How to Setup a Company in Dubai Mainland

Why Choose Dubai Mainland?


Starting a business in Dubai Mainland opens the doors to unlimited opportunities in the UAE and global markets. Unlike free zone companies, a Mainland setup allows you to trade freely across the UAE and engage in international business without restrictions. The process is straightforward but requires approvals from the Department of Economic Development (DED) and, in some cases, other government authorities.

Step 1: Select Type of License & Business Activity

The first step in setting up a Dubai Mainland company is to decide on your business activity and the corresponding license type. The Department of Economic Development (DED) issues different categories of licenses, such as a Commercial License for trading and retail activities, a Professional License for service-oriented businesses like consultancy or IT services, and an Industrial License for manufacturing or production-based companies. Selecting the right license ensures your company is legally authorized to operate in your chosen sector and determines the approvals required from relevant authorities. Since DED offers over 2,000 permitted business activities, it’s essential to carefully choose the one that best matches your planned operations.

Step 2: Reserve Trade Name

Next, you must reserve a unique trade name with the DED. The trade name serves as your company’s official identity and must comply with UAE naming regulations. It should not include offensive or religious terms, avoid references to political groups, and ideally reflect your business activity. Once approved, the name is reserved for six months and becomes the basis for your company documents and trade license.

Step 3: Obtain Initial Approval from DED

After reserving the trade name, you need to obtain initial approval from the DED. This is essentially a "No Objection Certificate" from the government, confirming that it has no objection to your chosen business activity. You will need to submit passport copies of shareholders, the application form, and the trade name certificate. In some cases, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from an existing visa sponsor may also be required. While this approval does not authorize business operations yet, it allows you to proceed with the next steps in the setup process.

Step 4: Get QR Code Copy from DED

Once the initial approval is granted, the DED issues a QR-coded copy (payment voucher or reference number), which is required for verification and record purposes. This document will be needed for drafting agreements and completing subsequent approvals.

Step 5: Draft & Notarize MOA (Memorandum of Association)

For companies set up as an LLC, preparing and notarizing a Memorandum of Association (MOA) is mandatory. The MOA defines your company’s framework by outlining shareholder details, capital distribution, business activities, and roles of each partner. It must be prepared in line with UAE company law and notarized before a notary public in Dubai to become legally valid. For Sole Proprietorships and certain professional licenses, instead of an MOA, a Local Service Agent (LSA) Agreement may be required.

Step 6: Lease Office Space & Register Ejari

A Dubai Mainland company must have a physical office address. You can lease an office or opt for a flexi-desk/shared workspace, depending on your license requirements. Once the tenancy contract is finalized, it must be registered with Ejari under the Dubai Land Department. The Ejari registration generates a certificate that is compulsory for license issuance and future administrative processes.

Step 7: Pay License Fee

With all documents prepared, the next step is to submit them to the DED and pay the license fee. The DED will issue a payment voucher, and once the payment is made, your application moves to the final review stage.

Step 8: Obtain Additional Approvals (If Required)

Some business activities require approvals from specialized authorities. For example, medical businesses may need approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), educational institutions from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and financial services from the Central Bank or other regulators. These approvals must be secured before the license can be issued.

Step 9: Collect Your Trade License

After completing all approvals and payments, the DED issues your Dubai Mainland Trade License. This is the official document that allows you to legally start your business operations in the UAE.

Post-License Steps