Full-service business setup support in the UAE
Personalised guidance and strategic advice
Decades of experience across our expert team
Broad range of services beyond business setup
Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Setting up a business in Dubai mainland enables UK businesses a commercially flexible route into the UAE. Dubai mainland businesses have the ability to trade directly across the whole UAE market, take on government contracts and establish a presence in the emirate.
Following changes to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, more than 2,000 commercial and industrial business activities are now available for 100% foreign ownership with a mainland license. This removed the need for a local partner in the majority of sectors.
At Dubai Pivot, we support established UK business through the entire UAE mainland business setup. Our team works to ensure your company is correctly structured, licensed and compliant.
Proven Results
Case Studies
Discover how we have supported UK businesses to establish compliant and strategically structured operations in Dubai.
Mainland Company Setup Dubai
If you require unrestricted access to the UAE market, then Dubai mainland is the right choice for you. Mainland companies are allowed to operate anywhere in the UAE and should be registered with the Dubai Department of Economic Development.
The total cost of setting up your business in Dubai depends on business activity, legal structure, office size and visa requirements. Having knowledge of the costs from the beginning is vital. At Dubai Pivot, we provide all of our clients with a complete cost breakdown before they begin the process.
Advantages of setting up a business in Dubai mainland include:
- Complete access to UAE markets
- 100% foreign ownership
- Dubai contract eligibility
- Ability to operate anywhere in the UAE and expand as you grow
- Transfer funds internationally with no restriction
- Broader visa allocation
- 0% tax on personal income
If you are a UK business owner considering moving to the UAE, Dubai mainland offers a commercially attractive foundation.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Testimonials
Dubai Mainland Business Setup Process
When setting up a business in Dubai mainland there are many decisions that you will have to make that will affect how your business operates, is taxed and grows. At Dubai Pivot, we support UK businesses to make informed decisions. The key steps to setting up a business in Dubai include:
- Choosing the right business activity from the DED approved list
- Selecting the right legal structure for your business
- Reserving and approving your trade name
- Securing initial approvals from the Dubai Department of Economic Development
- Preparing and notarising your Memorandum of Association
- Leasing a physical office and registering your Ejari
- Obtaining your trade licence
- Processing visa application and opening a corporate bank account
Every stage must be accurately completed and in the right order. At Dubai Pivot, we will manage the entire process for you, ensuring it is done correctly.
Dubai Mainland Company Structures
Selecting the right legal structure is not a small decision. It affects your liability, ownership and operational flexibility. Most common structures include:
Limited Liability Company
This is the most widely used structure for Dubai mainland companies. Perfect for businesses in trading, consultancy or service-based industries. It provides balance of liability protection and operational flexibility and allows for 100% foreign ownership across the majority of activities.
Civil Company
This is usually used by professionals such as consultants, engineers and specialists. It allows for full foreign ownership but a local agent may be necessary depending on the specific business activity.
Branch a Foreign Company
UK businesses are able to establish a UAE branch without having to incorporate a new entity. The parent company will have full liability and the branch has to operate within the same scope of activity.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single answer to the cost of setting up a mainland company in Dubai. The complete cost depends on business activity, legal structure, office size and visa requirements. At Dubai Pivot, we ensure to break down all the costs to you before you begin the process.
Yes and following new regulatory changes you can now own 100% of your business in Dubai. At Dubai Pivot, we specialise in supporting UK business owners to navigate this process.
There is no total amount of money that you need to set up a business in Dubai. The total amount required depends on chosen structure, business activity, office arrangements and visa requirements. There isn’t a universal minimal capital requirement for the majority of mainland business activities in Dubai.
To set up a mainland company in Dubai you must choose the right business activity and legal structure, reserve your trade name, gain DED approvals, prepare your Memorandum of Association, secure a physical office and obtain your trade licence.