: UAE and GCC nationals can form Sole Establishments for commercial activities, but expatriates cannot).

• Civil Company: This is essentially a partnership for professionals. It is used when two or more individuals want to partner in a Professional activity, such as a firm of doctors, lawyers, or engineers.

What is the official step-by-step process to get a Dubai mainland license?

The process is a sequential, digital "waterfall" where each step must be completed to unlock the next. The official government portals, including the "Invest in Dubai" platform, outline the journey.

‍Step 1: Determine Business Activity and Legal Form: This is the foundation. The entrepreneur must select their business activities from the official DET list. This choice determines the license type (e.g., Commercial, Professional) and the legal structure (e.g., LLC, Sole Establishment).

‍Step 2: Reserve a Trade Name: The proposed company name must be submitted to the DET for approval to ensure it is unique and complies with naming rules.

‍Step 3: Obtain Initial Approval: This is the first security check. The entrepreneur submits passport and visa copies for all partners. The DET reviews the partners and the business activity and issues an Initial Approval, which is a "no-objection" to proceed.

‍Step 4: Draft and Notarize MOA / LSA Agreement: The company's legal documents are prepared. For an LLC, this is a Memorandum of Association (MOA). For a Professional license, it is a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement. These must be notarized.

‍Step 5: Secure a Business Location (Ejari): This is a mandatory and critical step. The entrepreneur must lease a physical office space and register the tenancy contract with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to receive an Ejari certificate. A copy of this attested lease contract is a required document.

‍Step 6: Obtain Additional Government Approvals (if applicable): Certain business activities (like healthcare, education, or food trading) require special approvals from other government bodies.

‍Step 7: Submit Final Documents and Pay: All documents—Initial Approval, notarized MOA/LSA, Ejari, and any external approvals—are submitted to the DET. The government then issues the final payment voucher. Once paid, the official Trade License is issued.

What is the realistic total cost to get a mainland license in Dubai in the first year? (e.g., Professional vs. Commercial LLC)

This is one of the most confusing and intentionally opaque parts of the setup process. Advertisements often feature "hook" prices like "Start from AED 9,950". We always keep our prices straightforward and transparent for our clients.

These low-ball figures are highly misleading. They typically exclude the largest mandatory costs, namely:

1. Mandatory Office Rent (Ejari)
2. Mandatory LSA fees (for professional licenses)
3. One-time Visa Costs
4. PRO Service and Notarization Fees

The realistic first-year cost is significantly higher. Based on real-world quotes, place the license cost alone (without rent) at "around AED 14k-18k" or even AED 22,000. A more accurate budget includes the license, office, LSA (if needed), and visa.

Is a physical office with an Ejari really mandatory for a mainland license?

Yes. This is an unambiguous and non-negotiable legal requirement.The official UAE government portal states: "All businesses in the UAE must have a physical address to operate". During the setup process a "Copy of the lease contract duly attested... (RERA) in Dubai" is listed as a mandatory document required to get the license. This attested lease contract is known as an Ejari.

How does my office size affect the number of employee visas I can get?

The popular marketing claim of "unlimited visas" for mainland companies is misleading. While mainland quotas are more flexible than free zone "packages" , they are not unlimited.

Mainland visa quotas are managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The official quota is "determine[d]... according to... the area of the premises".

While MOHRE has introduced more flexible rules , the practical "rule of thumb" used by authorities and inspectors is one visa for every 9 square meters of office space.

A new company may receive an initial "starter" quota of 3-6 visas. To hire more employees beyond this, the company must apply for a quota increase. At this point, an inspector may check the Ejari and the office. If the office is too small to accommodate the existing and new staff based on the 9 sq.m. rule, the application will be denied. The company must first lease a larger, more expensive office and submit a new Ejari to get the additional visa quota.

What is the process to get my own Investor Visa after my license is issued?

The Investor Visa (also called a Partner Visa) is the personal residency visa for the company's owner. The process begins after the trade license and other corporate documents are issued. The steps are as follows:

Get Establishment Card: The new company must be registered with the immigration authority (GDRFA - General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs). This registration generates the company's "Establishment Card".

Apply for Entry Permit: Using the trade license and establishment card, the investor applies for an "entry permit." This is the initial document that allows the visa process to begin.

"Change of Status": If the investor is already inside the UAE on a tourist visa, they must apply for a "change of status" (or "status adjustment"). This allows them to move onto the new entry permit without leaving the country.

Medical and Biometrics: The investor must complete the mandatory medical fitness test (a blood test and chest X-ray) at a government health center. They must also visit a Federal Authority (ICP) center to provide biometrics (fingerprinting and photo) for their Emirates ID.

