free
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Dubai Mainland
15 min
Alisa Zueva,
Accountant at EFIX GRP
Accountant at EFIX GRP
Get a free
Dubai Mainland consultation today
Dubai Mainland consultation today
Why Choose Dubai Mainland
100% Foreign Ownership
Following Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2021, foreign investors can fully own a Dubai Mainland LLC across most commercial and industrial activities. No local sponsor required.
Unlimited UAE Market Access
Trade freely with both UAE customers and government entities. Open branches anywhere in the UAE without restrictions imposed on free zones.
Eligible for Government Tenders
Dubai Mainland companies can bid on government, semi-government, and ministry contracts — opportunities not available to free zone entities.
1,000+ Approved Activities
Choose from a wide list of commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, and craftsmanship activities licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
No Visa Quota Limitss
Visa eligibility is tied to office space (Ejari), not a fixed package. The larger your office, the more visas you can sponsor — ideal for scaling teams.
Strategic Dubai Address
Register your company in prime business districts: Business Bay, Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC neighbourhood, or Deira — boosting credibility with banks and corporate clients.
Why Choose Dubai Mainland
100% Foreign Ownership
Following Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2021, foreign investors can fully own a Dubai Mainland LLC across most commercial and industrial activities. No local sponsor required.
Unlimited UAE Market Access
Trade freely with both UAE customers and government entities. Open branches anywhere in the UAE without restrictions imposed on free zones.
Eligible for Government Tenders
Dubai Mainland companies can bid on government, semi-government, and ministry contracts — opportunities not available to free zone entities.
1,000+ Approved Activities
Choose from a wide list of commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, and craftsmanship activities licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
No Visa Quota Limits
Visa eligibility is tied to office space (Ejari), not a fixed package. The larger your office, the more visas you can sponsor — ideal for scaling teams.
Strategic Dubai Address
Register your company in prime business districts: Business Bay, Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC neighbourhood, or Deira — boosting credibility with banks and corporate clients.
Why Choose Dubai Mainland
100% Foreign Ownership
Following Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2021, foreign investors can fully own a Dubai Mainland LLC across most commercial and industrial activities. No local sponsor required.
Unlimited UAE Market Access
Trade freely with both UAE customers and government entities. Open branches anywhere in the UAE without restrictions imposed on free zones.
Eligible for Government Tenders
Dubai Mainland companies can bid on government, semi-government, and ministry contracts — opportunities not available to free zone entities.
1,000+ Approved Activities
Choose from a wide list of commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, and craftsmanship activities licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
No Visa Quota Limits
Visa eligibility is tied to office space (Ejari), not a fixed package. The larger your office, the more visas you can sponsor — ideal for scaling teams.
Strategic Dubai Address
Register your company in prime business districts: Business Bay, Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC neighbourhood, or Deira — boosting credibility with banks and corporate clients.
Why Choose Dubai Mainland
No Visa Quota Limitss
Visa eligibility is tied to office space (Ejari), not a fixed package. The larger your office, the more visas you can sponsor — ideal for scaling teams.
Strategic Dubai Address
Register your company in prime business districts: Business Bay, Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC neighbourhood, or Deira — boosting credibility with banks and corporate clients.
1,000+ Approved Activities
Choose from a wide list of commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, and craftsmanship activities licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Eligible for Government Tenders
Dubai Mainland companies can bid on government, semi-government, and ministry contracts — opportunities not available to free zone entities.
Unlimited UAE Market Access
Trade freely with both UAE customers and government entities. Open branches anywhere in the UAE without restrictions imposed on free zones.
100% Foreign Ownership
Following Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2021, foreign investors can fully own a Dubai Mainland LLC across most commercial and industrial activities. No local sponsor required.
Dubai Mainland
License Costs and Packages
License Costs and Packages
Dubai Mainland licensing is administered by the Department
of Economy and Tourism (DET). Costs depend on three main variables:
of Economy and Tourism (DET). Costs depend on three main variables:
- License type (commercial, professional, industrial, tourism)
- Office solution (virtual office, business centre, or full Ejari tenancy)
- The number of visas required
Unlike free zones, mainland licenses are not sold in fixed bundles — each setup is configured based on your activity, legal form, and office plan. Below are realistic starting prices for a standard LLC with one shareholder.
