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Simplifying Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Business setup in Dubai Mainland has never been easier. provides clear and reliable guidance to ensure a smooth, fast, and compliant business setup.
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Bestax:
Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Business setup in Dubai Mainland involves registering a company with the UAE’s Department of Economic Development (DED), allowing companies to operate both locally and internationally.
With recent reforms, foreign investors can now fully own their business in most sectors without needing a local sponsor.
Dubai Mainland offers businesses an ideal environment, with the freedom to trade, hire employees, and set up offices anywhere in the city, without any location restrictions.
At Bestax, we make your business setup in Dubai Mainland easy and straightforward. Our experienced team of consultants, legal experts, and PRO executives work together to ensure a smooth process from company registration to licensing. Let us guide you through every step, so you can focus on growing your business.
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10+
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Why Set Up Business in Dubai Mainland
Setting up a company in Dubai Mainland comes with many advantages, including:
01
100% Foreign Ownership
With recent reforms, most business activities in Dubai Mainland now allow full foreign ownership. This gives you complete control over your business operations without the need for a local sponsor.
02
Tax Benefits
Dubai Mainland offers a competitive tax environment, including 0% corporate tax for many small businesses, and no personal income tax. Bestax helps you get these tax advantages and make sure your business stay compliant.
03
No Restrictions on Office Location
Unlike free zones, businesses in Dubai Mainland have the freedom to choose their office location anywhere in the city. This flexibility allows you to position your business in prime areas, closer to your target market, and leverage the best business opportunities in the city.
04
Access to Government Contracts
Businesses set up in Dubai Mainland are eligible for government tenders, providing a unique opportunity to engage in contracts across various sectors.
05
Free Zone Entities to Operate Mainland Branches
This resolution (Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025) lets companies initially incorporated in Dubai Free Zones to expand operations into the Mainland, subject to obtaining approvals/licenses via the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET).
06
Greater Business Credibility and Flexibility for Growth
Mainland companies in Dubai are often perceived as more credible by banks, suppliers, and government entities. They can open offices anywhere in Dubai, hire unlimited employees (subject to office space), and even tender for lucrative government projects, something free zone entities usually cannot do.
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Choose Bestax for Dubai Mainland Company Formation
Bestax is your trusted partner for Mainland company formation in Dubai. With Business setup consultants having over 10 years of experience, we provide expert support. We offer a range of services, ensuring your business is established and compliant from day one.
10+ Years of Experience
With over a decade of expertise, we have helped countless businesses establish themselves in Dubai Mainland.
FTA-Approved Agents
As FTA-approved agents, we offer professional VAT and Corporate Tax registration services, helping your business comply with tax regulations.
Expert Business Setup Consultants
Our team of experienced consultants offers personalized guidance throughout the setup process, ensuring a seamless experience.
Affordable Packages
We offer cost-effective solutions to your needs, ensuring you get excellent value without compromising on service quality.
Excellent Customer Support
We are committed to providing ongoing support, ensuring your business operations run smoothly.
Strong Global Presence
With our extensive experience and broad connections, we make it easy for you to grow your business, ensuring smooth expansion into key international markets.
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Dubai Mainland Company Setup Process
Starting your business in Dubai Mainland is a simple process with the right guidance. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
Define your business goals and choose from over 2,000 activities available under Dubai Mainland regulations. This helps determine the right legal structure and approvals needed.
Our team provides expert guidance on legal forms, trade license types, costs, and documentation so you can make informed decisions from the start.
Submit your application to the Department of Economic Development (DED). Initial approval acts as a “no objection” certificate to move forward.
Select a trade name that follows UAE guidelines, reflects your business activity, and is approved by the DED.
Select the right legal form (LLC, Sole Establishment, or PJSC). Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and, if required, a Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement.
Choose an office or workspace that meets Dubai Municipality standards. The tenancy contract (Ejari) is required for license issuance. Once approvals and documents are complete, the DED issues your trade license. You can then open a bank account, process visas, and officially start operations.
