Dubai’s mainland offers access to a booming market, full ownership opportunities, and the flexibility to trade anywhere in the UAE and beyond. However, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How long does it take to set up a mainland company in Dubai?
The Timeframe for Setting Up a Mainland Company
The entire process can take anywhere from 5 days to a few weeks, depending on various factors such as business activity, approvals needed, and document readiness. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how long each stage might take:
Step 1: Choosing Your Business Activity (1-2 Days)
Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) offers a wide range of business activities. Whether you’re opening a consultancy, retail store, or manufacturing unit, selecting the right activity is the first step. This can take a day or two, especially if you’re unsure about your category and need guidance.
Step 2: Selecting a Trade Name (1 Day)
Your business needs a unique and compliant trade name. The DED has certain naming guidelines, and you’ll need to ensure that your chosen name is available. If everything checks out, the trade name approval is usually done within a day.
Step 3: Obtaining Initial Approval from DED (1-2 Days)
The initial approval is a green signal from the authorities that you can proceed with the business setup. If your documents are in order, this step usually takes one to two days.
Step 4: Preparing the Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Local Service Agent Agreement (2-3 Days)
If your business requires a local service agent (for professional licenses), an agreement needs to be drafted. Also, the Memorandum of Association (MOA) is a key document that outlines ownership structure and responsibilities. Drafting and notarizing these documents usually take 2 to 3 days.
Step 5: Renting Office Space & Obtaining the Ejari (1-3 Days)
A physical office is mandatory for a mainland company. You’ll need to rent office space and register the lease with Ejari, Dubai’s online rental registration system. This process can take 1 to 3 days.
Step 6: Submitting Documents & Paying Fees (1-2 Days)
Once you have all your documents in place, you can submit them to the DED and pay the necessary fees. It might take 1-2 days.
Step 7: Getting Your Business License (1-2 Days)
After all approvals and payments, the DED issues your trade license. If everything is in order, you can expect to receive your business license in 1 to 2 days.
Step 8: Visa Processing & Bank Account Opening (1-3 Weeks, Parallel Process)
Once you have your trade license, you can apply for visas for yourself and your employees. Visa processing can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the number of visas and medical tests required. Simultaneously, you can open a corporate bank account, which may take 1 to 2 weeks.
Factors That Might Delay the Process
While the setup process is generally quick, here are a few factors that might slow things down:
- Additional approvals from government bodies for certain business activities
- Delays in document attestation
- Issues with trade name approval
- Office space availability
- Bank compliance checks for corporate accounts
Conclusion
Setting up a mainland company in Dubai is a straightforward process that usually takes between 5 days and a few weeks.
With the right preparation—like choosing your business activity, getting approvals, and having all your documents ready—you can get started quickly. While some factors, like extra approvals or office space availability, might cause slight delays, careful planning can help keep things on track.
Need help with the business setup in Dubai? QuickPlus Business Consultancy makes the process easy with step-by-step guidance. From trade licenses to visas and bank account setup, we handle it all so you can focus on your business. Contact us today and start your journey hassle-free!