Dubai Mainland Company Formation Cost
Dubai Mainland Company Formation Cost varies by business type, license, and visa needs. Use the Quickplus Cost Calculator or book your free consultation to get an accurate quote and start your setup easily.
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Starting Price
10,499 AED
- Business Incorporation
- Residency by Investment
- Sponsor Fee Inclusive
- Local Service Agreement
- Initial Approval
- No hidden charges
- 100% Ownership
- Trade Name Reservation
- 1 year free PRO Service
Initial Dubai Mainland Company Formation Cost
The initial cost for Dubai mainland company formation typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 35,000, though this can vary depending on the specific business activity, office space, and the number of visas required.
This initial cost often includes government fees, documentation, and professional services but does not include office rental or additional variable expenses.
Breaking Down the Dubai Mainland License Cost Components
Understanding the Dubai Mainland Company Formation Cost starts with knowing what each licensing component includes. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
1. Initial Approval Fee
- The Department of Economic Development (DED) charges an initial approval fee for reviewing and authorizing your license application.
- This typically ranges between AED 2,000 and AED 5,000, depending on your company type and chosen business activity.
2. Trade License Fee
- The trade or professional license fee is an annual payment that allows your business to legally operate on the mainland.
- On average, service-oriented companies pay around AED 10,000, while trading or commercial activities may cost AED 15,000 or more, depending on the license category and scale of operations.
3. Additional Fees and Business Costs
Beyond the main license fees, companies may also need to budget for:
- Immigration and visa processing for partners and employees
- Special permits or activity-specific licenses (e.g., food trade, manufacturing, logistics)
- Office rent or business center leasing (mandatory for mainland setups)
- Trademark registration or intellectual property protection, if applicable
Mainland Company Setup Cost in Dubai: Key Factors
1. Business Activity & License Type
Certain industries and licenses (e.g., general trading) have higher fees than others.
2. Office Space
A physical office is mandatory for mainland companies, and costs vary significantly based on the location and size of the office.
3. Number of Visas
The number of visas needed for employees and investors directly affects costs, as each visa has associated fees.
4. Professional Services
The fees charged by setup consultants for their assistance in the formation process can vary. (Quickplus provides a personalized package)
1. Business Activity & License Type
Certain industries and licenses (e.g., general trading) have higher fees than others.
2. Office Space
A physical office is mandatory for mainland companies, and costs vary significantly based on the location and size of the office.
3. Number of Visas
The number of visas needed for employees and investors directly affects costs, as each visa has associated fees.
4. Professional Services
The fees charged by setup consultants for their assistance in the formation process can vary. (Quickplus provides a personalized package)
Important Things to Remember
01
Mainland license can range from approximately 
AED 15,000 to 20,000 without considering office space or visas.
02
More complex activities, along with the need for multiple visas and a premium office location, can push the total initial cost to AED 25,000-35,000 or even higher.
Introduction to Dubai Mainland Licenses
A Dubai mainland license is the official permit that allows companies to operate legally within the UAE’s mainland jurisdiction under the Department of Economic Development (DED). It’s a crucial step in the Dubai Mainland Company Formation process, giving businesses the right to trade directly across the UAE and internationally.
How to Keep Costs Down When Starting a Business in Dubai Mainland
Choose the Right Business Structure
Select a structure that fits your goals and budget. For instance, a Sole Establishment usually has lower setup fees compared to a full Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Plan for Gradual Growth
Start small and expand your operations as your business gains traction. Scaling gradually helps manage cash flow and reduces large upfront investments.
Optimize Office Space
If your business model allows, start with a Flexi desk or shared office space instead of leasing a large premises. This helps reduce rental and utility costs, which form a major part of setup expenses.
Compare Packages and Bundled Services
Look for startup packages that include trade name registration, initial approvals, and PRO services at a combined rate. This bundled approach helps minimize your Dubai Mainland Company Formation Cost while ensuring compliance.
Leverage Professional Business Setup Consultants
Partner with experienced firms like Quickplus, known for delivering cost-effective business setup solutions in Dubai. Expert consultants help you save time and money by handling DED approvals, documentation, and license applications efficiently.
Stay Updated on Government Incentives
To split business ownership into shares, you can set up your company in Dubai as either a PJSC (Public Joint Stock Company) or a PrJSC (Private Joint Stock Company).
Choose the Right Business Structure
Select a structure that fits your goals and budget. For instance, a Sole Establishment usually has lower setup fees compared to a full Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Plan for Gradual Growth
Start small and expand your operations as your business gains traction. Scaling gradually helps manage cash flow and reduces large upfront investments.
Optimize Office Space
If your business model allows, start with a Flexi desk or shared office space instead of leasing a large premises. This helps reduce rental and utility costs, which form a major part of setup expenses.
Compare Packages and Bundled Services
Look for startup packages that include trade name registration, initial approvals, and PRO services at a combined rate. This bundled approach helps minimize your Dubai Mainland Company Formation Cost while ensuring compliance.
Leverage Professional Business Setup Consultants
Partner with experienced firms like Quickplus, known for delivering cost-effective business setup solutions in Dubai. Expert consultants help you save time and money by handling DED approvals, documentation, and license applications efficiently.
Stay Updated on Government Incentives
To split business ownership into shares, you can set up your company in Dubai as either a PJSC (Public Joint Stock Company) or a PrJSC (Private Joint Stock Company).
Free Consultation with Quickplus
With clear budgeting and the right support, entrepreneurs can obtain their mainland trade license smoothly and start operating in Dubai’s dynamic market with confidence.
Visit contact page or fill out the form, and our team will contact you within minutes for a free consultation. (no hidden charges, no obligations.)
Frequently Asked Questions?
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai can cost between AED 15,000 and AED 35,000, with the exact price depending on the type of business license, number of visas, chosen office space, and specific business activities. These costs generally cover government fees and professional services but typically do not include the annual rent for office space, which is a mandatory requirement for a mainland business.
Yes, you can own 100% of a company in Dubai for the vast majority of commercial and industrial activities, as recent changes to the UAE Commercial Companies Law have removed the requirement for a local partner or sponsor for many business types. Foreign investors can establish and fully own companies in the UAE mainland for over 1,000 activities, with exclusions for a very small number of strategic sectors.
Yes, an individual or entity can own 100% of a company, which is common for sole proprietorships, small businesses, and even large corporations where the owner has never raised outside investment. While not always the case for startups due to the need for diverse skills or funding, 100% ownership is certainly possible and can occur when an individual or foreign investor holds all company shares and control.
