A Dubai mainland company, or an onshore company in Dubai, refers to a business registered under the Department of Economic Development in Dubai. It is allowed to trade and operate within the entirety of the UAE market, directly exposing it to all consumers, government contracts, and local clients.
In this blog, let’s discuss in details more about the mainland company formation cost in Dubai, the benefits of company formation and the steps that are required to set up a business in Dubai.
What is the Dubai mainland company formation cost?
Costs vary based on business activity, office needs, number of visas, and approvals. Typical ranges include:
Core Setup Costs
- Trade License Fee
- Initial Approval & Trade Name
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Office Space / Ejari
- Visa Processing
- Government Approvals (if needed)
- Professional Services (PRO, legal)
Total Estimated First-Year Cost: Approximately AED 25,000 to AED 50,000+, depending on size and requirements. Smaller setups may start nearer the lower end, while larger operations with multiple visas and premium office space can exceed this. You must need to renew the license every year.
Benefits of company formation on the Dubai mainland
Business setup in Dubai mainland comes with several key advantages:
- Operate a wide range of commercial, industrial, or professional activities.
- Visa quota often tied to office space — enabling more employee visas.
- Easier corporate bank account opening and broader local credibility.
- Ideal structure for B2B, B2G, and enterprise-level operations.
- 100% foreign ownership allowed in many sectors (subject to activity rules).
- Trade with customers and businesses anywhere in the UAE without restrictions.
- Competitive tax environment (corporate tax rules apply based on revenues).
Steps of company formation in the Dubai mainland
- Choose Your Business Activity
Choose the major business activity that best describes your license type (commercial, professional, industrial).
- Trade Name Reservation
Apply online through the DED website to reserve a unique business name.
- Application for Initial Approval
Obtain approval from Department of Economic Development (DED) for your proposed business activities.
- Draft & Notarise MOA
Memorandum of Association, is a document containing the legal details of ownership, shareholding, etc.
- Office premises with Ejari
Rent an office and register the tenancy contract – a must-have, so-called Ejari.
- Submission of Documents and Fee Payment
Pay all applicable fees and submit all documents to DED for the issuance of your trade license.
- Get Your Trade License
Once approved, after the payment of fees, it issues the license-you’re registered.
- Open a Corporate Bank Account
Set up bank documents and open an account for the purpose of running the business.
- Apply for Visas
With the new license, investor and employee visas can be applied for.
- Compliance & Renewals
Maintain annual license renewals, renewing visas, and Dubai regulations concerning tax, audits, if any.
Documents Required for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
- Valid passports of all shareholders
- Emirates ID of all shareholders
- Passport-size photographs
- NOC (No Objection Certificate)
- Trade Name Reservation Certificate
- Initial Approval Certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement
- Board Resolution
- Incorporation documents of the parent company
- Power of Attorney
Conclusion
In 2026, the formation of a mainland company in Dubai continues to be a smart way to penetrate the market, as well as work with government and private sector organizations without geo-location constraints for business expansion. While selecting the right partner for your business setup in Dubai mainland needs could be a remarkably swift as well as completely risk-free experience, the experts at DXB VIP are here to help you establish your mainland business efficiently. Connect with us to get started!