Mainland Business Setup in Dubai

Introduction

As global entrepreneurs increasingly seek tax-efficient jurisdictions, strategic global hubs, and access to high-growth economies, setting up a mainland company in Dubai has emerged as one of the smartest and most profitable business decisions. And when done with the expert guidance of firms like PKPI Chartered Accountants, it becomes not only smooth—but strategically optimised for long-term success. 

Unlike Free Zones that may limit your ability to trade directly within the UAE, a mainland business license ssued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)—grants companies the freedom to operate across all Emirates without restrictions. This means you can serve local UAE clients, take on government contracts, and even expand to multiple locations across the country. 

What makes Dubai mainland setup especially attractive today is the ability for most business owners to enjoy 100% foreign ownership, a benefit previously reserved for Free Zones. Recent legal reforms have eliminated the requirement for local sponsorship for a wide range of activities, empowering foreign investors to fully control their companies—from shareholding to management. 

Additionally, businesses benefit from the UAE’s competitive tax regime, with 0% personal income tax and a corporate tax of just 9% on profits exceeding AED 375,000. This low-tax environment, combined with Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, transparent legal system, and global connectivity, creates the perfect foundation for both startups and established businesses aiming to scale in the Middle East and beyond. 

With PKPI Chartered Accountants, you not only get business setup support but also strategic tax planning, entity structuring, and post-launch compliance services. Whether you’re a UK-based entrepreneur looking to reduce your tax exposure or an international business aiming to enter the GCC market, PKPI ensures your mainland company is established with full compliance, efficiency, and future scalability in mind. 

 

Why Mainland Setup Over Free Zone? 

 While Free Zones offer perks, they often restrict trade within the UAE mainland. A mainland company, licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET), gives you complete market access, the ability to open multiple branches, and greater visa flexibility. 

Documents Required for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai

To apply for a mainland business license in Dubai, you’ll need to submit a completed application form, a brief overview of your intended business activities, and the following key documents:

• Valid proof of identity and address for all directors and shareholders

• Passport copies of all shareholders and directors

• Approved trade name certificate

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Articles of Association (AOA)

These documents form the foundation of your legal setup and must comply with UAE licensing regulations. PKPI can assist you with preparing and verifying all documentation to ensure a smooth approval process. 

Mainland Business Setup in Dubai – Step-by-Step Guide 

 

1: Choose Your Business Activity 

Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) provides an extensive list of permitted business activities. You’ll need to select the one(s) that match your business. 

2: Choose a Legal Structure 

Common options include: 

• Sole Establishment 

• LLC (Limited Liability Company) 

• Civil Company 

• Branch of a foreign company 

Most UK entrepreneurs go with an LLC for flexibility and 100% ownership (in most sectors). 

3: Reserve a Trade Name 

Choose a unique business name that complies with UAE naming rules (no offensive or religious terms, etc.). 

4: Apply for Initial Approval 

This confirms the DED has no objection to you starting the business. You’ll need: 

• Passport copy 

• Proposed business name 

• Business activity 

5: Secure a Business Location 

Mainland businesses must lease a physical office space in Dubai. The location should match your chosen license type and activity. 

6: Draft & Notarize the MOA (Memorandum of Association) 

The MOA outlines company ownership, shares, and responsibilities. It must be signed and notarized at a Dubai court or via an approved online service. 

7: Submit Final Documents to DED 

This includes: 

• Lease agreement 

• Initial approval 

• MOA 

• Passport copies 

• Ejari (tenancy registration) 

 8: Obtain the Trade License 

Once approved, you’ll receive your Mainland trade license from the DED — you’re now legally ready to operate! 

9: Apply for Residency Visa (Optional) 

You can apply for: 

• Investor Visa (for yourself) 

• Employee visas 

• Dependent visas (for family) 

 Let PKPI Chartered Accountants Handle It All for Just  £1,500 

We manage the entire Mainland company formation process from A to Z, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork, approvals, or office setups. 

 UK-based support with on-ground UAE execution 

 Start your Dubai Mainland setup now at pkpi.uk 

What PKPI Offers You ?

 At PKPI Chartered Accountants, we’ve helped over 280 businesses establish successfully in Dubai, including service-based firms, consultancies, and e-commerce ventures. 

Here’s how we simplify your mainland setup: 

1. Business Activity Classification 

We match your business to the right DET-approved activity and legal structure. 

2.  Strategic Entity Planning 

We help you structure your business legally and financially for 0–9% tax optimisation. 

 3. End-to-End Licensing 

From trade name reservation to final license issuance, PKPI handles all administrative steps. 

