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Mainland Business Setup in Dubai

100% Foreign Ownership UAE Market Access

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.

Bid on Government Contracts
5–10 Days Setup
From AED 12,000 / Year
2,000+ Business Activities
Free

Save up to

AED 20K

Interactive Cost Preview

Your License in seconds

Estimated Total

AED 22,000 25,960

Includes ecommerce license, 1 visa & virtual office

100% Free Quote60-sec response
37 founders requested quotes this week
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Licensed
UAE Consultants
2,000+ DET Activities

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.

3 DaysAvg. Setup
100%Foreign Ownership
FreePre-Check

Browse by Category

Mainland Licenses

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.

Trading & Retail

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.

Most Common License Type
Services & Expertise

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.

Manufacturing & Production

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.

Free Expert Help

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.

Mainland Company Structures Explained

Choose the Right Business Structure

Your structure determines ownership, liability, visa limits, and long-term expansion potential. Choose the one that matches your ambition.

Trusted client 1Trusted client 2Trusted client 3
+5K
5,000+Entrepreneurs trust us
Filter by:
6 structures
Structure

Sole Establishment / Sole Proprietorship

Best for

Freelancerssolo expertsself-driven professionals

Why choose this

  • UAE National as LSA required
  • 100% ownership
  • Complete operational control
  • Personally liable for debts
Structure

Civil Company

Best for

Licensed professionalsconsultantsengineerslawyersmedical experts

Why choose this

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Shared liability among partners
  • Local Service Agent required
  • Ideal for professional partnerships
Most Popular

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Best for

Tradinge-commercegeneral business operatorsSMEs

Why choose this

  • 1 to 50 shareholders
  • No minimum capital requirement
  • 100% foreign ownership (most activities)
  • Full mainland market access
Structure

Private Joint Stock Company (PrJSC)

Best for

Ambitiousgrowth-focused companies

Why choose this

  • Raise private investment
  • Attract institutional partners
  • Scale aggressively
  • Prepares for a future public listing
Structure

Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC)

Best for

Enterprises planning IPOlarge-scale market expansion

Why choose this

  • Highest level of corporate structure
  • Investor-ready governance
  • Enterprise-grade compliance
  • Public share trading on Dubai markets
Structure

Branch Office (Foreign or Local Company)

Best for

Businesses expanding to Dubai without creating a new legal entity

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?

We’ll recommend your best option in under 30 seconds

Choose Your Emirate

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

Dubai

Trading • Logistics • Global

Dubai 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

Quick Assessment · 30 seconds

Confused about which location is right for you?

Setup Cost Calculator

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.

Documentation

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.

Expert Assurance

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

Secure Upload · Free Review

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.

How We Assist with

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.

Your 14-Day Mainland Roadmap
Tap a phase to explore
Days 1–2

Phase 1: Foundation

The strategic groundwork — before a single form is filed.

Step01

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.

Step02

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.

Step03

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.

Which UAE Business Setup Is Right for You?

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

100% Foreign Ownership
Setup From
AED 18,000+
UAE Market Access
B2B, B2C & International
Government Contracts
Yes, possible
Corporate Tax
9% (above AED 375K)
Office Requirement
Tenancy contract required
Visa Eligibility
Business Activity
Activity group limitation
Timeline
3–5 days
Best For
Local retail / trade

Free Zone

Smart Sweet Spot

Best
100% Foreign Ownership
Setup From
AED 4,888+
UAE Market Access
B2B & International
Government Contracts
Limited
Corporate Tax
0% (qualifying income)
Office Requirement
Flexi-desk / physical office
Visa Eligibility
Business Activity
Mix & match activities
Timeline
2–3 days
Best For
E-commerce / consulting

Offshore

Asset Holding

100% Foreign Ownership
Setup From
AED 12,000+
UAE Market Access
Government Contracts
No
Corporate Tax
0%
Office Requirement
No office needed
Visa Eligibility
Business Activity
Asset holding only
Timeline
3–5 days
Best For
Asset holding
Still on the fence?

Not sure which option fits you?

Take our 2-minute quiz or speak to a setup expert — both are free.

The Founder’s Archive

Real People. Real Success.

Trusted client 1Trusted client 2Trusted client 3
+5K
5,000+Entrepreneurs trust us
Executive Summary

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."

Key Outcome
Zero Regulatory Friction

Identity Verified

Founder

Dr. Ali Khan

Verify Profile

Entity

Ali Khan Medical Centre

View Clinic

Secure Client Data Registry

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about setting up a mainland company in Dubai — answered by our experts.