Dubai Mainland License Costs and Packages
Dubai Mainland licensing is administered by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Costs depend on three main variables:
- License type (commercial, professional, industrial, tourism)
- Office solution (virtual office, business centre, or full Ejari tenancy)
- The number of visas required
Unlike free zones, mainland licenses are not sold in fixed bundles — each setup is configured based on your activity, legal form, and office plan. Below are realistic starting prices for a standard LLC with one shareholder.
Dubai Mainland License Costs and Packages
Dubai Mainland licensing is administered by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Costs depend on three main variables:
- License type (commercial, professional, industrial, tourism)
- Office solution (virtual office, business centre, or full Ejari tenancy)
- The number of visas required
Unlike free zones, mainland licenses are not sold in fixed bundles — each setup is configured based on your activity, legal form, and office plan. Below are realistic starting prices for a standard LLC with one shareholder.
Dubai Mainland License Costs and Packages
Dubai Mainland licensing is administered by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Costs depend on three main variables:
- License type (commercial, professional, industrial, tourism)
- Office solution (virtual office, business centre, or full Ejari tenancy)
- The number of visas required
Unlike free zones, mainland licenses are not sold in fixed bundles — each setup is configured based on your activity, legal form, and office plan. Below are realistic starting prices for a standard LLC with one shareholder.
Package
Starter Professional
Standard LLC
Growth LLC
Enterprise
Branch / Foreign Co.
Office Type
Virtual office
Business centre / shared
Private office (Ejari)
Office 50+ sqm
Custom
Visas
Custom
6-15
3-6
1-3
0-1
Cost (AED/year)
Includes
Branch registration, parent company attestation
Multi-activity license, larger visa quota
Full DET package, MOHRE/GDRFA setup
Commercial license, Ejari, establishment card
Professional license, initial approval, trade name, MOA
Prices may vary depending on the specifics of each case
Starter Professional
Office Type
Virtual office
Visas
0-1
Includes
Professional license, initial approval, trade name, MOA
Standard LLC
Office Type
Business centre / shared
Visas
1-3
Includes
Commercial license, Ejari, establishment card
Growth LLC
Office Type
Private office (Ejari)
Visas
3-6
Includes
Full DET package, MOHRE/GDRFA setup
Enterprise
Office Type
Office 50+ sqm
Visas
6-15
Includes
Multi-activity license, larger visa quota
Branch / Foreign Co.
Office Type
Custom
Visas
Custom
Includes
Branch registration, parent company attestation
Prices may vary depending on the specifics of each case
Government Fee Breakdown
Fee
Initial Approval (DET)
Trade Name Reservation
MOA Notarisation
License Issuance Fee (DET)
Chamber of Commerce Membership
Cost (AED)
~120-250
~620–820
~1,500–2,500
~10,000–15,000
~1,200
Establishment Card (MOHRE/GDRFA)
~2,000-2,500
Visa Costs (per person)
Item
Entry permit
Status change
Medical test
Emirates ID
Visa stamping (2 years)
Cost (AED)
~1,200
~750
~300-400
~370-570
~650
Total per visa
~3,500-4,500
Office Costs (Ejari)
Mainland companies need a registered tenancy contract (Ejari) for license issuance. Virtual office solutions start from AED 6,000–10,000/year for low-visa setups. Shared business-centre offices start from AED 12,000–40,000/year. A private office in Business Bay or Sheikh Zayed Road typically starts from AED 65,000–100,000/year. Note: visa quota is calculated at approximately 1 visa per 9 sqm of office space.
Government Fee Breakdown
Fee
Initial Approval (DET)
Fee
Trade Name Reservation
Fee
MOA Notarisation
Fee
License Issuance Fee (DET)
Fee
Chamber of Commerce Membership
Fee
Establishment Card (MOHRE/GDRFA)
Visa Costs (per person)
Fee
Entry permit
Fee
Status change
Fee
Medical test
Fee
Emirates ID
Fee
Visa stamping (2 years)
Fee
Total per visa
Office Costs (Ejari)
Mainland companies need a registered tenancy contract (Ejari) for license issuance. Virtual office solutions start from AED 6,000–10,000/year for low-visa setups. Shared business-centre offices start from AED 12,000–40,000/year. A private office in Business Bay or Sheikh Zayed Road typically starts from AED 65,000–100,000/year. Note: visa quota is calculated at approximately 1 visa per 9 sqm of office space.