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Our Other Services
At Bestax, we go beyond just accounting and bookkeeping services in Dubai. We provide a full range of business and tax solutions to help you set up, stay compliant, and grow in the UAE.
See What Others Say About the Leading Accounting Firm in UAE
At Bestax, we believe our work speaks for itself, but our clients speak even louder. Businesses across Dubai and the UAE trust us for accounting and bookkeeping services that are accurate, timely, and compliant with local laws.
Hala Shahin
I reached out to Bestax to assist me in setting up my company. I had the pleasure of working with Karim Issa, who made the process smooth and enjoyable. From our first contact, he was incredibly kind, patient, and took the time to address all my questions. Throughout the entire process, he remained attentive and
Laura Cole
had a wonderful experience working with Bestax for setting up my mainland company in the UAE. There team was professional, attentive, and incredibly efficient throughout the entire process.
If you’re looking for a reliable partner to handle your accounts or assist with business setup, Bestax is the team you want by your side. They’re
Lisa Gallardo
Bestax was the best option. In getting our business setup in Dubai. A special shoutout to Athira, our business consultant, who walked us through every step of the setup.
Her knowledge of local laws and licensing options was impressive, and she always responded to our questions with clarity and speed. Highly recommended!
Prakash Giri
We had a great experience working with Bestax Chartered Accountants for our business setup in Dubai. A special thanks to Athira Sunil, our dedicated Business Consultant, whose guidance and support made the entire process smooth and hassle-free.
Thanks to their expertise and proactive approach, we were able to successfully establish our company, CentMore LLC.
Vinh Tran
I had the pleasure of working with Karim Issa at Bestax Dubai, and I can confidently say the experience was outstanding from beginning to end. Karim was extremely professional, attentive, and patient throughout the entire process. He made sure I was informed and comfortable at every stage, taking the time to explain everything clearly and
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dubai mainland company?
A mainland company is licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and allows you to trade directly within the UAE market as well as internationally. Unlike free zone companies, it can also bid for government contracts and operate without geographic restrictions in the Emirates.
Can foreign investors own 100%?
Yes. Since June 2021, most commercial and professional activities permit 100% foreign ownership. However, a few strategic sectors such as defense, banking, insurance, and utilities may still require Emirati participation.
What are the key benefits of a mainland company?
Mainland companies enjoy full access to the UAE market, eligibility to work with government entities, flexibility in choosing office locations, and the ability to issue residence visas for shareholders, employees, and dependents. They also benefit from Dubai’s reputation as a global business hub.
How long does it take to set up a mainland company?
If all documents are in order, the process can take around 7 to 14 working days. Activities that require external approvals may take longer.
What documents are required?
Generally, you’ll need passport copies of all shareholders and directors, proof of residence, details of your chosen business activity, and in some cases, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a current UAE employer. Additional documents may be required depending on the activity.
Do I need an office space?
Yes. A mainland company must lease a physical office or co-working space that meets DET requirements. The size of the space may affect the number of visas you can apply for.
Can I sponsor employees and family members?
Yes. A mainland license allows you to sponsor residence visas for staff and dependents, provided you meet requirements related to office space and company size.
Are there restrictions on business activities?
Most activities are open to foreign investors. However, certain strategic and regulated industries remain restricted and may require Emirati ownership or special approvals. Always confirm your chosen activity with DET before proceeding.
What is the difference between mainland and free zone companies?
Mainland companies can trade freely across the UAE and directly with government authorities. Free zone companies are generally limited to operating within their zone or internationally, unless they appoint a local distributor for UAE market access.
How can Bestax help with setup?
Bestax provides a complete setup service: advising on business activity and structure, securing trade name approvals, preparing and submitting documents, coordinating with DET, arranging office space, assisting with visa processing, and guiding you through corporate bank account opening. With Bestax, the process is smooth, compliant, and time-efficient.