Dubai Mainland Setup:
DET Licence, Ejari and Visas
Setting up on the Dubai mainland means choosing an activity, reserving a trade name, securing premises with an Ejari-registered tenancy and receiving a trade licence from DET. Most activities allow 100% foreign ownership, and a Dubai licence lets you trade directly across the UAE. Maven& handles the application, approvals, visas and bank account.
- DET licence and Ejari handled together
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Transparent, itemised pricing
- Get your free setup quote
- Dubai mainland setup partner
Foreign ownership for most activities
Strategic impact activities are the exception.
Common Dubai structures
LLC, sole establishment or civil company, and branch.
Team from start to launch
One consultant handles your application, approvals, visas and bank account introductions.
- Who it suits
Businesses that suit a Dubai mainland licence
Businesses serving Dubai customers
Companies that sell directly to Dubai and UAE customers and want a licence recognised across the UAE.
Government and large-company suppliers
Suppliers that work with government bodies and large local companies.
Retail and showroom businesses
Shops, showrooms and restaurants that need public-facing premises.
Professional and service firms
Consultants and service firms that want a Dubai office and brand presence.
Which Dubai rules and approvals apply to a mainland company?
Dubai adds its own approvals to the federal rules, depending on your activity.
- Licensing authority: the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues Dubai mainland licences.
- Premises: a Dubai tenancy registered with Ejari is generally required.
- Healthcare: needs Dubai Health Authority approval.
- Education: needs Knowledge and Human Development Authority approval.
- Food and retail: may need Dubai Municipality or other approvals.
- Dubai vs other emirates
Dubai mainland vs Sharjah and Abu Dhabi mainland
All three give direct UAE market access. The best choice depends on where your customers and team are.
| Feature | Dubai | Sharjah | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | DET | Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) | Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) |
| Foreign ownership | 100% for most activities | 100% for most activities | 100% for most activities |
| Premises | Ejari-registered tenancy | Registered tenancy | Tawtheeq-registered tenancy |
| Market access | Direct across the UAE | Direct across the UAE | Direct across the UAE |
| Best for | Dubai customers and brand presence | A lower-cost base near Dubai | Government and capital-region clients |
- Company structures
Three Dubai mainland company structures
Company
For most businesses
- Limited liability for shareholders
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Two or more shareholders possible
- Common choice for trading and services
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
or Civil Company
For individuals and professionals
- Owned by one natural person or by professionals
- Suited to professional and service activities
- Sole establishment owners carry personal liability
- A local service agent may apply, depending on the activity
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
an Existing Company
For companies already trading abroad
- Extends your existing company into the UAE
- Parent company documents need attestation
- The parent company carries the liability
- No local service agent needed since 2021
Final cost depends on your activity, premises and visas, and is confirmed in your itemised quote.
How much does Dubai mainland setup cost?
There is no single price, because the total depends on your activity, premises and number of visas. Maven& gives you an itemised quote that lists every government and service fee before you commit.
- Licence and activity fees
- Premises or tenancy costs, where required
- Establishment card and residence visas
- Extra approvals, if your activity needs them
- Annual renewal and accounting support
- PRO, bank account and tax registration support
- How it works
How to set up a Dubai mainland company in 5 steps
Choose your activity and structure
We confirm the activity code, your ownership options and the legal structure that fits your plans.
Reserve your trade name
We reserve a compliant trade name and prepare the initial approval application.
Secure premises and approvals
You lease a suitable office and register the tenancy, while we manage any extra approvals your activity needs.
Sign the MoA and receive your licence
Your Memorandum of Association is signed, fees are paid and the authority issues the trade licence.
Visas, bank account and launch
We process the establishment card and residence visas, then introduce you to UAE banks and set up PRO and accounting support.
Documents required for Dubai mainland setup
Most setups need only a few documents to start. Send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing for your activity.
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager
- Passport-size photograph on a white background
- UAE visa or entry stamp copy, if you are in the UAE
- Three proposed trade names, in order of preference
- A short description of your business activities
- Corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, MoA/AoA and board resolution, attested
- Registered tenancy contract for your office
- Regulated activities: approval documents from the relevant authority
- Why Maven&
Why choose Maven& for Dubai mainland setup
One dedicated consultant
One consultant handles your trade licence, visas, Ejari and bank account introductions, so you never repeat yourself to a new team.
Transparent, itemised pricing
Every quote lists government fees, office, visa and service costs line by line, with no hidden extras after you sign.
Right activity, structure and authority
Rules differ by activity and authority. We check your activity, structure and approvals before you pay a fee.
Licence, visas and bank in one process
Company formation, residence visas, corporate tax registration and bank introductions are handled as one coordinated plan.
- FAQs
Dubai mainland setup: frequently asked questions
You choose an activity and structure, reserve a trade name, secure premises with an Ejari-registered tenancy, sign the MoA and receive the DET licence. Visas and the bank account follow. See mainland company formation.
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities. Only a short list of strategic impact activities needs Emirati participation. See local service agent and sponsorship.
Generally yes. A Dubai mainland licence needs an Ejari-registered tenancy for the licensed address. See Ejari registration.
DET licenses mainland companies that can trade directly across the UAE, while a free zone authority licenses companies that are generally limited to the zone. Read the guide.
It depends on the activity. Healthcare, education, food and finance activities need approval from the relevant authority as well as DET.
Yes. A foreign company can open a mainland branch, and the local service agent requirement was removed in 2021. Parent documents need attestation.
Not always. Dubai suits businesses focused on Dubai customers and brand presence, while Sharjah and Abu Dhabi can suit other cost and customer profiles. We compare them for your case.
The cost depends on your activity, premises, visas and approvals, so there is no single price. Maven& gives you an itemised quote before you commit. Try the cost calculator.
The timeline depends on your activity, authority, documents and approvals, and visas and the bank account follow the licence. We give you a timeline for your case before you start. See the 5-step process.
Yes. We confirm your activity and structure, prepare the application, manage approvals and follow the process through to licence, visas and bank account. Final approvals are always the authority\u2019s decision. Contact us for an itemised quote.
Reviewed by the Maven& corporate setup team. Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm current requirements with the relevant authority before you commit.
Ready to start with Dubai mainland setup?
Get a clear, itemised quote and a plan built around your business. Talk to a Maven& consultant today.
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