Prineeth Dinesh,
Accountant at EFIX GRP
Need an exact quote for your activity?
Request a Personalised Quote
Structure
LLC
(Limited Liability Company)
(Limited Liability Company)
Sole Establishment
Civil Company
Branch of Foreign Company
Representative Office
Shareholders
1-50
1 (individual)
2+ (professionals)
Parent company
Parent company
Min. Capital
Best For
Doctors, engineers, lawyers, consultants
International firms expanding to Dubai
Marketing/liaison only — no commercial activity
Solo professionals, consultants (with local service agent)
Trading, services, most commercial activities
Legal Structures in Dubai Mainland
Dubai Mainland offers several legal forms regulated by the DET and UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal
Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021). The most common choice for foreign entrepreneurs is the LLC, which now allows 100% foreign ownership across most activities. Choice of structure affects liability, capital requirements, and the scope of permitted activities.
*Although there is no statutory minimum capital for most activities, the MOA must declare a share capital. Some regulated activities (e.g., contracting, financial intermediation) carry sector-specific capital requirements set by DET or other regulators.
*IFZA does not require mandatory paid-up share capital for most business activities. Share capital is stated in the MOA but no bank deposit proof is required.
Source:
Legal Structures in Dubai Mainland
Dubai Mainland offers several legal forms regulated by the DET and UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal
Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021). The most common choice for foreign entrepreneurs is the LLC, which now allows 100% foreign ownership across most activities. Choice of structure affects liability, capital requirements, and the scope of permitted activities.
LLC (Limited Liability Company)
Shareholders
1-50
Min. Capital
No minimum*
Best For
Trading, services, most commercial activities
Sole Establishment
Shareholders
1 (individual)
Min. Capital
No minimum*
Best For
Solo professionals, consultants (with local service agent)
Civil Company
Shareholders
2+ (professionals)
Min. Capital
No minimum*
Best For
Doctors, engineers, lawyers, consultants
Branch of Foreign Company
Shareholders
Parent company
Min. Capital
N/A
Best For
International firms expanding to Dubai
Representative Office
Shareholders
Parent company
Min. Capital
N/A
Best For
Marketing/liaison only — no commercial activity
*IFZA does not require mandatory paid-up share capital for most business activities. Share capital is stated in the MOA but no bank deposit proof is required.
Source:
*Although there is no statutory minimum capital for most activities, the MOA must declare a share capital. Some regulated activities (e.g., contracting, financial intermediation) carry sector-specific capital requirements set by DET or other regulators.
In-person or video meeting with the bank.
Handle: bank selection, KYC file, application.
Establishment Card & Visa Processing
Days
20-45
Visit Dubai for medical test & Emirates ID biometrics.
Handle: MOHRE establishment card, GDRFA file, entry permits, status change, stamping.
Establishment Card & Visa Processing
Days
10-25
Handle. DET issues the trade license. Chamber of Commerce membership registered automatically.
License Issuance
Days
8-10
Handle. We draft the MOA in Arabic and English, arrange notary appointment (in-person or via Power of Attorney).
MOA Drafting & Notarisation
Days
5-8
Choose office option.
Prepare tenancy contract, register Ejari (mandatory for license).
Payment & MOA Signing
Days
3-7
Handle. Some activities require approvals from KHDA, DHA, RTA, Civil Defence, Municipality, or other regulators. We coordinate end to end.
External Approvals (if required)
Days
3-7
Handle. We file the initial approval with DET, confirming activity, shareholders, and structure.
Initial Approval (DET)
Days
2-3
Handle. We submit 2–3 trade name options to DET. Approval typically within 1 working day.
Trade Name Reservation
Day
1-2
Handle. We map your business model to DET activity codes, recommend the legal form and confirm whether 100% foreign ownership applies.
Free Consultation & Activity Mapping
Day
0
How We Set Up Your Dubai Mainland Company
Step by Step
Is Dubai Mainland Right for Your Business?
Dubai Mainland is the right choice for businesses that want unrestricted access to the UAE domestic market, plan to work with government and large corporate clients, or need to scale teams beyond free zone visa limits. Following the 2021 reform allowing 100% foreign ownership, mainland has become a competitive alternative to free zones for most foreign investors.
That said, mainland is not the cheapest option, and it carries higher annual maintenance costs than zones like IFZA or Ajman. Choose mainland strategically — based on your customer base, not just on tax considerations.
