Company Formation in Dubai Mainland
Full market access across all seven emirates. Direct government contracts. 100% foreign ownership. The commercial heart of the Middle East, engineered for international business.
Why Dubai Mainland
Dubai Mainland delivers what no free zone can — unrestricted access to the entire UAE domestic market, eligibility for direct government contracts, and the operational flexibility to conduct any lawful business activity without geographical limitation.
Full UAE Market Access
Trade anywhere across all seven emirates. Serve mainland clients, bid on government tenders, and operate without free zone restrictions. No dual-licensing required.
100% Foreign Ownership
Since the 2020 FDI reforms, foreign nationals own 100% of mainland LLCs across 1,000+ activities. No local sponsor required.
9% Corporate Tax
UAE corporate tax applies at 9% on profits above AED 375K. Below threshold: 0%. Personal income: 0%. VAT: 5% on applicable goods.
Unlimited Visas
Sponsor unlimited employee and investor residency visas. Golden Visa eligibility for investments of AED 2M+. Emirates ID and medical coordinated as part of formation.
Banking Infrastructure
Full access to UAE banking — 20+ banking partners including Emirates NBD, HSBC, and Standard Chartered. Multi-currency corporate accounts with SWIFT and SEPA.
Global Connectivity
Direct flights to 260+ destinations. The world’s busiest international airport and Jebel Ali — the Middle East’s largest port. 4-hour access to 3 billion consumers, including Saudi Arabia under MISA reforms next door.
Mainland vs Free Zones
The right structure depends on your market access requirements, cost sensitivity, and whether your operations require a UAE physical presence.
| Feature | Mainland LLC | DMCC | DIFC | RAKEZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Market Access | ● Full | ● Limited | ● DIFC only | ● Limited |
| Setup Cost | From $6,000 | From $6,500 | From $15,000 | From $3,000 |
| Timeline | 2–4 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| Employee Visas | Unlimited | Office-based | Office-based | Office-based |
| Government Contracts | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Best For | Trading, services, retail | Commodities, crypto | Finance, fintech | Budget startups |
What’s Included
Our Dubai mainland engagement covers the complete formation lifecycle — from initial trade name reservation through to operational readiness.
Formation Package
- Trade name reservation & DED approval
- MOA & AOA drafting and notarization
- Trade license issuance
- Immigration card & establishment card
- Ejari office lease arrangement
- 1 investor visa processing + Emirates ID
- Corporate bank account introduction
- Corporate tax registration
Ongoing Support
- Annual license renewal management
- Accounting & compliance
- VAT registration and filing
- Additional visa processing
- Nominee services (optional)
- Registered agent services
- Virtual office renewal
- Dedicated account manager
Cost & Timeline Breakdown
Transparent, fixed-fee pricing. No retainers, no hourly billing.
| Component | Cost (USD) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Trade name & initial approval | Included | 1–2 days |
| DED license issuance | $3,500–$5,000 | 3–5 days |
| Ejari / office lease | $1,500–$3,000/yr | 1–2 days |
| Immigration & establishment cards | $500–$800 | 3–5 days |
| Investor visa (1 person) | $800–$1,200 | 5–10 days |
| Bank account introduction | $500 | 2–4 weeks |
| Total Estimate | $6,000 – $10,000 | 2–4 weeks |
How It Works
A structured engagement managed end-to-end by your dedicated Sovera account manager.
Consultation & Structuring
We assess your business activities, recommend the optimal license type, and confirm Dubai DED requirements specific to your sector.
Trade Name & Approval
We reserve your company name, obtain initial approval from DED, and prepare the MOA/AOA with your shareholder and director details.
License Issuance
Application submission, Ejari lease arrangement, and collection of trade license, immigration card, and establishment card.
Visa & Residency
Investor and employee visa processing through GDRFA. Emirates ID, medical testing, and status stamping coordinated to minimize your time in Dubai to 2–3 days.
Banking & Operations
Dedicated introduction to our 20+ banking partners. Compliance setup, corporate tax registration, and ongoing account management activated.
Extend Your Dubai Presence
VARA Crypto License
Get licensed by Dubai’s dedicated virtual asset regulator. Exchanges, brokerages, custody, and advisory. From $46,600
DIFC Crypto License
Operate under the DFSA regulatory framework within Dubai’s international financial centre. From $60,000
UAE Bank Account
Dedicated banking introductions to 20+ UAE banks and EMIs. Multi-currency, SWIFT/SEPA, crypto-friendly. From $500
Redomiciliation
Transfer your existing company to Dubai without liquidation. Preserve contracts, history, and banking relationships. From $5,000
Common Questions
What is the total cost of setting up a Dubai Mainland company?
All-in costs range from $6,000 to $10,000 depending on license type, office configuration, and visa requirements. This covers trade name, DED license, Ejari, immigration card, and one investor visa. Get a precise quote for your requirements.
Can a foreign national own 100% of the company?
Yes. Since the 2020 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, foreign nationals can own 100% of a mainland LLC in over 1,000 business activities. A small number of strategic sectors still require Emirati partnership.
What is the difference between mainland and free zone?
Mainland companies trade freely anywhere in the UAE and bid on government contracts. Free zone companies are restricted to their zone or international operations. See our DMCC and DIFC pages for detailed comparisons.
How long does the process take?
2–4 weeks from application to license issuance. Visa processing adds 5–10 business days. Our DED relationship can often expedite straightforward applications to under 2 weeks.
Do I need to visit Dubai in person?
Initial formation can proceed remotely via power of attorney. However, visa steps (Emirates ID, medical) require physical presence. We coordinate a minimum-trip schedule to complete everything in 2–3 days.
What about annual renewal costs?
Trade license renewal ($2,000–$4,000/year), Ejari renewal, and visa renewals. Our compliance service manages all renewals so nothing expires.
Can I sponsor residency visas?
Mainland LLCs can sponsor unlimited investor and employee visas. Golden Visa (10-year) is available for qualifying investments of AED 2M+. We process all visa types as part of formation or post-formation.
Which business activities are permitted?
Virtually any lawful commercial, professional, or industrial activity. Multiple activities can be listed on a single license. Dubai DED maintains the full activity register with 2,000+ categories.
Ready to establish in Dubai?
Receive a detailed proposal with fixed pricing, complete timeline, and recommended structure within 24 hours.