4.8 / 5 • 200+ Google Reviews

Trusted by Entrepreneurs Worldwide

Golden Visa Made Effortless

Very professional and they were able to issue mine and my family golden visa without any issues. The process was so quick.

Ramachandran T. Pattabhiraman
Ramachandran T. Pattabhiraman
Director
brand

Unmatched Professionalism

25+ years in banking and corporate services, and Best Solution truly stands apart. From day one, I knew I was in safe hands.

Michael Doherty
Michael Doherty
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Smooth, Hassle-Free Setup

Our mainland license process was smooth and transparent. Vipin guided us through every step. Highly recommended.

Harris Maheen
Harris Maheen
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Transparent & Professional

No hidden charges, no surprises. Exactly what was promised — delivered on time.

Chandra Mohan
Chandra Mohan
Business Development Manager
brand

Golden Visa Made Effortless

Very professional and they were able to issue mine and my family golden visa without any issues. The process was so quick.

Ramachandran T. Pattabhiraman
Ramachandran T. Pattabhiraman
Director
brand

Unmatched Professionalism

25+ years in banking and corporate services, and Best Solution truly stands apart. From day one, I knew I was in safe hands.

Michael Doherty
Michael Doherty
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Smooth, Hassle-Free Setup

Our mainland license process was smooth and transparent. Vipin guided us through every step. Highly recommended.

Harris Maheen
Harris Maheen
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Transparent & Professional

No hidden charges, no surprises. Exactly what was promised — delivered on time.

Chandra Mohan
Chandra Mohan
Business Development Manager
brand

Golden Visa Made Effortless

Very professional and they were able to issue mine and my family golden visa without any issues. The process was so quick.

Ramachandran T. Pattabhiraman
Ramachandran T. Pattabhiraman
Director
brand

Unmatched Professionalism

25+ years in banking and corporate services, and Best Solution truly stands apart. From day one, I knew I was in safe hands.

Michael Doherty
Michael Doherty
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Smooth, Hassle-Free Setup

Our mainland license process was smooth and transparent. Vipin guided us through every step. Highly recommended.

Harris Maheen
Harris Maheen
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Transparent & Professional

No hidden charges, no surprises. Exactly what was promised — delivered on time.

Chandra Mohan
Chandra Mohan
Business Development Manager
brand

Exceptional Service for International Entrepreneurs

La mejor compañía de servicios para crear tu empresa en Dubai. Rápidos, responsables y siempre disponibles.

Carlos Freyre
Carlos Freyre
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Top-Rated UAE Business Setup Partner

One of the best business setup firms in Dubai. Highly recommended.

Tanwir Chowdhury
Tanwir Chowdhury
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Exceptional Service When It Mattered Most

VIP medical, EID & biometrics completed in ONE day. Since then, all PRO services are handled by Best Solution.

Nassem Richani
Nassem Richani
Business Head
brand

Reliable & Stress-Free Support

Everything became structured, professional, and stress-free after switching to Best Solution.

Hadi Hamedi
Hadi Hamedi
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Exceptional Service for International Entrepreneurs

La mejor compañía de servicios para crear tu empresa en Dubai. Rápidos, responsables y siempre disponibles.

Carlos Freyre
Carlos Freyre
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Top-Rated UAE Business Setup Partner

One of the best business setup firms in Dubai. Highly recommended.

Tanwir Chowdhury
Tanwir Chowdhury
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Exceptional Service When It Mattered Most

VIP medical, EID & biometrics completed in ONE day. Since then, all PRO services are handled by Best Solution.

Nassem Richani
Nassem Richani
Business Head
brand

Reliable & Stress-Free Support

Everything became structured, professional, and stress-free after switching to Best Solution.

Hadi Hamedi
Hadi Hamedi
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Exceptional Service for International Entrepreneurs

La mejor compañía de servicios para crear tu empresa en Dubai. Rápidos, responsables y siempre disponibles.

Carlos Freyre
Carlos Freyre
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Top-Rated UAE Business Setup Partner

One of the best business setup firms in Dubai. Highly recommended.

Tanwir Chowdhury
Tanwir Chowdhury
Chief Executive Officer
brand

Exceptional Service When It Mattered Most

VIP medical, EID & biometrics completed in ONE day. Since then, all PRO services are handled by Best Solution.

Nassem Richani
Nassem Richani
Business Head
brand

Reliable & Stress-Free Support

Everything became structured, professional, and stress-free after switching to Best Solution.

Hadi Hamedi
Hadi Hamedi
Chief Executive Officer
brand
Read All Google Reviews

Verified Google reviews • Real clients • Real businesses

Mainland Business Setup UAE | Fast Dubai License