Dubai Mainland is a good fit if:
- Sell goods or services directly to UAE-based customers and businesses
- Plan to bid on government, semi-government, or ministry contracts
- You operate internationally or online rather than locally in the UAE
- Want to open multiple branches across the UAE
- Need to hire 5+ employees and require flexible visa allocation
- Run a regulated activity (medical, education, contracting, real estate)
- Want a prestigious Dubai address (Business Bay, DIFC area, Downtown)
- Plan to apply for a Golden Visa based on business investment
Dubai Mainland may not be ideal if:
- You operate purely internationally and serve no UAE clients
- Your priority is the lowest possible setup cost
- You run a fully remote/digital business with no UAE physical operations
- You need warehouse-heavy logistics near a port (consider Jebel Ali / JAFZA)
- Your business model requires designated-zone VAT treatment (mainland is not a VAT designated zone)
- You require Free Zone Qualifying Income treatment
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up
in Dubai Mainland
in Dubai Mainland
Wrong Activity Code Selection
DET activity codes are very specific. Picking a generic code instead of the precise activity can block invoicing, customs clearance, or visa issuance. We map your business to the correct activity codes before submission.
Choosing the Wrong Office Solution
Many founders pick the cheapest virtual office, then discover they cannot sponsor enough visas. Visa quota is tied to office sqm. We size your Ejari to match your hiring plan from day one.
Ignoring External Approvals
Activities like medical, education, real estate, food, and contracting require approvals from sector regulators (DHA, KHDA, RERA, Dubai Municipality). Skipping this step delays the license by weeks.
Underestimating Annual Renewal Costs
Mainland renewal includes DET fee, Ejari renewal, Chamber membership, MOHRE/GDRFA cards, and audit costs. Budget realistically — typically 70-130% of first-year setup cost.
Misunderstanding 100% Foreign Ownership Rules
Most activities allow full foreign ownership, but a list of «strategic impact» activities still requires a UAE national partner. We verify your activity against the official permitted list.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up
in Dubai Mainland
in Dubai Mainland
Wrong Activity Code Selection
DET activity codes are very specific. Picking a generic code instead of the precise activity can block invoicing, customs clearance, or visa issuance. We map your business to the correct activity codes before submission.
Choosing the Wrong Office Solution
Many founders pick the cheapest virtual office, then discover they cannot sponsor enough visas. Visa quota is tied to office sqm. We size your Ejari to match your hiring plan from day one.
Ignoring External Approvals
Activities like medical, education, real estate, food, and contracting require approvals from sector regulators (DHA, KHDA, RERA, Dubai Municipality). Skipping this step delays the license by weeks.
Underestimating Annual Renewal Costs
Mainland renewal includes DET fee, Ejari renewal, Chamber membership, MOHRE/GDRFA cards, and audit costs. Budget realistically — typically 70–130% of first-year setup cost.
Misunderstanding 100% Foreign Ownership Rules
Most activities allow full foreign ownership, but a list of «strategic impact» activities still requires a UAE national partner. We verify your activity against the official permitted list.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up in Dubai Mainland
Wrong Activity Code Selection
DET activity codes are very specific. Picking a generic code instead of the precise activity can block invoicing, customs clearance, or visa issuance. We map your business to the correct activity codes before submission.
Choosing the Wrong Office Solution
Many founders pick the cheapest virtual office, then discover they cannot sponsor enough visas. Visa quota is tied to office sqm. We size your Ejari to match your hiring plan from day one.
Ignoring External Approvals
Activities like medical, education, real estate, food, and contracting require approvals from sector regulators (DHA, KHDA, RERA, Dubai Municipality). Skipping this step delays the license by weeks.
Underestimating Annual Renewal Costs
Mainland renewal includes DET fee, Ejari renewal, Chamber membership, MOHRE/GDRFA cards, and audit costs. Budget realistically — typically 70–130% of first-year setup cost.
Misunderstanding 100% Foreign Ownership Rules
Most activities allow full foreign ownership, but a list of «strategic impact» activities still requires a UAE national partner. We verify your activity against the official permitted list.