Visa Stamping: Once the medical test is passed, all documents (medical results, EID application, passport, entry permit) are submitted to immigration. The final residence visa (valid for 2 or 3 years) is then "stamped" (issued) in the passport.

How much does an Investor Visa actually cost, and how is it different from an Employment Visa?

The Investor Visa, also known as a Partner Visa, is a residency option for company owners, with costs estimated between AED 5,000 and AED 9,000 for a 2 or 3-year validity. Its defining feature is the streamlined process; it's issued directly by the immigration authority (GDRFA) based on the investor's ownership stake. This route completely bypasses the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE), as the owner is not considered an employee.

In contrast, the Employment Visa is intended for a company's employees, typically costing AED 4,000 to AED 7,000 for a 2-year period. This process is more complex, as it is based on an employment contract and requires approval from MOHRE, involving labor contracts and quotas. The key difference, therefore, is not the cost but the issuing authority, with the Investor Visa offering a more direct residency path for business owners.

Why is opening a corporate bank account in Dubai so difficult, even with a valid license?

This is a universal pain point. The difficulty does not stem from local business rules but from intense international regulatory pressure. UAE banks are "very rigorous" because they must adhere to strict global Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations. The Central Bank of the UAE "takes a strict stance" to ensure banks are not fined or "de-risked" by international correspondent banks.

As a result, a new company—especially one with a single foreign shareholder, a new visa, and a general business activity—is viewed by a bank's compliance department as high-risk by default. The bank's primary goal is not to win the new business; it is to protect itself from a potential compliance violation. This leads to "rejections or delays without any detailed explanation" in a "low trust market".

What documents do banks actually need for Know Your Customer (KYC)? Do I really need a full business plan?

While a trade license simply gets an entrepreneur in the door for an application, a full dossier is required to pass the bank's compliance check. This comprehensive set of documents begins with the company's legal papers, including a valid Trade License, Certificate of Incorporation, and the notarized Memorandum of Association (MOA). Alongside these, personal documents for all shareholders and signatories are mandatory, consisting of passport, residency visa, and Emirates ID copies. Banking is "very challenging" for companies where no shareholder is a UAE resident.

Applicants must also provide proof of a physical office, specifically the valid lease contract (Ejari). One of the most critical documents is the detailed business plan, which must clearly and specifically answer the bank's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) questions. These questions cover the exact nature of the business, the identity of primary suppliers and clients, the countries in which they operate, the expected annual turnover, and the source of the initial funds.

To further verify that the business is legitimate, the bank will sometimes ask for the founder's CV or proof of prior experience in the same field. A vague business plan, such as "General trading worldwide," is a major red flag and will be instantly rejected by the compliance team.

When do I have to register for VAT? What is the AED 375,000 threshold?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a separate tax system from Corporate Tax. Registration is not based on a company's age but on its revenue.

‍Mandatory Registration Threshold: A business must register for VAT if its taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000.

‍Voluntary Registration Threshold: A business can choose to register if its turnover (or expenses) exceeds AED 187,500.

‍The "Look-back / Look-forward" Rule: This is the crucial part. The AED 375,000 threshold is not calculated per calendar year. It is based on a rolling 12-month period. A business must monitor its cumulative revenue every single month. The moment its total revenue in the previous 12 months hits AED 375,001, a 30-day timer starts, in which it must submit its VAT registration. A business must also register if it anticipates hitting this threshold in the next 30 days.

This means "active bookkeeping" from Day 1 is not optional; it is a mandatory compliance requirement.

Check more Faqs

For everything you want to know about Mainland business setup and more, we’ve created a dedicated page packed with clear answers. Or simply reach out to our mainland consultant who are ready to guide you. Just click the button below to get in touch.

Mainland Company Setup in Dubai, UAE

Your Mainland Journey Starts Here

From the start, you get clear advice on the right business type —cost-saving office options, reliable legal and banking partners -so you avoid the biggest mistakes new founders face.

Steup Your Business in Dubai Mainland with Full Guidance

Mainland UAE company advantages that matter. Built for global growth and UAE Full Access

Types of Mainland Licenses in the UAE

Your trusted Mainland Setup partner in the UAE

Mainland companies formed across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah.

A dedicated relationship manager guides every step, we prepare a bank‑ready dossier, and we keep fees transparent.

Freezone vs Mainland Companies in UAE

Freezone

Mainland

How it works

Mainland Business Setup Cost in 3 Different UAE States

Sharjah

Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Downloadable “bank-ready” KYC guide—real docs, instructions, and what banks look at (no more guessing).

Check what documents required for Mainland business registration in UAE.

Your partners in business, not just incorporation

The Right Setup for your Business in Dubai, UAE.

Frequently asked questions