4. Office Space & Visa Support 

We assist with Ejari contracts, residency visas, and bank account setup. 

5. Ongoing Compliance 

We handle ESR filings, VAT, and audit support to keep your business protected and compliant. 

Example: What You Can Expect 

Setup Element	Estimated Timeline
Trade Name Registration	1–2 working days
Initial Approval	2–3 working days
Ejari & Office Lease	1–3 days
MOA & License Issuance	3–5 working days
Visa Application	5–7 working days

Most PKPI client complete setup in under 10 business days. 

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a local sponsor to open a mainland business company in Dubai? 

A: No, in most cases, you no longer need a local Emirati sponsor to own a mainland company in Dubai. Thanks to the UAE government’s landmark reform in 2021, over 1,000 business activities—including professional services, consulting, IT, and trading—are now eligible for 100% foreign ownership. 

However, some strategic sectors (like oil & gas, defense, and banking) still require local partnership. At PKPI Chartered Accountants, we conduct a business activity assessment to determine if your company qualifies for full foreign ownership and guide you through structuring your license accordingly. If a local sponsor is still required for your specific activity, PKPI ensures you are matched with a reliable, transparent nominee structure—offering you complete operational control and legal protection. 

2. Can I open multiple branches under one mainland license? 

A: Yes, absolutely. One of the major advantages of a mainland license in Dubai is the flexibility to expand operations by opening multiple branches within the UAE under a single parent license. This is particularly beneficial for businesses planning to scale geographically, target different Emirates, or operate across diverse sectors. 

At PKPI, we help you structure your business setup to accommodate future growth. Our team ensures your initial license setup supports branching, and we manage the approvals, legal documentation, and coordination with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) required for each new branch—whether it’s a retail outlet, office, or warehouse. We also support you with visa quotas, staffing, and compliance for each branch location. 

3. What is the minimum capital required for mainland company formation? 

A: For most business activities—especially in professional and consultancy sectors—the UAE does not enforce a mandatory minimum capital requirement. You are only required to declare a capital amount in your company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA), but this capital does not need to be deposited into a bank. 

That said, if your business operates in regulated industries like insurance, finance, or investment, or requires special approvals (e.g., from the Ministry of Health, KHDA, or RTA), there may be specific capital requirements based on the nature of your services. 

At PKPI.uk, we help you determine the right capital declaration, guide you on document preparation, and ensure full alignment with DET regulations. Our goal is to make sure your setup is both cost-effective and scalable, without triggering unnecessary financial obligations. 

4. Will PKPI help with tax filings, ESR, and ongoing compliance? 

A : Yes, that’s one of our core strengths. At PKPI Chartered Accountants, our support doesn’t end once your license is issued. We provide comprehensive post-setup services, including: 

• Corporate Tax Registration & Filing (with the new UAE 9% corporate tax regime in mind) 

• Economic Substance Regulation (ESR) filings and reporting 

• VAT registration and quarterly VAT return filing 

• Bookkeeping and financial auditing 

• UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) compliance 

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) advisory 

Many business owners unintentionally fall into non-compliance because they miss key deadlines or overlook evolving regulations. PKPI ensures you stay ahead with automated reminders, dedicated tax consultants, and full integration with UAE tax authority systems. We help you remain audit-ready while maximising your tax efficiency—without the hassle. 

5. How long does the mainland setup process takes in Dubai? 

A:On average, mainland company formation in Dubai takes 7 to 10 working days, but this can vary depending on business activity, required approvals, and document readiness. 

At PKPI, we break down the process into clearly defined stages: 

• Step 1: Business activity classification and name reservation (1–2 days) 

• Step 2: Initial approvals from DET and any external authorities (2–3 days) 

• Step 3: Ejari (lease contract) issuance and office space registration (1–3 days) 

• Step 4: MOA preparation and final license issuance (3–5 days) 

• Step 5: Residency visa processing, Emirates ID, and corporate bank account setup (5–10 days) 

We assign a dedicated business setup advisor to each client to fast-track your approvals, handle paperwork, and resolve any issues proactively. With PKPI’s experience and government ties, you avoid delays and focus on getting operational. 

👉:Book us today for free consultation

Ready to Launch Your Mainland Business in Dubai?

With PKPI Chartered Accountants, setting up your Dubai Mainland company is simple, fast, and fully compliant .

100% Foreign Ownership (in most sectors)

Full UAE Market Access

End-to-End Support – Licensing, Documentation & Visas

UK-Based Guidance with Local UAE Expertise

📞 Book your free consultation now and let PKPI handle everything for you!