Documents You’ll Need
For Individual Shareholders
- Passport copy (valid for 6+ months) for each shareholder and manager
- Passport-sized digital photo (white background)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months)
- UAE entry stamp / visa copy (if applicable)
- NOC from current UAE employer (if a UAE resident)
- CV / professional qualifications (for regulated professional licenses)
- Application forms (prepared by us)
For Corporate Shareholders
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (attested)
- Certificate of Incorporation (attested)
- Board resolution authorising the Dubai mainland setup
- Power of Attorney to appointed manager / agent
- Passports of authorised signatories and ultimate beneficial owners
- Good Standing Certificate
- Audited financial statements (for some activities)
All foreign corporate documents must be notarised, apostilled, and attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin, then re-attested by MOFA in the UAE. We coordinate the full attestation chain.
Footnote
Office and Workspace Options for Dubai Mainland
We help you select the right office solution based on your activity, visa needs, and growth plan — and negotiate Ejari terms with trusted landlords
Virtual Office (Tasheel-approved)
Registered business address with mailbox and approved by DET for selected professional activities.
Visa quota: typically 0–1.
Visa quota: typically 0–1.
Business Centre / Shared Office
Plug-and-play workstation with Ejari issued in your company’s name. Suitable for 1–6 visas. Locations across Business Bay, JLT mainland buildings, and Bur Dubai.
Private Office (Ejari)
Dedicated furnished or unfurnished space. Visa quota scales with sqm (≈1 visa per 9 sqm). Recommended for active operations and team scaling.
Retail / Showroom
Mandatory for retail, food & beverage and consumer-facing activities. Requires Civil Defence and Municipality approvals depending on use.
Warehouse / Industrial Unit
Available across Al Quoz, Ras Al Khor, and DIP. Suitable for trading, light manufacturing and storage. Industrial license requires additional Municipality and Civil Defence sign-off.
Tax Framework for Dubai Mainland Companies
UAE Corporate Tax at 9% applies to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022). Dubai Mainland companies are fully subject to Corporate Tax — unlike Qualifying Free Zone Persons, mainland entities cannot benefit from the 0% rate on qualifying income. The first AED 375,000 of profit is taxed at 0%, and any amount above that is taxed at 9%.
Mainland companies must register for VAT once their taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 per year (mandatory threshold). Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500. Standard VAT rate is 5%, applied to most goods and services supplied within the UAE. Quarterly VAT returns are filed with the FTA.
Dubai Mainland is not a VAT Designated Zone — all standard VAT rules apply, with no special treatment on imports, internal transfers or storage. Mainland companies that meet the criteria for Small Business Relief (revenue below AED 3 million) may elect a simplified Corporate Tax regime through 2026.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute tax, legal or financial advice. Tax regulations are subject to change. For personalised guidance, please contact our tax team or consult a qualified tax advisor.
Source:
Federal Tax Authority United Arab Emirates
What You Need to Know After Formation
Corporate Tax Registration
All mainland companies must register with the FTA for Corporate Tax within the deadlines set by FTA Decision No. 3 of 2024. Annual CT returns are filed within 9 months of the financial year end.
Annual License Renewal
DET license, Ejari, Chamber of Commerce membership, and MOHRE/GDRFA establishment cards must all be renewed annually. Late renewal triggers AED 250/month fines plus license suspension risk.
VAT Registration & Filing
Mandatory once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000. Quarterly VAT returns must be filed; late filing penalties start at AED 1,000 and double for repeat offences.
Bookkeeping and Audit
Companies must maintain accounting records for 7 years. Audited financial statements are not always mandatory for small mainland LLCs but are required for branches, regulated sectors, and any company claiming Small Business Relief above documentation thresholds.
License Renewal
Annual renewal through the DET portal. Cost is approximately equal to the initial license fee, plus Ejari renewal and Chamber of Commerce. Process is mostly remote — typically completed in 3–5 working days once Ejari is renewed. Late renewal incurs AED 250/month penalty per service. We handle the full renewal cycle, including coordination with the landlord for Ejari.
Amendments
Common amendments include: adding/removing shareholders, changing manager, adding business activities, modifying trade name, changing legal form (e.g., Sole Establishment → LLC), and increasing visa quota. Amendments require updated MOA, notary appointment, and DET approval. Typical cost: AED 1,500–5,000 per amendment depending on complexity. Adding regulated activities may require fresh external approvals.
Liquidation (Company Closure)
Mainland liquidation is more involved than free zone closure. Steps include: shareholder resolution to dissolve, appointment of an approved liquidator, publication of liquidation notice in two local newspapers (mandatory 45-day creditor notice period), cancellation of all visas and establishment cards, settlement of MOHRE, GDRFA, and FTA dues, preparation of liquidator’s final report, and obtaining tax clearance from the FTA. Typical timeline: 2–4 months. Cost: AED 8,000–15,000+ depending on visa cancellations and audit requirements. We manage the entire process end to end.
Renewals, Amendments and Company Closure
After Formation
4+ Years in Business
Deep experience across mainland, free zones, and regulated sectors. We’ve handled DET applications across every license category.
65+ Clients Served
From solo consultants to multi-shareholder enterprises across Europe, CIS, GCC, and South Asia.
Setup + Accounting in One Place
License your company and hand off bookkeeping, payroll, MOHRE/WPS, VAT, Corporate Tax, and audit to the same team. No need to find separate providers.
No Hidden Fees
All government fees, Ejari, attestation, and EFIX service charges disclosed in writing before payment. Full cost transparency.
Full Attestation & PRO Support
We coordinate document attestation in your home country, MOFA legalisation, notary appointments, and all PRO services with DET, MOHRE, and GDRFA.
Remote Setup Where Possible
Most steps handled via Power of Attorney. You typically visit Dubai once for medical/EID and bank meeting (5–7 days).
Why Work With EFIX GRP
What Our Clients Say
4.8
20 reviews
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Our clients
IFZA Free Zone Business Setup
Ajman Free Zone Business Setup
UAE Residence Visa
Accounting Services
Corporate Tax
VAT
Alisa Zueva, specialist
15 min
Start Your Dubai Mainland Company Today
Book a free consultation. We'll map your activity to the right DET license, recommend the optimal office solution, and handle the entire setup — from initial approval to bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Realistic starting cost is AED 18,500/year for a professional license with a virtual office and 0–1 visas. A standard LLC with a small business-centre office and 1–3 visas typically costs AED 25,500–38,000/year. Costs vary based on activity, office size, visa count, and external approvals.
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities. Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2021 abolished the 51% UAE national ownership requirement for the majority of activities. A short list of «strategic impact» activities (e.g., security, defence-related) still requires a UAE national partner.
Standard LLC formation takes 5–10 working days for license issuance, assuming all documents are ready and no special external approvals are required. Visa processing adds 10–20 working days. Bank account opening typically takes 3–6 weeks.
Most steps can be handled via Power of Attorney issued from your home country. You will need to visit Dubai in person for: medical test and Emirates ID biometrics (for visa), and most likely for the bank meeting. Plan a 5–7 day visit.
DET issues commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, and craftsmanship licenses. Each license covers specific activities from the official DET activity catalogue (1,000+ activities). Multiple compatible activities can be combined under one license.
LLC offers limited liability and 1–50 shareholders — best for most commercial activities. Sole Establishment is owned by a single individual with unlimited personal liability — typically used for solo professionals. Civil Company is for licensed professionals (doctors, engineers, lawyers) practising together. Most foreign investors choose the LLC.
Yes, every mainland company needs a registered tenancy contract (Ejari) — this is non-negotiable. However, you can start with a Tasheel-approved virtual office or shared business-centre desk. As you scale visas, you’ll need a larger office (≈1 visa per 9 sqm).
No. Dubai Mainland is not a VAT Designated Zone. Standard 5% VAT rules apply to all supplies of goods and services. Companies are also fully subject to 9% Corporate Tax above the AED 375,000 profit threshold.
Yes. Residence visas are tied to the establishment card and office sqm — typically 1 visa per 9 sqm of registered office space. Each visa allows you to live and work in the UAE, rent property, open personal bank accounts, and sponsor family.
Audit requirements depend on the legal form, sector, and size. Branches of foreign companies and regulated activities (financial, insurance, contracting above thresholds) must submit audited statements. For most LLCs, audit is not formally mandatory, but proper bookkeeping is required for Corporate Tax filing.
Mainland is better if you sell to UAE-based clients, target government tenders, or plan to scale teams. Free zones are usually cheaper and simpler if you operate internationally.
Liquidation requires a shareholder resolution, an approved liquidator, a 45-day creditor notice published in two local newspapers, cancellation of visas and cards, settlement of all government dues, and FTA tax clearance. Process takes 2–4 months. Cost: AED 8,000–15,000+ depending on visas and audit needs.
